This is the first stop in our seven-part chakra series. The journey begins with Mūlādhāra, the root chakra, and the foundation of stability, security, and our connection to the earth.
The first chakra, Mūlādhāra, resides at the base of the spine. It represents our foundation: safety, security, and our grounded connection to the earth.
Meaning & Symbolism
Mūla means “root,” and ādhāra means “support.” This chakra is the grounding force that supports all others, much like roots nourish and anchor a tree.
Element & Physical Connection
Mūlādhāra is tied to the earth element and associated with the legs, feet, bones, and elimination system. Within this root center lies a dormant source of prāṇa (life force), waiting to awaken and guide us toward knowledge and self-realization.
Signs of Balance
- Stability and resilience
- Healthy primal instincts
- A sense of belonging and security
- Strength to face life’s challenges with confidence
Signs of Imbalance
- Overactivity may manifest as anxiety, rage, or material obsession
- Underactivity may lead to fear, insecurity, or disconnection
Practices to Balance the Root Chakra
- Spend time in nature or walk barefoot on the earth
- Practice grounding asanas such as Tāḍāsana (Mountain Pose) or Siddhāsana (Accomplished Pose)
- Meditate with the mantra “Lam”
| Grounding & Balancing Flow | Centering & Grounding Flow |
Flow for Grounding 
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Closing Reflection
Tending to Mūlādhāra is a reminder to ground down before reaching upward. From a place of stability, everything else has room to grow.
“Maybe you are searching among the branches, for what only appears in the roots.” — Rumi
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Contributor Spotlight:
Harpinder Kaur Mann, RYT-500 (she/her), is a trauma-informed yoga teacher, mindfulness educator, and author of Liberating Yoga: From Appropriation to Healing. Rooted in her Sikh lineage from Punjab, India, and based in Los Angeles, she has over a decade of experience teaching yoga as a practice of healing, liberation, and connection. Harpinder is the co-founder of the Womxn of Color Summit and a leading advocate for decolonizing yoga, fostering accessibility, and honoring yoga’s origins. Learn more at www.harpindermann.com.
