Chakra One – Muladhara

Earth, Physical Identity, Oriented to Self- Preservation

Located at the base of the spine, this chakra forms our foundation.  It represents the element of earth, and is therefore related to our survival instincts, and to our sense of grounding and connection to our bodies, prosperity, security, and dynamic presence.   Our purpose here is to build a strong foundation that will support and strengthen a body that is healthy and strong, and stability in our livelihood.  The name of the first chakra is Muladhara, which literally means root.  In order to grow tall and sturdy, a plant needs strong roots nestled deep in the rich soil of earth.  Just as roots grow downward, our first chakra experience is one of moving energy and attention downward in our bodies – down to the base of our spine, down to the legs and feet, down into our guts, down into our past, our ancestral roots.  As we move downward, we move into the associated element of the first chakra, which is Earth.

Focus:  Noticing gravity and moving SLOWLY and deeply to really feel all aspects of the body – minute movements.

Begin in Savasana

Make contact with the earth plane, surrender to gravity, press limbs to floor

Knee to chest pose keeping the “mousehole” in tact  - Leg stretches with belt/tie - Bioenergetic “pushing of the feet”

Roll to Belly

Half and full locust - Child’s Pose - Downward Facing Dog - Squat

To Standing

Mountain Pose - Bioenergetic grounding (slightly bending the knees and pushing energy downward) - Tree Pose - Open leg forward bend - Warrior I – all keeping the tailbone and pubic bone in balance.

From Seated

Crossed legged pose -  - Sitting on heels - Sitting between heels –

Lying back on heels – spreadfoot pose with forward bend.

End in Savasana – 5 Minutes