Help! My Root Chakra is blocked!

I’ve recently been learning more about the chakras which, according to some Indian religions, are seven energy centers located along the body. When one is ‘blocked’ it can impede or stagnate your growth or functioning in that area.

I don’t tend to take these things too literally, but I certainly believe that these energy centers, or vortexes (they spin!) are a useful metaphor for considering how certain ‘blocks’ in our lives might manifest as a physical ailment or powerful emotion.

According to a short quiz I took, my most blocked chakra right now is my ‘root chakra,’ which is kind of unfortunate because if that one isn’t functioning well, all the other chakras are going to be out of whack as well. The root chakra is located at the base of your spine, and is associated with the color red.

How do you know if your root chakra is blocked? Well, you feel “ungrounded.” This could be due to physical or environmental stressors, but also just feelings of spaciness or forgetfulness. A good example: the other day I left my lunch sitting out on the counter at work instead of putting it in the fridge. Doh!

It makes sense that I’d feel this way and be kind of scattered right now, because my job involves using unstructured time wisely and trying to deal with a ton of different things at once, including facilitating lots of conflicting perspectives. Being pulled in so many different directions can make you feel untethered, even at the best of times when you’re feeling stable in your own sense of self. (For  me, I think that’s when I’m with close family, which is certainly when I feel most grounded).

Another thing I’ve noticed about my job is that, unlike when I was teaching, there are few immediate rewards. Sometimes “helping” means disciplining a student, or having a really tough conversation with a parent. These are not fun things to do. AT ALL. I’m the first to admit, it’s a blow to the ego.

And I think that’s a big part of why my root chakra is in need of some TLC. I’m renegotiating my relationship with my ego, and realizing that a lot of things are no longer about me. It’s about doing what’s right, for the long term. But that definitely takes a toll.

I’m getting there. In the meantime, I’m trying to rebalance myself by doing lots of oil massages and pranayama breathing techniques. I especially love alternate nostril breathing.

One of my green beauty lifesavers for helping me feel more grounded has been Nubian Heritage “Indian Hemp and Haitian Vetiver With Neem Oil Hand and Body Scrub.” ($12.99) It is thick and luscious with an earthy grounding scent that helps relax me before bed. I also really enjoy drinking Yogi Tea Soothing Caramel Bedtime Tea.

Any other tips are always appreciated!