Chakras are thought to be vital energy centers within the body that influence physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The philosophy behind chakras originated from ancient Indian traditions. The theory has coalesced to identify seven main chakra points aligned along the spine. Yoga practices aim to balance and harmonize these energy centers, promoting overall health and spiritual growth. Let’s examine the Root Chakra and Biblical scriptures that guide our lives in the area this chakra addresses.

Root Chakra

The Root Chakra, known as Muladhara in Sanskrit, is the first of the seven primary chakras. It is located at the base of the spine, at the perineum. A red four-pleated lotus flower often symbolizes this chakra.

Functions: The Root Chakra is associated with survival, security, safety, grounding, and identity. It governs our basic survival needs. When balanced, it can lead to feelings of safety and confidence. When imbalanced, we might experience anxiety, fear, feelings of insecurity, greed, control issues, insecurity, and a sense of disconnection.

Health and Wellness: Physically, this chakra is associated with the lower back, legs, feet, and immune system.

Yoga Poses That Affect The Root Chakra

Yoga poses that engage the lower body, particularly the legs, feet, and pelvic area, effectively balance and energize the Root Chakra. These poses promote physical stability and enhance a sense of security and grounding. Some examples include:

Mountain Pose

This is a foundational pose found in almost any yoga class. Its Sanskrit name is Tadasana, although it is called Samasthiti in Ashtanga classes. This pose emphasizes firming through the feet and legs, which yields a sense of stability and balance.

Warrior Poses

Virabhadrasana 1, 2, or 3 in Sanskrit, these poses strengthen the legs and promote stability and confidence, qualities tied to the Root Chakra.

Tree Pose

Named Vrikshasana in Sanskrit, this balancing pose encourages grounding through the standing leg and develops focus and stability.

Malasana or Garland Pose

Often called Malasana from its Sanskrit name, this deep squat opens the hips and groin, releases tension in the lower body, and builds strength in the pelvic floor by adding a mild lift to the pose. This pose focuses on the areas where the Root Chakra is thought to reside.

Childs Pose

Balasana is a resting pose that encourages a sense of security. It can be used for prayer or reflection and introspection, both of which are needed to help you feel grounded in life.

Biblical Parallels to the Focus of the Root Chakra

The Bible teaches that a safe and secure foundation is built on Jesus Christ, trust in God, righteous living, and wisdom. It underscores the importance of relying on God’s guidance and maintaining spiritual and moral integrity. The Bible cautions against depending on self-reliance alone and neglecting spiritual disciplines. By aligning our lives with God’s principles and wisdom, we can build a foundation that withstands life’s challenges and endures even the toughest of trials.

Scriptures

Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. – Matthew 7:24

For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. – Ephesians 3:14-19

The Lord is my rock, fortress and deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold. – Psalm 18:2

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 3:11

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. – Ephesians 2:19-22

Suggested Breath Prayer

Inhale: Lord, you are my rockExhale: The solid foundation on which I stand

Suggested Affirmations

• God is my refuge and strength
• The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing
• I am rooted in God’s love
• I trust in the Lord with all my heart
• God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind
• God cares for me
• I cast my cares and anxieties on Jesus
• The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer
• God’s grace is sufficient for me
• His power is made perfect in my weakness

Journaling and Prayer Prompts for the Root Chakra

• What times have you felt God’s provision in your life?
• What areas of your life do you struggle to trust God completely?
• Describe how you can cast your cares and anxieties on God.
• How has God been your rock, fortress, and deliverer?
• How does knowing that you are fearfully and wonderfully made affect your self-worth?

Want to explore how other aspects of yoga align or diverge with Christianity? Check out this post on The Eight Limbs of Yoga. 

Understanding the connection between the Root Chakra and Biblical teachings offers valuable insights into achieving balance, security, and spiritual wellness. It encourages us to keep our eyes on Jesus and focuses our attention on him. By incorporating yoga practices that aim to balance the Root Chakra and align our lives with the teaching found in the Bible, we can nurture faith, build a strong foundation, and experience a sense of stability and grounding. Embracing the principles of the Root Chakra alongside Biblical teachings can empower us to lead a more balanced and secure life, fostering overall health, spiritual growth, and connection to our Savior.

If you want to practice free Christian Yoga, head over to my YouTube Channel.