Root Chakra (Muladhara)
Returning to our foundation
Last week, we reflected on Gluttony — a symbolic fall to the root chakra, the very base of our energetic being.
So this week, let’s pause and explore what the root chakra actually is.
In yogic wisdom, the Muladhara chakra is the foundation of our entire system. Located at the base of the spine, it governs our sense of safety, security, stability, and survival. It is linked to the earth element — solid, grounding, dependable.
When this chakra is balanced, we tend to feel rooted in the present moment, calm in our body, and confident in meeting life’s basic needs. There’s a quiet trust that the earth will hold us, no matter what.
But when the root chakra is blocked or overactive, we may experience anxiety, insecurity, or a subtle sense that we’re not fully safe. We might become overly attached to material things, stuck in survival mode, or feel disconnected from our body and the world around us.
The energy of the root chakra asks us:
“Do I feel safe in my body and in the world?”
“Where am I planting my roots?”
In the game of Gyan Chaupar, slipping down the snake to the root chakra is not a punishment — it’s an invitation. An invitation to slow down, to reconnect, to rebuild our foundations with care. Every snake has a lesson. Every fall is a reminder to return to what truly holds us.
So this week, I invite you to tend to your roots.
Walk barefoot on the earth if you can, feeling the soil or pavement beneath your feet. Let yourself eat warm, grounding foods — root vegetables, lentils, soups made with love and spice. You might take time to tidy or re-organise your space, making it feel calm and secure. Or simply sit in stillness and breathe gently into the base of your spine.
And if you need a gentle anchor, try this mantra:
“I am grounded. I am supported. I am safe.”
We often strive to rise — to grow, to expand, to reach higher. But the deeper the roots, the taller the tree.
Let’s go down to rise up.
Let’s return to the body, to the earth, to ourselves.
If you’d like to play Gyan Chaupar and explore these ideas in action, feel free to message me. Reserve your board or poster here: Gyan Chaupar
As usual, below are our 4 thoughts and 2 questions about Root Chakra.
4 thoughts on root chakra
From Buddha
The root of suffering is attachment.
From Steve Goodier
Get yourself grounded and you can navigate even the stormiest roads in peace.
An African Proverb
When the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.
From Eckhart Tolle
The body is your grounding. The more awareness you bring to it, the stronger your presence becomes.
2 questions about root chakra
Where in my life do I need more stability and support?
What practices help me feel safe and grounded — especially in times of stress?
If you’ve liked this, please do pay it forward and share it with someone you know.
Much love
Vineeta
If you’re curious about the game of Gyan Chaupar, find out more and get hold of one of our limited first edition game boards at www.gyanchaupar.co.uk