In this post, I continue to share from The Eight Aspects of God: A Pathway to Bliss. Below is chapter 2 where I talk about PEACE and how this aspect of God correlates to your body’s first major energy center (in yoga this energy center is often called the root or base chakra). I hope you find a take-away or two that brings a sense of peace to your day!
Much love,
Ruthie
Chapter 2: Peace
The first of the seven major chakras is the root chakra. Located at the base of the spine, it’s also sometimes referred to as the base chakra. Each chakra has a connection to one of the four elements—earth, water, fire, or air—and the root chakra’s element is earth. Because of the root chakra’s earthly connection, it is especially sensitive to—and literally influenced by—our physical environment. The notion of being “rooted” or “grounded” come from our understanding of this chakra.
The more grounded we are, the less likely we are to be influenced by negative or toxic energy in certain situations. But what does being grounded really mean? To be grounded means to feel safe and secure within your environment. Feeling secure cultivates a sense of peace. Peace is the absence of worry, judgment, fear, anger, or anything that puts you on guard or makes you question your place. Each chakra has negative and positive aspects, and peace is the key aspect of the root chakra. A peaceful environment keeps your first chakra balanced.
The two most important things you can do for the root chakra are: (1) create a positive and peaceful environment; and (2) learn some tools that will help you stay grounded when the occasional storm hits.
Who is Most Vulnerable to the Energy in Their Environment?
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- Workers in the healthcare industry because they are around people with a variety of health issues all day. Energy workers are even more at risk because many are empathic; they literally feel energy as they integrate with someone else’s energy field, making them at risk of absorbing unhealthy energy if not grounded.
- People unaware of the energetic connections around them. At work you might not consider that it’s the chaotic energy being put off by the toxic coworker causing your arrhythmia, or the unhealthy roommate or partner causing the migraines.
- Children are highly sensitive to their surroundings, and learn to entrain to their various environments as a matter of course. Considering the fact that we were all children, think about how many years have you’ve been absorbing toxic energy because you never learned otherwise.
Ways to Achieve a Healthy Root Chakra and Positive Environment
Exercise, mineral salt baths, detoxifying diets, yogic and meditation practices involving bandhas, mudras and breathing techniques are all ways to clear and protect the root chakra, but below are the three tools I most often share with people and rely on myself.
1) Psychic Protection and Space Clearing. Just like brushing your teeth, psychic protection and space clearing should become a habit for everyone. These practices protect and clear both your personal and physical environments. Imagine a golden sphere of light around you. See this layer of protection as cosmic light, God, Spirit, or whatever image induces a strong sense of security for you. I use love because I believe nothing is stronger than love. Anything that doesn’t serve you cannot penetrate this layer of protection. In addition, learn how to burn sage (smudge) to clear negative energy from your physical space. Smudge when you sweep the floor, clean the fridge, or de-clutter your office; make it a routine practice. Afterward, to hold the positive energy in, wrap the space with your sphere and avoid negative energies from entering it as much as possible.
2) Full Yogic Breath: The secret to getting centered—here, now, fast—is proper breathing. The yogic breath uses the full capacity of your lungs, clearing toxins and oxygenating the blood. Before you try it, relax and place your hands on your torso to notice how your body moves when you breathe.
Now breathe in, contracting your diaphragm muscle located at the bottom of the lungs. Focus pulling the breath down into the lowest part of your lungs. Gradually allow your ribs to flare to the sides as the breath fills the middle part of your lungs. Finally, allow the breath to fill your upper lungs as you feel your chest expand. Exhale in reverse, releasing air from the upper, then middle, then lower parts of each lung. Do this through your nose if possible. If you feel light-headed, stop. While practicing, imagine roots growing from your feet reaching into the earth. Inhale, draw the earth’s energy up and through your spine. Exhale, relax into your spine as roots reach deep into the earth. Practicing outside under a tree is even better!
Tip: Go online and look up images of the lungs and diaphragm. Study the diaphragm muscle to see its shape and how it works. Visualize the action of the diaphragm and lungs while practicing the full yogic breath.
3) Drumming: Drumming is an innate part of who you are. You heard the first rhythms of drumming in your mother’s womb. Her heartbeat was your first introduction to the sounds of your new life on earth. This is partly why drumming is so grounding yet meditative; it engenders feelings of that safe haven of peace within the womb. Kids love drumming, most likely because they’re not too far removed from that maternal experience. Moving to the beat gets you grounded when you stomp, dance, and jump! And as an added bonus, the good vibrations clear out any bad energy in the environment.
“Environment is stronger than will power. If you want to be spiritual, seek good company and don’t mix with those whose bad habits may wrongly influence you. Be always with people who inspire you; surround yourself with people who lift you up.” ~ Paramhansa Yogananda
Work to create a healthy environment when you’re feeling good! It’s easier to devise a plan as a preventative measure rather than in reaction to negative or toxic energy. Not only is it easier to devise a plan when you’re not under stress or in the midst of suffering, your good energy will attract positive people to help build a supportive, healthy, nurturing community.
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