Often referred to as the lower triangle, the first three chakras (of the 7 chakra system) are the ones most connected to you. They are deeply personal and when out of balance show up as fear, guilt and/or shame. These first three chakras are developed in our most formative years from the womb to about four years old, and our experiences during this time will be carried with us for the duration of our life. Significant life events or traumas will impact these three energy centres of the body directly. The more we know, the easier it is to direct the work that needs to happen for our own healing, sense of safety and ultimately our ability to thrive. 

Our root chakra is located at the base of our spine. This is our first chakra and just like a building it is only as strong as its foundation. Our root chakra is our base: our home, our families and closest friends, our work and what we need to survive. This chakra represents safety and security and is connected to feelings of being grounded, stable and sure. When important elements of our life are in flux we may feel untethered, disconnected and fearful. To help balance this chakra, we must connect to the earth element. 

Daily Practice: 

• Walk in bare feet in the grass or sand or just get outside. When we are in tune to the rhythm of nature, we feel more in tune to our own natural rhythm.

Our second chakra is in the lower belly. It is our sacral chakra and in combination with the chakra below (root) and above (solar plexus) gives us our sense of self and identity. Governed by our emotions and sexuality, the sacral chakra is powerful when in tune, and self-destructive when not. The element is water, reminding us that everything is change and that we must go with the flow. When we resist or try to cling to the past, feelings of guilt, rigidity, fear of intimacy, lack of emotion, or emotional outbursts can be present. When in balance we move from a natural state of flow, allowing our emotions to move through us without being ruled by them. 

Daily Practice: 

• Be near water. Go for a swim, take a bath or simply watch a river or waves move.

The third chakra represents: our sense of self, inner power and inner strength. Located at the navel centre, when stimulated this area creates heat and is often represented by inner fire, the fueling of Tapas (discipline) and resolve. The element of the solar plexus chakra is fire. When it is over stimulated it’s like a forest fire out of control. This comes through as anger, frustration, resentment. This could be acted out through unnecessary arguments or even violence, or it could be acted in. An under stimulated third chakra is when we feel we have no power. Allowing others to make decisions for us. We feel trapped in the life we are leading, as if there is no way out.

Daily Practice: 

• Exercise and move your body, focusing on your core muscles where this chakra is located. 

When we focus our energy work and self-care by first grounding and connecting to the earth, experiencing our emotions as they rise to the surface so they can flow and we can let go just like water, a natural sense of empowerment arrives. This allows our third chakra and fire centre to come into balance. This is where we thrive, moving from a sense of inner power and strength. From grounded to empowered.