Chakra #1 - The Base or "Root" Center
The root center, or Muladhara in Sanskrit, is located at the entry point of the vagina on a female and the position of the prostate on the male. This is both where the individual’s life energy enters from the bottom part of the bodily trunk and where a reservoir of energy called the kundalini resides that is the starting point for the circulation or flow of energy up through the other chakras. The other “polarity” of life energy enters through the crown chakra which will be covered later.
This center is solely focused in relieving the stress or polarity created by the necessities of survival. To this end it is mobilized toward the acquisition of food, shelter and perpetuation of the species. It is an almost tangible mix of mind and instinct in which there is little awareness of anything other than the lack of survival needs that
prevent the reduction of the insecurity associated with the absence of feeling comfortable and sated. The objective, essentially, is to recreate the conditions that were present before the individual exited from the womb. In this “headspace” there is only a selfish orientation directed toward its own comfort and pleasure. We could say that this might be a parallel focus to that of Freud’s id. Any sense of awareness indicative of empathy or compassion will be completely absent. The only awareness present is the feeling of separation from whatever it is that will neutralize felt or imagined desires. This center may also be compared to the physiological needs corresponding to the first level of “Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs:” breathing, food, water, sex, homeostasis and excretion (Maslow, 1943). Any sexual activity will be almost totally directed toward achieving orgasm. Any partner will suffice. The qualities of the partner are unimportant except for their capacity to enable the facilitation of the orgasm. By itself, the physical orgasm is an almost total but temporary reduction of physical tension. The urge is driven by the natural polarity developed by the “separation of the sexes.” The physical bond that is created might be considered “future insurance” for the satisfying of their desires, yet, a future awareness is not present.
In terms of human feeling, our comfort within our own body is also a function of the root center. Those who have a “disconnect” or a discomfort with the way they feel within their own body will have difficulties in creating physical relations with members of the opposite sex. Those who appear to possess an “animal magnetism” are generally more comfortable with their own sexuality thereby producing a much larger component of sex hormones than those who have been “unsuccessful” in the acquisitions of partners. Indiscriminate choice for sexual activity is, usually, an indication of an individual operating from a root center orientation. Root center activity operates almost exclusively in the moment. There is, essentially, no planning or regard, let alone awareness, for consequences. The actions are totally reactive. Adrenaline and the “fight or flight” instinct are also connected to the root center.
Adapted and excerpted from:
Maerz, John L., (2012) A Mile in Your Shoes: The Road to Self-Actualization Through Compassion. Lulu Publishers.
Additional References:
Maslow, A. H. (1943). “A Theory of Human Motivation.” Psychological Review, 50, 370-396.