We’re continuing our series on Unity and the chakras by beginning our journey at the base of the spine, the location of the Muladhara Chakra known as the “root.” Root is a good name for it because the energy of this chakra literally roots us into the earth from the base of the spine through the legs and into the feet.

In Yoga, the best pose for experiencing this energy is Vrksasana or Tree Pose. Take a moment to stand up for this pose. Maybe stand near a chair or wall for support. Stand well on both legs first (Tadasana or Mountain Pose) feeling stable, steady and grounded. Then shift the weight into one leg without collapsing into the hip. Bend the opposite knee and lift the leg a little or a lot. Rotate the knee out to the side just 45 degrees and place the foot against the standing leg. The standing leg grows energetic roots into the earth. The bent knee is the taproot that reaches along the ground for nourishment. Lift the arms like branches to receive the warmth of the sun.

What do we discover about unity consciousness when we contemplate the Root Chakra?

We are all dependent upon this one Earth to provide all of our needs

We humans share Earth with many other animal and plant species who are also dependent upon the Earth for sustenance

We are responsible for keeping our earthly home clean, healthy and safe

Our history is rooted in our experience of the land where we grew up

Our physical bodies are made of the earth and, after death, our bodies will return to the earth

To continue this contemplation, you might enjoy spending time in Nature, remembering your ancestral home, practicing Cat/Cow and Tree Pose, and ending in Savasana (Corpse Pose) to acknowledge that we’re all just passing through.

Earth is one of the five elements in the Vedic tradition—earth, water, fire, air and space. Each element has its own unique qualities and has its own special role to play in our life. Could you imagine having to live without just one of the elements in your life?!

Our body is also made up of the five elements, but earth element is so special because it centers us in the physical aspect of being alive. In our bodies we experience pleasure and pain, the warmth of the sun and the cold of snow and wind, we taste delicious food, smell flowers of all kinds and colors, and touch the skin or fur of our loved one.

Earth is also our planet, our home while we live in these bodies. As we celebrate Earth Day this week I was re-reading Thich Nhat Hanh’s “love letter to the Earth” and am delighted to share some of it with you today:

“Dear Mother Earth,
You are the mother of all beings. I call you by the human name Mother and yet I know your mothering nature is more vast and ancient than humankind. We are just one young species of your many children. All the millions of other species who live—or have lived—on Earth are also your children. You aren’t a person, but I know you are not less than a person either. You are a living breathing being in the form of a planet. Each species has its own language, yet as our Mother you can understand us all. That is why you can hear me today as I open my heart to you and offer you my prayer.”

Join me today in writing your own “love letter to the Earth” as a reminder that Earth is our home, earth is an element which makes up our body, and Mother Earth is here for all of us. May we always be here for her.