Root Chakra Deep Dive: From Survival to Belonging.

Hi Friends,

In my previous post, I shared how my foundation was shaken at a young age due to sexual abuse. That kind of trauma, especially when experienced during early childhood, becomes deeply imprinted—especially in the root chakra, the very base of our energetic being.

Today, we’re going deeper into what the root chakra really means and how it shows up in our lives—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

What the Root Chakra Is All About

The root chakra is located at the base of the spine, near the pelvis (front and back). It governs:

• Low back and hip tension

• Foot pain or imbalance

• Stiffness in the joints

• Bowel issues

• Procrastination and avoidance

At its core, this chakra is about:

• Safety

• Belonging

• Movement

It’s where we process our need to feel secure and where we store fear—often in the form of fight or flight responses.

Today, we may not be running from predators like our ancestors, but our nervous system still reacts to perceived threats, especially when we carry unprocessed trauma from the past. We can now choose when to move and not be governed by our survival instincts.

My Journey with Belonging

This chakra is also about belonging—finding your tribe, feeling supported, and knowing you’re safe to be exactly who you are.

For much of my life, I was in survival mode. I didn’t feel safe, and I didn’t feel like I belonged.

My father was in the Navy, and we moved often. After his service, we settled in Utah—but continued to move frequently. In fact, I went to 10 different schools in 12 years.

I was always the new girl. I didn’t have the continuity that many kids did.

Later in life, I found a group of close friends outside of school, and for the first time, I felt like I belonged. But when we grew apart, I found myself right back in survival mode—disconnected, unsupported, and longing for my tribe.

Recently, one of my elementary school classmates found me—and just like that, something inside softened. I feel seen and I feel like I belong.

And for years now, I’ve been close to my family. We talk, we play, and we cry. I also have an assortment of friends who challenge me, support me, and love me. It’s been a journey—but I’m no longer walking it alone.

The Let’s Chakra Chart

As I’ve worked through my own healing, I created the Let’s Chakra Chart—a guide filled with where and what might be happening, what it is about, inquiries, self-coaching, integration practices, commit and declare, maintaining with others, suggested holistic healthcare options and essential oils to assist in your process with ease.

Here are a few inquiries from the Root Chakra section:

• Do I take steps to allow myself to belong?

• I’ve already survived—is it not time to thrive?

• Notice how I cope when my body or mind hops into survival mode?

Self-Coaching Journal Prompts:

• How do I nourish and take care of myself?

• Do I accept me?

• Am I angry at someone from the past or now?

  → Write it all down in detail. Then safely rip, shred, or burn the paper to release it.

Integration: Grounding Practices

Once we feel safe and supported, we begin to open to play—to joy and creativity.

Here are a few grounding rituals that help activate healing through the root chakra:

• Walk barefoot in soil, grass, or sand.

• Garden with your hands in the earth.

• Take a pottery class and create with clay

Commit or declare, to Say Out Loud in a mirror:

• I am now safe to play.

• I trust the process of life.

• I love and am grateful for my physical body.

Maintaining and integrating with others:

Healing doesn’t have to happen in isolation. Reaching out helps us reconnect with a sense of belonging.

• Ask someone: “Will you walk and chat with me?”

• In conversation, try saying: “Sometimes I’m most afraid that…”

• Join or host a small gathering—play games, talk, laugh together.

Holistic Healing for the Root Chakra

These practices can gently support and regulate your nervous system:

• Get a Swedish, Shiatsu, or Thai massage

• Attend a restorative yoga class

• Speak with a therapist and share a step you’re afraid to take

Root Chakra Essential Oils

To support your root chakra emotionally and physically, try using essential oils:

• Let’s Chakra Oil: I Play

• Cedarwood, Black Spruce, or Patchouli

  → Apply to your wrists or diffuse while breathing deeply and mindfully

Final Thoughts

These reflections and practices have helped me move from disconnection into a deep, rooted sense of peace, safety, and belonging.

If you’re feeling alone or like you don’t belong, consider this:

~ Do you accept you?

~ Are you willing to take one small step toward grounding and freedom?                 ~ Am I willing to take a step out of my pretend safe space and risk reaching for something more?

And if it feels right—invite someone to walk beside you. Healing is always more powerful, and often more joyful, when shared.

With love and belonging,Bobbie