Recent high-profile suicides such as those of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade have the world taking a closer look at this public health issue. In fact, the CDC says suicides have risen 30% since 1999. It’s beyond time to look at the causes and come up with new solutions. One thing we should consider: the connection between the root chakra and suicide.
We are all energetic beings. The chakras are conduits to energy that run from the top of our heads to the point just below our spines. We have seven chakras. Each regulates a part of our physical, emotional, and spiritual beings. You can learn more about the chakras in general here.
Understanding the root chakra
The root chakra, or first chakra, is located at the base of our spine. It is the chakra that is most concerned with our physical connection to the earth. The first chakra impacts our sense of survival. When it is balanced, we feel safe and secure and provided for. We are able to meet our most basic physical needs. Think food, clothing, shelter, protection and sex for the purposes of recreation.
The root chakra also concerns itself with how we view our place in the world. Do we belong to a tribe or community? Do we have a sense of belonging? Are our needs in this physical world being met?
The root chakra as it relates to suicide
Think about this in the context of suicide. Depressed people often feel alone and isolated. They may not feel that sense of belonging. Some people commit suicide for financial reasons. If they feel like they are unable to take care of their physical needs, they may feel no sense of hope and choose to end their lives instead.
An unbalanced and under-active root chakra expresses itself in feelings of insecurity. Perhaps you don’t have adequate resources to life your life, such as money to pay the bills or a suitable place to live. Being disconnected with the physical world around you can lead to loneliness and despair. Seeing the world through a lens of lack is another sign of a root chakra that needs balancing. On the extreme side, an unbalanced root chakra can lead to depression, anxiety and suicide.
If your root chakra is over-active, you may be unnecessarily aggressive in your attempt to experience security. If you set out to hurt others in order to get your basic needs met, that would be an example of an over-active root chakra.
Balancing the root chakra
First of all, let me say that I’m not a doctor, and this post by all means is no attempt to dispense medical advice. If you or a loved one is anxious or depressed, seek the help of a mental health professional. Therapy or medication may bring you relief. You don’t have to suffer. If you are contemplating suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Chakra healing techniques, however, may be able to help. Think of holistic healing methods as complementary. They should be used in addition to traditional medical treatment. Here are some root chakra balancing techniques that may help.
Visualization
Your root chakra keeps you grounded. Imagine a cord that runs from the base of your spine and into the earth. If you’re feeling anxious, depressed or in a state of lack, visualize the negative thoughts and worries being drained from your body through the cord and being absorbed by the ground. Then imagine that you are drawing powerful, protective energy from Mother Nature through the ground, into the cord and back up your spine. Do this for a few minutes each day and see if you start to feel better.
Color therapy
Each chakra has a color associated with it. The root chakra is associated with the color red. Wearing red clothing can symbolize your intention to bring healing to this chakra. Balance an over-stimulated root chakra by decreasing the amount of red around you. On the other hand, if your root chakra is under-stimulated, you may want to increase it. Are you feeling down and disconnected? Try wearing the color red or surrounding yourself with the vibrancy of the color red. That could make a difference.
Crystal healing
Another option: Enjoy the healing properties of crystals. Crystals vibrate on their own frequency, and their energy can work to balance out our own. Hematite (one of my favorites), red jasper and smoky quartz all help to balance out the root chakra.
The value of chakra healing can not be understated. By paying attention to the health of our root chakra, we may be able to better ensure our well-being and that of our loved ones.