I wrote this the spring of 2021
I've been reading Anodea Judith's well-known book, Wheels of Life, which is all about the chakras. Her chapter on the Root chakra is so well written (compared to other Root chakra write-ups I've read) and is helping me better grasp in practical terms the role and function of the Root. The Root itself is all about practicality, about the physical manifestation of life. If we aren't deeply grounded in the physical realm, then we aren't really here, and none of our dreams can possibly manifest.
I've carried a lot of shame and guilt in this area of my life, especially in dealing with chronic health issues for more than a decade. My ability to manifest and BE HERE has been one of my biggest struggles. I'm in constant survival mode and it’s been difficult to learn how to support myself (let alone find and receive support from others!).
Somewhere along the way, my concepts of work got twisted. Like many in our current society, I often feel like I need to *earn* my worth, pleasure, rest, and play. You gotta put in the WORK first to prove to yourself and others that you DESERVE all the good things.
This is a harmful and uselessly moral concept, rather than a practical one. This week I was able to correct my ideas about work into a truly supportive concept:
I work, not to earn my pleasure, but to support my pleasure. I eat in order to nourish my body, so I am strong enough to accomplish and manifest my dreams. I take care of my body and my home and all the physical tasks that need doing in order to support my physical existence so that I can truly be here and do and experience the things I truly love. Doing the work is a support structure to experience my own pleasure.
This is a massive shift of consciousness for me. Now, as I work through every domestic chore or mundane physical task I need to accomplish, I tell myself, "I'm supporting my Root so my Root can support me." This is a positive framework that invites abundance, rather than the "work to earn pleasure" framework which is a negative deficit mindset that can never be satisfied.
Now I can feel empowered by my work, rather than a slave of productivity.
Support your root
So your root can support you