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The Base ChakraJust Do It by Ellen TaddThebase chakra embodies order; thefoundation principle of life. If order didnot exist, life could not be sustained. Thebase or root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is thecenter of discipline, the key to responsibility, order, adequateattention to details, and the actualization of potential andcomfort in the physical body and on the earth.The third eye chakra and the base togetherform the structure for the chakra system –very much like our bones form the skeletonof our body. Without our skeleton to giveus definition we would fall to pieces,and without the relationship betweenthe third eye and the base chakra, wecould not possibly actualize clarity andcreative potential in our lives.Discipline and the Base ChakraThe image that comes to my mind when Ithink about the base chakra is of a large plasticpunching doll that I had as a child. Sand filled thebottom of the doll. When I punched it, it would fall over,but because of its sand base, it quickly bounced back to anupright position. The sand is analogous to the discipline ina strong base chakra. If our disciplines are strong, we havestability and can bounce back into alignment even duringdifficult times, just like the plastic punching doll. If ourdisciplines are weak and life hands us challenges, it can feelmuch like a punch to the solar plexus and our tendencywould be to go reeling.For some people, disciplines are embraced because theyoffer stability and security. For others, discipline is a dirtyword with a connotation of drudgery and feelings of beingforced to do required unpleasant activities.How can we be disciplined but still be flexible and free?We need the spontaneity of the crown chakra. If the basechakra is strong and the crown chakra is closed, then weexperience life as an ongoing list of tasks that need to beaccomplished…one after another, without joy or any feelingof interconnection. On the other hand, if the crown chakra,the center of spontaneity, is open but we the lack disciplineof the base chakra, the result is irresponsibility and chaos.The dynamic of an open crown chakra and a weak basechakra may start out as lots of fun, but ultimately the lackof responsible choices leads to calamity. When disciplineand spontaneity are joined and integrated, the base chakraand the crown chakra work together. This feels like havingyour feet firmly planted on the ground and your head in theclouds. It’s a truly wonderful feeling of being able to handlelife’s situations and having a connection to the divine.The Three Areas of DisciplineI divide discipline into three categories: body, mind, andspirit. My guides have taught me to actualize some aspectof each category every day. It is not uncommon forpeople to be selective in their disciplines. Thispattern can create lopsided development.Many people have the strong mentaldisciplines needed for thriving careers, yetare physically ailing from poor disciplineof the body. Strong feelings of isolationoften accompany their lack of spiritualdiscipline. On the other hand, thosewith a formidable spiritual path mayhave difficulty with the many disciplinesof the material world. The basic ruleis simple: Pick disciplines in all threecategories. Creative choices in discipline areabundant, depending on individual tastes andinterests.My guides often state, “If you are having a difficult timein your life, go back to basics.” This means going back tothe disciplines of the base chakra. When our disciplinesare weak, it feels as if our lives are falling apart. When ourdisciplines are strong, we feel stable and have the ability totake action to improve our situations.I had a client for many years who was bright, beautiful, andloving, yet with a base chakra that was very under utilized.Over and over, I emphasized the importance of cultivatingher disciplines of body, mind, and spirit. She just didn’t wantto work that hard. Through the years, I have watched herlife fall apart; her health deterioratedfrom lack of good self-care; her greatcareer potential never fully actualizedbecause of insufficient follow-throughand inadequate attention to detail;her relationships suffered or endedbecause of the stress she created froma chaotic lifestyle. There was so muchpossibility for achievement and so littleactualization. The manifestation of ourabilities can happen only with a strong -that is, disciplined base chakra.Inspiration comes quickly in a flash, but to manifest thatinspiration takes perseverance and work. Just do it - you willbe glad. www.ellentadd.com22 Truly Alive | www.trulyalive.netRead more articles by Ellen Tadd online: www.trulyalive.net