Singing with the root chakra
This week’s topic is about singing with the root chakra. During seven weeks, we will explore the connection between each one of the major chakras and our voice.
When we sing, the sound does not come from our throats only. Our whole body is interconnected, and many elements come together to affect our voice and create the experience of singing.
Different cultures have different ways of describing how the many elements of our body and being come together in our energy. One such energy system you may have heard of is the chakras. The chakras are centers of energy within us. They are connected to the activity of different parts of our bodies and the emotions that they relate to.
Sometimes, because the voice comes from the throat, we assume that for singing it is only important to work on the chakra located in the throat. It is true that the health and strength of the throat chakra will have a big effect on your singing, but all of the chakras work together to support each other. For best results you want all of your chakras to be vibrant and full of energy. So in this series of blog posts, we are going to explore each of the seven primary chakras one by one, how they support us, and how they affect our singing.
The Root Chakra
The root chakra, also called Muladhara, is situated in the perineum. It is associated with the sense of smell, and the color red. The energy of this chakra affects the most basic parts of our physical body, our bones, muscles, tendons, and fertility. It is the center of survival and instinct.
We develop this center during our first years of life. If we have enough food, love, health, a safe home, and healthy boundaries during our first few years of life, we develop a healthy root chakra. But if these things are lacking, we might develop an imbalance or weakness in this area. When this chakra is strong, it gives us the sense of being grounded and strong. If it is weak or imbalanced we may feel less anchored and secure both physically and emotionally. We can feel lost, uncomfortable with the material world, ungrounded, and lacking physical energy.
Our experience of play in the early years of our lives is key to developing this chakra and sense of physical security and strength. This play also lays the foundation for the development of our creativity, a characteristic of the second chakra (and topic of our next blog post), which of course will also play a big role in how we use our voice! – see everything is connected.
Is never too late to learn to play, and you are never too old to play! In the same way, it is never too late to heal whatever part of us needs it.
In the singing process, it is quite common to see students trying to find the notes kind of “in the air”, tensing the upper body and in a way separating themselves from the ground, causing tension and blockage in their sound. This never results in a powerful big voice, because the connection with the earth is missing and it is the foundation for conscious, rich singing. My favorite singers are always the ones that take the energy from the ground and translate it into beautiful expression.
What you can do
Healing the root chakra is about learning to feel safe again. When we feel safe and secure, we can explore and play with our voices without feeling anxious.
If you want to give it a try, there are some things that can connect you a bit more with your first chakra and give benefit your voice right away.
Taking care of the basic physical needs of your body to make it strong and healthy will strengthen your root chakra, which will also show up in the strength of your voice.
You can try some things like:
- Make sure you eat healthy nutritious foods regularly to supply your body with what it needs
- Try being more physically active. Go for a run or a walk, exercise at the gym, etc.
- Take care of your basic living needs such as the space you live in. Make sure it is comfortable and you feel safe there.
- Make time for play!
- Try wearing RED or BROWN colors. These give us a boost of energy and connection to the earth.
- When you sing, try putting your feet a little wider than you usually do, and bend your knees a little so that you feel solid on the ground.
Give these a try and see how they translate into a richer and stronger, grounded expression through your voice when you sing!
Let me know what your experience was with this in the comments below. I look forward to exploring the second chakra with you in the next blog post!
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I help people to develop their voice and singing from a holistic approach. I teach vocal lessons in person in Auckland, NZ, and online. Also stay tuned for my new online singing programs!❤️
My greatest passion has always been the voice, music and energy arts.
My personal and artistic journey has led me to understand that the voice and the body are fully connected, and that includes not only the physical body but also the mental, emotional and spiritual body.
Through holistic vocal training you not only learn to become a great singer while taking care of your voice, but you also improve your mental and physical wellbeing❤️
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Excellent choice of music video, Mula has an amazing voice
Thanks a lot! 🙂
Some good advice. I’m going to try it!