Happy New Year, one and all. From my 1st Chakra to my 7th!

May 2026 be filled with peace on Earth, stability, and compassion. It’s remarkable that so many of our New Year’s wishes—for the planet, our communities, our country, and ourselves—come down to simple essentials: peace, stability, and love.

Since COVID, our world has been shaken. Life as we knew it shifted, and the illusion of control was stripped away. We were humbled, brought face-to-face with uncertainty, and asked to live at the mercy of the unknown. Six years later, between viruses, wars, politics, and natural disasters, life continues to feel unpredictable. Please note that this is not mean to be in a Debbie Downer tone—just honesty. Our nervous systems have had to re-regulate again and again, often without time to rest or feel fully safe. And yet, here we are. Still breathing. Still hoping. Still trusting. Still longing for balance.

This series will explore the chakra system, one energy center at a time, and how we can meet life from the wisdom of each. It may feel a bit “out there,” but I invite you to bear with me. Through this exploration, we can find grounding, resilience, and a deeper sense of peace—no matter what the world is doing.

In times of uncertainty, the essential question becomes: how do we feel safe enough to be here? Safe enough in our bodies, our homes, our communities, and our workplace. Before reaching for peace, compassion, or higher understanding, we must first feel supported—held by something steady beneath us.

So, let’s take a gentle dive into the Root Chakra. (This is just a quick overview—the chakra system is vast, and we are only touching the surface.)

Bringing the Root Chakra into Leadership

The Root Chakra (Muladhara) is the foundation of your energy system. It governs our sense of safety, stability, and belonging, connecting us to the physical world, our bodies, and basic survival needs such as food, shelter, health, and security. In leadership, this shows up as grounded, stable, and present energy—qualities that ripple out to your team, organization, and community. A strong root creates leadership that is solid, dependable, and resilient. This chakra is located at the base of your spine and is visualized as a deep red energy center. Its seed mantra is “LUM.”

1. Lead from stability, not reaction

• Check in: Am I coming from calm presence or anxiety?
• Take a few grounding breaths before important decisions.
• Your steadiness allows your team to feel safe and supported.

2. Set boundaries and structure

• Clear roles and expectations model healthy limits and prevent burnout.
• Nourish yourself through rest and rejuvenation, and encourage your team to do the same. We often underestimate the importance of rest, but it is essential—not just for energy, but for our health, clarity, and ability to lead with presence. As a leader, you can model this by scheduling short breaks during the day, taking time to pause before important meetings, and openly supporting your team in doing the same. When rest is normalized and valued, it strengthens everyone’s sense of safety, focus, and resilience.

3. Create trust and reliability

• Practice transparency: Share information openly and honestly; people feel secure and included. Talk to your team not “at” your team.
• Listen and acknowledge: Hear concerns fully without rushing to respond; this rooted listening conveys presence and care. Being heard also helps with feeling safe.
• When you feel safe, you can hold space for others to do the same. Make your own sense of safety a priority through self-care practices—whether that’s grounding exercises, movement, rest, or mindful pauses—so you can lead and support others from a place of stability and presence.

With strong roots, you can navigate uncertainty with clarity, compassion, and courage—providing a solid foundation for yourself and those you lead, and preparing to rise into the higher chakras that inspire creativity, vision, and deeper connection.

Practical Root Chakra Exercise: Grounding for Leaders

Purpose: Strengthen your Root Chakra, cultivate presence, and feel steady—especially useful before meetings, big decisions, or challenging days.
Time: 5–10 minutes

Steps:

1. Find your feet. Often referred to as Mountain Pose (when Standing)
   Sit or stand comfortably. Feel your feet firmly on the ground. Imagine roots growing from the soles of your feet deep into the Earth, anchoring you.
2. Breathe into your body.
   Take slow, deep breaths. As you inhale, feel energy rising from the Earth into your legs and spine. As you exhale, release tension or scattered energy. Repeat 5–10 breaths.
3. Engage your senses.
   Notice body weight, the chair beneath you, the floor, or the air on your skin. Naming what you see, hear, and feel keeps you anchored in the present.
4. Set an intention.
   Silently affirm: “I am grounded. I am supported. I am safe to act with clarity and presence.” Visualize this stability spreading from your root up through your body.
5. Carry it forward.
   Reconnect with this grounding energy whenever you feel scattered. Even a few conscious breaths can restore balance and presence.

Tip for leaders: Use this before high-stakes conversations or team meetings. When grounded in your Root Chakra, your energy stabilizes the room and invites trust, focus, and collaboration.