Quote of the day: “You must first learn a new way to think before you can master a new way to be” by Marianne Williamson.

On “Part 1 of the Root Chakra” blog series, I went over information to better to help us understand how the chakra system works. I touched on topics relating to the science behind chakras, what Chakras are, aspects of the Root Chakra – Nature Element, Color, Symbol, and Sacred Mantra. Today, I shift my attention on how root chakra journaling may help shine light into areas of ourselves that require healing.

Journaling helps us reflect and learn about the internal aspects of ourselves that require attention. Without a doubt, one of the hardest things to do is change acquired behavior as we usually may lack self-awareness. In the past, I have successfully self-sabotaged my progress over and over again, due to a lack of capacity in handling uncomfortable situations.

To better understand why we have the tendency to hinder our progress I wanted to research the psychology behind it.

• Why do we self-sabotage?

According to Psychology Today: “Behavior is said to be self-sabotaging when it creates problems in daily life and interferes with long-standing goals.” In other words, our daily actions are in direct contradiction with what we are trying to achieve. For example, signing up for a gym membership, but not finding the time to go. We may start making excuses to avoid taking responsibility, and we retreat to habits that makes us feel comfortable and safe.

One of the reasons we may do this is because we never learned how to manage and process our own emotions. For me, a perfectionist and control freak, an unexpected problem at work that requires additional energy will trigger me into anxiety mode. Perhaps, a rough day at work will make me feel the need to decompress and crave finding some relief by going out for drinks – my way of running away from uncomfortable feelings, and a direct contradiction to my goal.

Since all of us are different, the way to fully embrace change is through digging deep in the areas that need our attention. We do this by means of “Shadow Work Journaling”.

• What is your Shadow Self?

Your shadow self is the personality you project. Wikipedia describes – “the shadow is the self’s emotional blind spot, projected as an image, complexes, personified within the collective unconscious.”

Carl Jung, a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst, believed the shadow is the dark, unconscious side of our personality that we often repress or deny. The reason we deny these personalities goes back to our childhood. We were conditioned in early age by how we were taught. We followed certain parameters to keep the people we loved happy. An example, a parent who read your journal and scolded you for what you were writing. This creates long lasting trust issues and emotional trauma. Eventually, you react to a situation by being extra careful with what you say or write for fear of saying the wrong thing.

As a result, the message becomes internalized and gets triggered when you are forced to confront it either by conversation or argument. You retreat to something that feels comfortable, staying quiet rather than speaking up to avoid conflict. These are exactly the patterns we must identify and focus on overcoming to heal and grow.

• Shadow work Journaling – Root Chakra

Shadow Work journaling is about making the unconscious conscious. The root chakra, located at the bottom of the spine regulates feelings of security and survival. It requires us to be honest with ourselves to bring upon healing. Symptoms of Fear, Anxiety, Depression, and Insecurity originate from an unbalanced root chakra. To heal this chakra, you must focus on asking yourself the right question relevant to your own situation. Here are some examples of journal prompts for Root Chakra Shadow Work:

1. As a child, which of your parents made you feel safe the most? And why?
2. As a child, which of your parents made you feel unsafe? And why?
3. As a child, were you able to set boundaries?
4. Which situations triggers me?
5. What are my fears?
6. In which way was your fear unconsciously conditioned during childhood?
7. How do I respond to hectic situations?
8. What can I do different to ensure that my mind, body, and spirit feel secure and grounded during a stressful situation?
9. What do I think about my body?
10. In what ways does my body take care of me?
11. In what ways I’m I taking care of my body?
12. What makes me feel the most secure?
13. What do I visualize as living my best life?

• Journaling with Intention

Before you start your journaling session, it is best to center yourself. Digging deep within, peeling all the layers of yourself that no longer serve you is a profound and emotional process. Those of you who are familiar with setting your safe space, you already know what to do.

For those who are new to this journey and are ready to make a change, begin this process by taking some needed time off from work. For a beginner, it requires a bit of time to mentally and emotionally prepare. Some take a week off and attend Yoga sessions. Some attend a meditation retreat. Still, there are people who go away to experience needed time off in nature. If you are able to afford time for yourself this way, I suggest you do this. You may find a 3-day weekend could do the trick. For me, I had a stay-cation and did things that made me happy. Went to my favorite Metaphysic’s shop and purchased essential items such as incense, candles, and crystals. On the second day, I wanted to learn more about intentions.

Intentions is the process in which your thoughts and desires align to formulate a clear plan. It is the first step to manifesting. When you set an intention, essentially you are asking the universe for what you want and at the same time opening yourself to receiving those blessing. Once you have a clear plan to set your intention, you can start creating your own safe space.

Begin by playing some soothing music, set the ambiance by lighting incense and candles. Get your Journal ready and cite your intention. You can begin the writing process. Through journaling, we can begin to clear out any trapped emotions that keep us stuck in repeated patterns. Once finished with your writing, allow yourself to feel every emotion and objectively release it, trusting the universe has heard your request and everything is working in your favor. Close your session with a grateful prayer.

• Final Thoughts

In conclusion, journaling is a powerful way to bring awareness and start taking accountability for past behaviors. However, it is more about learning to be gentle with yourself. Forgive yourself for the conditioning you were programmed with and start living. In my own journey, changing the way I think has played the most essential role in changing behavior. I find doing something that takes me closer to my purpose each day is keeping me grounded. This new mentality must be practiced and nourished daily to create a new habit.

The week I took off to center myself, I dedicated at least an hour to myself each day. I walked around the block, journal, meditate, listen to feel good music, visited my favorite metaphysical shop. I watched a series on Netflix called “Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones.” A show that investigates the secrets behind communities around the world where people live to be 100 years old.

I am even blogging which has been a source of fear for as long as I can remember. Today I find the strength to document my journey and I AM grateful for it. I AM choosing to make a change for myself and my health. Who knows, perhaps one day, we can create a blue zone community together. All in divine timing, in love and light.