Page 241 - Nursing: The Philosophy and Science of Caring

t he s ev e n c ha kr a s
tion, ventilation, and sexual expression. These basic needs are associ-
ated with the energetic ancient system of chakras, which include the
first through the third chakras.
1. First chakra: base chakra—grounding-connecting with Mother
Earth energy for full embodiment; also considered the “root chakra.”
The first chakra is located at the base of the spine. It is related to
grounding, connectedness with the energy of Mother Earth; the spiri-
tual significance is related to the material world. The ancient arche-
typal “truth” associated with this chakra is the truth of “all is one,” in
that we acknowledge the interconnectedness of all of life and to one
another. We are not separate from each other or from the energy of
the whole. We are all part of the family of humanity. This belief is a
universal spiritual understanding associated with the base chakra as
the foundation for life strength (Myss 1996).
This energetic center encompasses physical body support: the base
of the spine, legs, bones, feet, rectum, and immune system. It is asso-
ciated with one’s ability to be-in-the-world, to be connected with the
earth plane, and to “stand up” for self. This reflects the ability to pro-
vide for life necessities, feeling at home, having a physical family, and
enjoying group safety and security connected with social and familial
order and law (Myss 1996). This energy represents tribal power as an
archetype for group identity, group force, willpower, and group belief
systems. It connects us with familial meanings; it reflects our iden-
tity, associated with a sense of belonging to a group, a culture, a geo-
graphic location (Myss 1996). The energy connection is the founda-
tion of emotional and mental health, stability from within the family
unit, and early social experiences.
The primary fears inherent in this energetic location are fear of sur-
vival, abandonment by the identified group/family, and loss of physi-
cal order. The primary strengths associated with this chakra include
family “identity, bonding, honor code and the support and loyalty that
give one a sense of safety and connection to the physical world” (Myss
1996:164).
The color associated with this first chakra is red.
The Carative Factor/Caritas Process most closely related to this
chakra is number 8: provision for a supportive, protective, and corrective

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