Considering that the seatbelt broke my pelvis in numerous places, my muladhara chakra (the root chakra) was undoubtedly astronomically affected. Either of the averse consequences that were relayed to my parents and I in the hospital and confirmed by my psychologist, would’ve been much more dire, however. The 2 probable alternative consequences: 1) I could’ve been ejected from the car & very likely fallen to my death 2) I could’ve smashed my brain into the light pole at full velocity, which would’ve undoubtedly led to my end as well.
Seatbelts = life savers. This has been proclaimed by MANY experts, and now I can speak to the undeniable validity of this statement, substantiated by personal experience.
Mula (the prefix of muladhara) means root in Sanskrit. The root chakra exists at the base of one’s spine. Just as roots offer plants an avenue to penetrate the earth in order to build stability and obtain sustenance, our root chakra acts as our foundation. Our root chakra also connects us to all else that is in existence, some of which, does produce sustenance for us, although usually not physical sustenance. For the vast majority of humans, socialite sustains us, as socialite is a primary need of ours. Socialite is the way in which we foster community, which equates to us feeling supported. The muladhara chakra is associated with the pelvis.
It’s impossible for those unaffected to relate to having to relearn EVERYTHING and live feeling misunderstood for years (some survivors forever: I do hope my telling of my experience will lessen this sense of misunderstood otherness, as my writings has the capacity to illuminate those unaffected)!
As previously stated above, trees’ roots keep them grounded, their evenly dispersed branches promote balance and their solid trunks attests to the reality that is true of all life forms: balance & a strong core promote stability. Animals & humans, uniquely, have the ability to alter their stance or route in real time. This is handy for reacting to unforeseen obstacles, at a moments notice.
I’m a proud born and bred (residing in Seattle for slightly over 3 decades ((dispersed by frequent travel and a brief relocation to SanFrancisco))) Seattleite. I represent, the former Seattleite, in large part (much has changed now, resulting from the prolific addition of those that have relocated here). I haven’t yet established the practice of camping AT ALL however, although my desire to do so has recently begun emerging. I have forever loved being in nature though.
The root chakra is also associated with smell, as well as taste (inevitably, as 1 informs the other). Interestingly enough, the loss of these capabilities (taste & smell) are also identified as a symptom of incurring a TBI, of any severity: mild, moderate or severe. Medically, the this loss of these senses is called anosmia.
The solidity offered by the muladhara chakra simultaneously supports solidity of spirit. When referring to solidity of spirit, I specifically mean knowing yourself well. This enables seeking activities that serve you. It’s been mighty difficult to identify what exactly is disabling my motivation, but investigating this chakra further (for instance), certainly informs my understanding. All of my neurologists attest too to a lack of motivation being a primary side effect of a TBI, let alone a critical 1. Specifically, in my case, I personally consider the demolishment of my pelvis (the root chakra), very telling.
My symptoms have been & are (As has been true with my loss of taste & smell) far lesser pronounced than most recoveries who’ve obtained a Severe or critical Traumatic Brain Injury. My dad (who is a revered home inspector that always promotes smoke alarms ((such an inexpensive & easily obtained life-saving attribute for a home)! Dad stocks his car with smoke alarms, offering them to new homeowners himself. He was initially, before my retained capability of recognizing taste & smell, had became clear, concerned (and rightly so) that the smell of smoke wouldn’t stir me & therefore 3prompt my evacuation quickly enough!
My well being is due to a fine conglomeration of factors: I was in fantastic mental & physical health when ramming the left side of my brain against the roadside light pole at freeway velocity. Why? The accident happened very near the end of my month-long stay at the mindfulness & yoga retreat (where attendees practiced 3 meditation sits a day, & 2 asana practices every day as well). I was benefited substantially too, by the men in the car, that was driving directly behind me, who called emergency just before my collision, due to my clearly out-of-control driving (multiple spins). Quick medical attention, was the primary step, in saving my life. Timeliness is imperative to survivor’s survival.
There are a vast number of other ideal circumstances, that have aided in my substantial recovery too. I spoke to my specialty psychologist, a few hours ago, who spoke in agreement, to the reality that it’s impossible to pinpoint precisely what has contributed to my unusually impressive recovery from a Severe TBI.
I do hope that my sharing enables the unaware to understand why survivors act the way they do. If not understood, I ask far onlookers to accept that the survivor is dealing with unfathomable odds. Resultantly, onlookers will help as best they can, as opposed to judging unknowingly.