Root – Physical Adrenaline Pressure

The Root is the engine of stress and survival. It is the oxygen that gets you moving, literally the physical pressure to grow, flee, fight, or perform. Think of deadline stress, the power to run a marathon, or the sudden energy to avoid danger. A defined Root has constant, reliable access to this adrenaline power. An open Root experiences the stress of others as their own and can therefore make hasty decisions, but over time gains access to a deep rest, knowing that not all stress is their own.

Defined – You have reliable, personal access to physical stress and adrenaline. You often thrive under pressure, can peak at deadlines, and feel a constant 'drive' to do things.

Undefined (with gates) – You don't experience stress constantly, but you do according to certain patterns (for example, only during competition or only in survival situations). You take on the adrenaline pressure of others but have your own 'coloring' within it.
Completely open – No gates at all. You have no physical stress mechanism of your own. You are naturally deeply relaxed. All the stress you feel belongs to others. Your wisdom: you can bring calm to a tense environment like no other, because you know the pressure doesn't have to be yours. Risk: you get swept up in the haste of others and become exhausted.