The benefits of meditation are many. From
better breathing to increased energy to emotional balance, meditation is very good medicine for both body and mind. But sometimes even practiced meditators or yogis find it difficult to slow down enough to sink deeply into the practice. Aromatherapy can help.
We usually think of meditation as something that closes off our senses and perception. But the purpose of an "empty mind" or no thought is to clear our sensory channels of mental chatter so we can perceive the world around us.
Scent gives our higher conscious, the nonverbal mind, something to focus on when we don't have or want the thought form of words. Scent helps us tune in and stay centered.
Fragrance has played an important role in meditation and ritual in every religion and culture throughout the ages. The scents of essential oils not only help us connect with nature and the elements, they help elevate us to different levels of consciousness.
There are several ways to enjoy essential oils for meditation. You can use a hydrosol spray in the room where you are sitting or doing yoga, use a diffuser, or put the oil directly on your skin.
For deeper meditation try putting oils on your pulse points—at your temples, wrists or behind your ears. You can also apply essential oils on chakra points. Apply essential oils to your Third Eye if you'd like to enhance higher states of consciousness, for example. Or gain mental clarity with
Bird of the Soul essential oil, an energizing, zesty blend of Sandalewood, Cypress, Lavender and other herbs to enhance memory and mental function.
Here are eight essential oils and their energy properties. Try one or several in your meditation practice to see if you can feel a world of difference!
1. Frankincense is believed to be a holy fragrance for its ability to help you connect with the spiritual world and deepen your faith in things unseen.
2. Myrrh is reported to be a great stress reducer by directly stimulating the hypothalamus, pituitary and amygdalin glands. Its sharp, uplifting scent imparts a deep sense of spirit, peace and tranquility.
3. Cedarwood helps us to focus within and see ourselves more clearly. Considered an 'internal light' it can also help illuminate the path to self awareness when you've lost your way. Cedarwood helps return you to your spiritual path when life's obstacles have obscured it.
4. Sandalwood is very helpful for healing, especially for emotional and spiritual wounds. It helps those who have heartache to open up and trust again.
5. Vetiver especially grounding. If you have trouble focusing or staying rooted, Vetiver can grab your head back from the clouds.
6. Neroli removes self-doubt. Its floral fragrance helps you become less critical and more accepting of yourself. Meditating with Neroli gives you courage to face your fears and the emotional stamina to accept whatever work you need to do on yourself. Highly sensual and transformative, its fragrance also inspires creativity.
7. Rose is the fragrance of both human and divine love. This romantic and sensual oil helps open your heart to receiving both self love and universal love.
8. Sage is one of the most clearing herbs. Because Sage cleanses and purifies negative energies it is commonly used to 'smudge' sacred spaces and neutralize environments before ceremonies. It is both grounding and restorative.
This are just a few of the wonderful ways you can use essential oils to enhance your meditation or energy practice.
Add them to your environment to make your energy practice more relaxing and more fun!