When I started this post I had in mind to post a technique for meditation, but then knowing how hard and lengthy that would be to write about a subject like that without giving it its proper weight, I thought I’d divert a bit and start with the elements that would help prepare you for meditation and provide you as well with an atmosphere of mind relaxation.
The use of Incense and Fragrant Oils:
Incense and oils are highly mind stimulating as well as relaxing substances. A variety of products can be used for aromatherapy uses, to scent candles, in soap making, massage oils, bath oils, etc.
I recommend using incense sticks or cones as well as fragrant oils around the house; in the bedroom, bathroom, and living room and while meditating.
Vital things to remember though:
1- Use oils (not incense) in the bedroom and make sure that you don’t sleep while the burner is still on, take the burner out of the bedroom 15 min before you retire to bed.
2- Use oils (not incense) while meditating and take the burner out of the room 15 min before you start your meditation.
The above mentioned points are really important because while these substances are helpful in relaxing your mind and preparing you for deep relaxation, they can be really hazardous to your respiratory system if not used properly.
I personally prefer using incense around the house for their immediate effect on the mind, but if you are allergic to them or you are asthmatic, please refrain from using them and settle for fragrant oils.
And remember use only 1-2 drops of oil and mix it with water in the container on top of the burner.
Here are some fragrances I recommend for healing purposes, it is better to use each essence separately and not mix them
(All the products mentioned above can be found in most nature shops; try L’OCCITANE/ Sooq Sharq/ Q8):
Anger: Jasmine, Patchouli, Rose, Orchid
Anxiety: Lavender, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Orchid.
Confidence: jasmine
Depression: Jasmine, Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood.
Fatigue and Exhaustion: Jasmine, Patchouli, Sandalwood.
Fear: Jasmine, Lemon, Sandalwood.
Grieve: Rose, Sandalwood.
Happiness and Peace: Rose, Sandalwood, Orchid.
Insecurity: Jasmine, Sandalwood.
Irritability: Lavender, Sandalwood.
Loneliness: Rose.
Memory and concentration: Lemon, Lemongrass.
Panic and Panic Attacks: Lavender, Rose.
Stress: Jasmine, Lavender, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood, Orchid.
Music
Music is the soul’s nourishment, and man has known the effect of music on his mind and soul all throughout history.
As for meditation I recommend the following CD’s of which most can be found in Virgin and The One:
-Zen Peace- AEOLIAH
-Silent Hearts-KARUNESH
– Meditation-Yoga-Reiki and relaxation-Waki
Reiki and Relaxation-Tao of Heaven (1)-
-New Age – Reiki and Relaxation-Tranquility
-Meditation-Buddhist Chant- Prajna Paramita
-New Age-Meditation-Relaxing-Solitudes
Japanese Flute-Yoga-
-Music for Meditation
-Yoga Zone- Music for Meditation
-Yoga Zone- Drum Meditation
-New Age-Meditation-Music for Sleeping
-Yoga- Zen Garden-Kokin Gumi-Feng Shui
-Solitudes-Zen meditation
-Yoga Meditation Four- Buddhist Drums, Bells
-Enya-Celtic Rain
-Vangelis-Himalaya
-Yoga-My Music-Tai Chi Relaxation
-Yoga- Tai Chi -08-Body, Mind&Sperit
-Xena-Tai Chi and Yoga
Mantra:
Mantra is a set of positive, reaffirmation sentences that one usually repeats while starting the mind relaxation session, and I will demonstrate the use of these sentences in my next post when I go through the actual art of meditation, there are so many types of mantras that can be used in a yoga session, all depending on the purpose of the mantra. Some use it as a connection to god, while others use it for some reaffirmation, and each yogi has his own mantra style; that’s why it’s not easily found in libraries or on the net. And like any paragraph; mantra has to start with a beginning, have a body, and an ending, therefore the sequence of mantra is very important. And it is also important to have a soft, mellow tune while reciting the mantra.
Here is an example of a self realization mantra I use in my yoga class:
– I had a hard, hectic day serving others; it is time for me to be with me, to befriend me, to get to know me better.
– I know that my mind is like a naughty child that will soon drift; therefore, I will treat him like a child and slowly deceive him to calmness.
– This time is totally and rightfully mine; I will not allow anyone or anything take these moments from me.
– I gather my thoughts and stack them on a shelf; I know they will be there when I finish, so for now they can stay there, while I enjoy my company.
– Now is time to meet me, the soul. The being that is not conditioned to the cruelties of the world, I am home, this is my origin: the pure me, the loving me, the honest me, the happy me, the witty me, the smart me.
– But wait, this is not all of me, there is also this body of mine, and I know it is beautifully created and I love every part of it, it is a real masterpiece.
– and my credentials, qualifications and accomplishments; let me take a closer look at them; I see that I have done a lot thus far, and I am proud of what I have done no matter how otherwise I was conditioned to believe.
– I know now that I’m already in love with this person who is me. And I know it is not egotism, rather, self worth.
– I deserve to be happy, I deserve to enjoy myself, I deserve the best coz I am the best.
– I know that only by loving myself I would be able to spread this love among others.
-all the noise outside does not belong to me now; I will not let them drift me from my ecstasy.
– it is time for me to drift together with this lovely creature who is me in a world of stillness, a world of calmness, a world of complete silence.
Now, not all yogis use mantra. But I see it very helpful, therefore I always use it. So if you like the idea and want to give it a try; design your own meditation mantra.
How to design your own meditation mantra?
You can tape your own voice by reciting the mantra mentioned above (or creating your own) and choose one of the meditation music as a background, and continue this music for another20 min on the same tape. Prepare this for yourself before we start the next session on meditation.
Candles:
The use of candles is very essential for indoor meditation practice, but make sure you DO NOT use scented candles while you meditate. But you can use them around the house to bring calmness to your atmosphere.
The candles that I recommend for meditation are the small types that come in small tin containers like the ones used for burners as shown in the picture above. They can be used in their cute little cups, but you don’t need containers for them; you can just place them in a glass. You can get them from IKEA, The One, or True Value (100 for almost 1.5 KD), these shops also have some nice varieties of candle cups. Get only three cups coz you will only need three candles in each meditation session.
Ching Ching
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