One of the most beautiful things about meditation is that you can do it anytime, anywhere. You can carry it with you, so to speak. No supplies are required. All you need is yourself and a space to be.
That said, there are some things that can enhance your meditation session. These things are certainly not necessary for a deep, wonderful meditation experience, but they can assist. One example is a meditation cushion, if you’re sitting on a hard floor. Another is soothing music or recordings of chants. Listening to music or chanting can help some people to relax more effectively than sitting in silence.
Along the lines of these meditation “helpers” are essential oils. Some essential oils can add a lot to your experience. The aromas and healing properties of certain oils can do a lot to accentuate your meditation. They are naturally tailored to helping you let go of tension and deepen your state of awareness.
There are many essential oils that can be great for boosting your meditation. The following ten are a few to try:
Lavender
If you’re new to essential oils, lavender is the place to start. This oil is gentle, soothing and has been used for centuries to promote relaxation. Rub a little bit on your temples to help relieve anxiety and tension headaches, and to promote a deep feeling of calm.
Sage
Many cultures around the world have been burning sage for hundreds of years, and for good reason. The earthy fragrance is thought by some to clear away negative energies, leaving room for your positive energy to shine. This essential oil also promotes alertness, brings balance and may help to relieve depression.
Cedarwood
Cedarwood oil is one of my favorite essential oils for meditation. It fosters an introspective focus and its woody scent is very grounding. Cedarwood also has sedative qualities. Diffuse some cedarwood around your room and rub some onto the soles of your feet for a potent meditative experience.
Spruce
Spruce is a great essential oil for supporting healthy breathing, as well as mental clarity. It may also help to reduce fatigue and lift your spirits. It’s a great one to use when meditating on how to overcome challenges you are facing.
Frankincense
This ancient essential oil has long been associated with spirituality. One of the many benefits of frankincense is helping to clear congestion, which is essential for relaxed breathing. It can also help to relieve stress and promote restful sleep.
Myrhh
Often associated with frankincense, myrrh is a deeply calming essential oil. This oil may help to stimulate important glands in the body, as well as the hypothalamus, which governs many physical and emotional functions. Myrrh can also help you to focus, which, of course, greatly aids meditation.
Ylang-ylang
Ylang-ylang is a soothing essential oil which can help to lower your blood pressure and enhance a sense of overall calm. It is great to use if you are feeling anxious, and it pairs very well with lavender essential oil. Ylang-ylang has also been used to promote spiritual balance.
Jasmine
The sweet, intoxicating scent of jasmine is useful for much more than just soaps and shampoos. Like many other essential oils on this list, jasmine can help to reduce stress and alleviate anxiety symptoms. If you feel your thoughts churning too fast and your heart racing, try adding some jasmine to your meditation. This essential oil is also associated with encouraging intimacy.
Rose
Like jasmine, rose essential oil is associated with romance and intimacy. It is also sometimes used for meditations on opening your heart, and connecting with the spiritual within yourself. The scent of rose is also uplifting and helps to encourage positive thoughts.
Bergamot
This sweet, citrusy essential oil is great for promoting feelings of calm and helping to relieve muscle tension. The aroma of bergamot may also help to ease anxiety and depression, leaving you more centered for your meditation. This essential oil should not be exposed to light; make sure to keep it in a dark room or cupboard.
A few tips
When using essential oils, be sure to purchase high quality, therapeutic grade oils from a source you trust. To get the aroma circulating throughout the room, put a few drops in an essential oil diffuser. These oils can also be applied to pressure points, just be sure to mix a few drops with a base oil such as coconut oil or grapeseed oil. On their own, essential oils can be very potent and may irritate skin. Lavender is an exception to this; it is gentle enough to apply directly.
Another great way to get the benefits of aromatherapy is to put a few drops of your favorite essential oil on your palm, rub your hands together and take a few deep breaths of the oil before you meditate.
What’s your favorite essential oil for meditation?
— Meditation Daily
