How to Meditate Using Crystals

How to Meditate Using Crystals



Meditation can be done without any props, but the use of crystals can help you focus. Meditation should be a time when your mind is clear and you connect with yourself. Any type of crystals can be used. The key is finding the ones that feel good to you.







Things You'll Need:





Quiet time




Comfortable clothing




Crystal of your choice









1


Begin by sitting comfortably, either in a straight backed chair or on the floor. Sitting in the Lotus Position is optional.





2


Set your crystal where it will be just in your line of sight holding your head up and looking straight ahead.





3


Focus your eyes on the crystal. Breathe in deep breaths through your nose and release the breath through your mouth. Try to clear your mind of all thoughts.





4


Bring your focus back to the crystal and continue the breathing practice anytime you catch your mind wondering, thinking of everyday concerns.





5


End your practice by closing your eyes, taking a deep breath and allowing your body to completely relax.








Tips & Warnings










Your mind will wander when doing any kind of meditation. Just bring the focus back to the crystal and start again.








Once you've begun to master the art of meditation, you may want to try chakra meditation using stones and crystals of different colors that correspond to the chakra points in the body.








The use of crystals in meditation and prayer has been known for centuries.








Once you have learned to meditate, you will find you can do it anywhere without any props or focal points.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2161738_meditate-using-crystals.html

How to Meditate to Stay Sane

How to Meditate to Stay Sane



Do you feel completely overwhelmed? Like you are being pulled in every direction possible and you never have a moment to yourself? Do you feel like you would lose your mind if you could ever even find the time to do that? Have you ever thought about taking time to meditate? It doesn't have to be hours, just a few minutes a day. This may just be one way to keep you sane or at least keep you from going insane. Hopefully, the following tips may help get you started on finding a few minutes for just you and your mind, something most of us, especially moms, feel we lost long ago.







Things You'll Need:





Quiet and relaxing room




Comfortable chair or cushion to sit on




Candle or some small focal point




Comfortable clothing









1


Sit down in a comfortable quiet place. You can either use a chair or just sit in the floor on a cushion. It doesn't matter. You need to turn off any source of noise such as the television or telephone. Make sure you have on comfortable clothing. It is important that you be comfortable.





2


Sit with your back straight and your head bent slightly forward. Put your hands on your lap. If you are in a chair make sure your feet are flat on the floor. If you are on a cushion, bend and slightly cross your legs. Make sure you can breathe without effort. Straightening your back will help with this.





3


Focus on a calming focal point such as the flame of a candle. You could use anything small that you can just focus on. You can even close your eyes, but most beginners tend to find it harder to concentrate if they completely close their eyes. They tend to let the "chatter" take over in their mind when they close their eyes. It is important to find whatever works best for you.





4


Allow your body to completely relax. Focus on relaxing every muscle in your body.





5


Focus on your breathing. Be aware of the in and out breaths you are taking. While breathing focus on positive words and block out any other thoughts.





6


Visualize a place that brings you complete calm. Get lost in that. Just let your mind flow. Keep it positive. Don't think about what you are fixing for dinner or what time soccer practice is tonight. Just focus on your special place, keep breathing and stay relaxed.








Tips & Warnings










Start out meditating for about 10 or 15 minutes a day.








Don't try to meditate when you are extremely tired. First thing in the morning is best.








Don't expect immediate results. Don't push yourself. It will take time to learn the technique and to be able to allow yourself to completely relax.








Meditate at least a couple of times a week.








Meditating will help you gain control over your mind which will make you less bothered by the little things in life because you will learn not to focus on them.








Meditate when you have time for yourself. For example, it's not a good idea to try and meditate right before you have to pick a child up from practice. You may get lost in the meditation and end up being late. That's kind of defeating the purpose.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2178200_meditate-stay-sane.html

How to meditate to get to sleep

How to meditate to get to sleep



It can sometimes be difficult to get to sleep. Here is a method that really works for me.







Things You'll Need:





A peaceful environment




Correct temperature




Subdued lighting or darkness




Patience!









1


Lie down and get yourself comfortable on your bed.





2


Close your eyes and concentrate on your breathing. Notice how the air is warmer when you breath it out, and colder when you breath in. Count your breaths until you reach 10, then keep repeating from zero until you reach 10 again. Do this several times.





3


When nice and relaxed, imagine yourself slowly floating up out of your body to the ceiling of your room. Try to use your imagination as vividly as possible.





4


Imagine turning round and looking at yourself and the room in this different perspective. Scan the room for familiar objects. Notice how they look different from higher up.





5


Imagine yourself floating higher - above your house. Again take a look around for familiar objects, buildings etc.





6


Imagine floating away on a journey. You are travelling to your favourite place of relaxation. It can be anywhere you like. A beach, a garden, a tropical island etc. It can be somewhere real or made up. Use as many sense as you can.





7


When you get there notice any sights or sounds. Notice how the air smells, how the ground feels under your feet. Interact with your own special place of relaxation, and enjoy!








Tips & Warnings










Do not TRY to sleep. Enjoy the experience. This meditation is as refreshing as sleep anyway, so it does not matter if you do not fall asleep. You will probably find it easier to drift off if you do not try to go to sleep.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2184480_meditate-sleep.html

How to Meditate on the Chakras

How to Meditate on the Chakras



There are seven major chakras, or energy centers, along the spine--from the base of your spinal cord to the top of your head. Each chakra has a different function, but they all work together to bring the body into balance spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Meditating on the chakras can enhance this balance and, in turn, your life.









1


Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and breathe deeply in and out, counting on every exhale until you reach 20. Observe any thoughts that pass through your mind, but gently let them go.





2


Envision the Muladhara chakra at the base of your spine. See it as a round red light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for how you interpret and react to the physical world.





3


Envision the Swadhisthana chakra in the area of your reproductive organs. See it as a round orange light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for your creativity.





4


Envision the Manipura chakra in the area of your solar plexus or navel. See it as a round yellow light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for your emotions.





5


Envision the Anahata chakra in the area of your chest or heart. See it as a round green light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for love.





6


Envision the Vishuddha chakra in the area of your throat. See it as a round blue light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for expression and communication.





7


Envision the Ajna chakra in the area of your forehead. See it as a round indigo (blue-ish purple) light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for your spirituality.





8


Envision the Sahasrara chakra at the top of your head. See it is a round violet-white light spinning like a wheel. Focus on the color and this chakra's function as the center of energy for connecting with God.





9


Envision all seven chakras spinning together in unison. This can be difficult, but gets easier with every meditation session.





10


Clear your mind and breathe deeply in and out, counting on the exhale until you get to 20. Again, observe any thoughts that pass through your mind, but gently let them go. Open your eyes, stand up and feel more balanced the rest of the day.








Tips & Warnings










The amount of time you plan for meditation--whether it's 10 minutes or an hour--should determine how long you spend meditating on each chakra. Since the goal is balance, give each of the chakras equal attention.








To see a color graphic of the seven major chakras along the spine, see More About Chakras linked to below.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2205487_meditate-chakras.html

How to Meditate on Breath

How to Meditate on Breath



The breath is an important element when practicing any meditation technique. The result of a regular breathing meditation practice may help you deal with the challenges of everyday life. When you learn to meditate on breath you can calm the mind, relax, manage stress and strengthen the nervous system. Read on to learn more.









1


Get into a comfortable sitting position. Place the hands on the thighs and keep your spine erect and relax your shoulders.





2


Close your eyes and start to relax the body by focusing on each part and let any stress in these areas just fall away. Take 5 to 6 minutes to do this.





3


Focus your attention on the belly area and observe how it rises and falls as you breathe. You should take regular even breaths. Continue to be aware of the breath as you inhale through the nostrils and then exhale out.





4


Continue to focus on your breathing. If your attention wanders then just return your awareness to the breathing again. When you begin this meditation practice, this may occur often so just gently return to the breathing each time this happens.





5


Relax and simply watch your breathing as you inhale through the nostrils and then release the air out. Practice meditating on breath for 15 to 20 minutes each day. You can increase this meditation practice to 30 minutes if you so desire.





6


Come out of the meditation by slowly opening your eyes and moving your body. You may feel more relaxed and calm after you learn to meditate on breath.


http://www.ehow.com/how_2270912_meditate-breath.html

How to Meditate on an Airplane

How to Meditate on an Airplane



Air travel can be long, boring and tedious unless you use the time while trapped in a tin flying machine for something constructive-like meditation. If you meditate on an airplane you will arrive at your destination more rejuvenated than stressed. Monks meditate for hours, if not days, so it doesn't matter if your flight hops to a nearby township or spans the ocean. You've got time.







Things You'll Need:





Preferably a window seat









1


Begin before take off. Sit comfortably in your plane seat, as much as that is possible in the cramped quarters. Place your feet firmly on the floor, keep your back straight and head erect. Close your eyes.





2


Start to deeply inhale and exhale, making each breath slower than the last and releasing all tension from the top of your head to your toes.





3


Incorporate the annoying oxygen mask demonstration into your meditation. Your eyes are closed but your ears may not be. As you pick up the words of the flight attendant, imagine that oxygen filling your lungs and refreshing your brain.





4


Focus on the take off. As the plane leaves the ground, imagine your soul, too, is beginning to soar. Picture your soul shimmying with the sun.





5


Keep breathing and concentrating on dancing with the sun. Once you reach 35,000 feet, you should be well on your way to a peaceful meditation throughout the flight.





6


Use airplane distractions to your benefit. Make any on board announcement, too-loud movie, person jostling you to use the john or someone trying to ask if you wish to buy an overpriced, bad meal part of your meditation. They are the evil forces of consciousness trying to blast you out of bliss and make you spend money on fattening food. Do not let them.





7


Bring yourself down with the plane upon landing. Imagine your soul slowly descending from space to land safely and serenely at your destination. Keep that feeling with you the entire time you're there.








Tips & Warnings










Place a "Do Not Disturb" sign on your lap if your seat mate won't get the hint that you don't want to chat about where you're from or where you're going.








If you don't have a window seat, ask for one. Often seats are available or a person may be willing to switch when they hear you must meditate, undisturbed, for your health.








Do not fear falling asleep. That, too, results in ultimate relaxation.








Do not answer questions or open your eyes throughout the entire flight. That can be your challenge and help pass the time if you can't get deep enough to meditate.








Don't give up. You never know if that blissful state will hit you immediately upon take off or somewhere over Indiana. Keep trying.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2144225_meditate-airplane.html

How to Meditate in the Middle of the Day

How to Meditate in the Middle of the Day



Day-to-day life can be crazy. Hectic schedules, deadlines, family obligations and a constant desire to make life a little bit better weigh on us from wake to sleep and sometimes even while we're attempting to sleep. Finding a balance, a respite, a chance to step back and breathe seems difficult, but it isn't.Meditation is clinically proved to lower blood pressure, ease stress and decrease chances of heart attack and stroke. Meditating, or just taking 60 seconds to stop your mind and body and simply exist, rather than constantly moving, can improve your mood, your entire day and, over time, your life.







Things You'll Need:





Absolutely nothing.







Closed eyes, deep breaths and calm mind make the day-to-day a breeze




1


Stop what you're doing. No matter where you are during the day, taking a moment to let your mind relax is essential to a healthy life. As Americans, in this 24-hour-a-day society, we never stop stressing or thinking about what we have to do next. If you're completing paper work at your desk or sitting in a traffic jam or fixing supper, pause for at least 60 seconds. Don't let your car swerve off the road or your saute pan burst into flames but find a moment in between moments to stop. If your surroundings are too distracting, find somewhere quiet. If you're at work, go to a stall in the restroom or to the break room or, go outside to your car or shut the door to your office. Find some place where no one will interrupt you. You can sit or stand, just make sure that you're comfortable.





2


Close your eyes. If you're in a traffic jam, or waiting for the light to change, don't close your eyes completely because you need to be aware of your surroundings, but at least take your eyes out of focus.





3


Stop your mind. This is the most difficult step for some people. Prevent your mind from racing from one stress factor to another. Concentrate on your breathing.





4


Take three slow, deep breaths that fill your lungs to capacity and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Feel your diaphragm rise and fall. Feel the tingle in your lungs as they fill with oxygen. Feel your abdomen tighten as you exhale fully, expelling all the air in your lungs. Continue this breathing exercise if you like, but do it at least three times to calm your mind and center your body.





5


Continue to concentrate on your breathing and clearing your mind. Once you have calmed and centered yourself, you can resume your work or delve further into meditation. On a hectic day, it's difficult to meditate deeply, but it's on those days that meditation is the most important. Centering your mind not only helps you to prioritize and concentrate but it helps you solve problems more efficiently and allows you to live in the moment. When events consume and disorient you, this 60 second meditation will help you to step away from mental activity and allow you to address your problems calmly, preventing rash decisions.





6


Do this everyday or as often as possible until you easily transition between meditation and activity so smoothly they are the same mind frame.








Tips & Warnings










If you are religious, you can also take this time to speak to God or address whatever you would like. Once you clear your mind, say a small prayer, praise or thanks. Not only will this help you with day-to-day activities but it will help keep you grounded in your religion.



http://www.ehow.com/how_2303921_meditate-middle-day.html