Meditation is one of the most inclusive practices in the world. It is said to have a range of mental and emotional benefits, such as improved focus and memory and increased self-esteem.
Scientific evidence has proven that meditation encourages relaxation throughout the mind and body, and triggers structural changes in the brain that improve our wellbeing.
So, this begs the question: if meditation has been clinically proven to have physical and emotional benefits, why do we need crystals?
First, we must stress that crystals aren't compulsory when practising meditation and are mainly used to enhance the benefits you already get. Everyone's meditation experience will be different, but the general idea is that it instils a sense of calm throughout the body; so, when you add a crystal to this, it's believed that its metaphysical properties will heighten these senses further.
Crystals are said to be powerful tools that deepen your meditation practice – so if you're looking to choose a crystal for this, let us help you through the process.
WHICH CRYSTALS ARE BEST TO CHOOSE FOR MEDITATION?
There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing crystals. All crystals and gemstones are said to be filled with energy and vibrations, so it comes down to finding one that works for you and your specific needs.
However, this means you have every crystal on the planet to choose from! So to narrow your search a little, here are a few to get you started:
Rose Quartz
Rose Quartz is known as the love stone. In addition to being a wonderful gift for newlyweds, it's also claimed to help heal feelings of heartbreak and grief.
Amethyst
Amethyst has long been considered a stone of protection and is said to help clear any negative energy that may be tarnishing your space.
Black Obsidian
Darker crystals like Black Obsidian are considered 'grounding stones'. They are said to restore balance by bringing one closer to the earth and back to one's roots.
Citrine
Citrine is said to focus on joy and prosperity, and is a stone often used to guide a person to a life of abundance and success. According to crystal enthusiasts, it is a wonderful stone for those who need guidance in achieving their goals.
Clear Quartz
Clear Quartz is thought to have multiple purposes, and is therefore considered a must-have crystal. Widely used by collectors for cleansing other crystals in their collection, it is said to have healing properties ranging from stimulating your immune system to improving your focus.
Due to claims surrounding its many properties crystal enthusiasts worldwide believe that, if you bring any crystal into your life, it should be Clear Quartz.
THERE ARE STILL SO MANY TO CHOOSE FROM – HOW DO I MAKE THE DECISION?
It's possible to look into crystals and their properties and still need help to choose one that's right for you. But, there are ways through it.
Suppose you're looking for guidance on choosing a crystal based on its properties. In that case, you can also dig into your personal or professional lifestyle to decide. For example:
Choose a crystal that aligns with your goals
If you're currently enduring something specific in your life, choose a crystal that best fits it. For example, if you're starting a new job or moving house, pick a stone like Moonstone that's said to guide you through new beginnings. Alternatively, if you're healing a broken heart or suffering the loss of a loved one, the crystal to help is claimed to be Rose Quartz.
Choose a crystal that complements one you already have
If you already have a crystal in your collection, do some research to find another crystal that could pair well with it. For example, if you have a darker stone for grounding, such as Obsidian, other balancing stones, such as Jasper and Tiger's Eye, are said to pair well with it.
However, whether you're a crystal enthusiast or a complete beginner, gathering members of the Quartz family (Amethyst, Clear Quartz, Rose Quartz and Smokey Quartz) is said to be beneficial.
Choose a crystal that chooses you
Nobody knows your body like you do, so it's widely encouraged to hold a crystal in your hands and see how it feels to you.
This may be a common practice if you already have experience with crystals. Still, it's said that one of the best methods is to trust your instincts, even if you're a complete beginner.
I HAVE MY CRYSTALS. WHERE DO I START?
No matter what crystal you've chosen, it's said that it must be cleansed before use.
According to crystal enthusiasts, you can cleanse your crystal by:
Submerging it in running water
Burying it in dry brown rice
Setting it under natural light
Burning sage around it
Using sound to bring the vibrations together
Please note that not all crystals can withstand the same cleansing methods, and particular stones require particular methods. Before cleansing, it's important to research which crystals require which cleansing method.
For more information, please read our blog on the different ways to cleanse and purify your crystals.
HOW DO I INCORPORATE MY CRYSTAL INTO MY MEDITATION PRACTICE?
If you've never meditated using crystals before, never fear! There's no right or wrong way to do it. You can hold the crystal while you meditate or place it on a part of your body or somewhere near you.
If you are a complete beginner when it comes to meditation, here are a few tips to get you started:
Take a few moments beforehand to relax your body and clear your mind
Make sure you have a quiet space
Eliminate distractions
Sit, stand or lie in a position that is going to be consistently comfortable for you
Focus on your breathing
Bring a positive attitude
Meditation affects everyone in different ways, and you don't have to be a mindfulness expert or have meditated for years to see the benefits.
Because meditation is very inclusive, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. It's widely believed that if you have an open mind and a willingness to connect, you really cannot go wrong.
