Meditation is defined as the action or practice of meditating, which in turn is defined as the practice of engaging in contemplation or reflection. While the dictionary definition can feel rigid, we know that meditation is fluid, and can encompass different rituals and practices that can help bring our bodies and minds into stillness. One of the ways you can enhance your meditation practice is through aromatherapy, with the use of essential oils known to be grounding and centering.
THE MOST RELAXING ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MEDITATION
Frankincense - is one of the most widely regarded essential oils for use in spiritual practice, including meditation. Ancient Egyptians used this resin as perfume and incense and as an offering to the Gods. Spiritually, frankincense is regarded to bring deep peace and balance and to bring clarity to the mind as you explore a meditative state and deeper spiritual understanding 1.
Clary Sage - is a powerful euphoric essential oil and is widely regarded for its ability to bring centeredness to the symptoms of imbalance such as mood swings or lethargy. It’s spiritually used to help women navigate significant transitions in life - puberty, motherhood, etc - as this oil is sometimes used to symbolize the “sacred feminine” 2.
Lavender - a sweet and reassuring essential oil, lavender is perhaps the most well known of all essential oils, regarded highly for its known benefits such as inducing calm and relaxation. In spiritual practice, it is known to encourage compassion and gentleness towards others, and is said to help relieve the feeling of heavy emotions 3.
Sandalwood - a woodsy and warming base note, sandalwood is touted for its ability to calm unstable emotions and help soothe frayed nerves. It’s used spiritually to support the heart chakra and lessen feelings of vulnerability, while encouraging perseverance during challenging times 4.
As with all single note essential oils, a safety best practice is to dilute with a carrier oil like jojoba or grapeseed prior to use, or add to a diffuser for an aromatic experience.
HOW TO USE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MEDITATION
One of the easiest ways to use essential oils for meditation is through diffusion. Diffusers are a simple way to disperse the benefits of the oils throughout your space, and by refreshing your air and creating a soothing atmosphere, you’re setting the stage for an easier transition to mindfulness.
DIFFUSER BLENDS FOR MEDITATION:
Tranquility - a serene blend of marjoram, roman chamomile and ylang ylang to help prepare your body and mind for relaxation.
Deep Breath - a renewing blend of eucalyptus, lemon and peppermint to encourage creating space to take a deep breath as you move your mind towards stillness.
Mountain High - elevate your spirit with a renewing blend of balsam fir, pine needle and sage to help ground and clear your mind.
OUR ESSENTIAL OILS FOR MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS
Another simple way to use essential oils in your meditation practice is through topical application. At Saje, we make this easy by formulating our roll-on’s with carrier oils in a safe dilution, or by providing dilution instructions, in order to apply them directly to the body to enhance your meditative experience. Try rolling onto pulse points like your temples and wrists, or delicate areas like behind the ears and on the throat. Breathe deeply for maximum benefit, and let the comforting and restorative properties of essential oils compliment your spiritual practice.
ROLL-ON’S FOR MEDITATION:
Unwind - a harmonizing blend of lavender, bergamot and geranium to help soothe the mind and encourage a sense of balance.
Stress Release - ease stress and calm worries with this stabilizing blend of lavender, clary sage and vetiver for the ultimate in relaxation.
Yoga - an earthy and grounding blend of orange, patchouli and neroli to center your mind and instill feelings of peacefulness.
REFERENCE LIST
- Harding, J. (2013). The Essential Guide to Oils: all the healing oils you will ever need for well-being and vitality. London: Watkins Publishing, frankincense.
- Harding, J. (2013). The Essential Guide to Oils: all the healing oils you will ever need for well-being and vitality. London: Watkins Publishing, clary sage.
- Harding, J. (2013). The Essential Guide to Oils: all the healing oils you will ever need for well-being and vitality. London: Watkins Publishing, lavender.
- Harding, J. (2013). The Essential Guide to Oils: all the healing oils you will ever need for well-being and vitality. London: Watkins Publishing, sandalwood.
