Breathing takes center stage of all meditation. It is really the center of all life (whether it be respiration with lungs, photosynthesis, or nitrogen fixation)- the process of give and take- inhale and exhale is a microcosom of the fundamental flow of energy. Focusing on our breath can improve any daily activity. Proper breathing and energy flow enhances many physical aspects of the body and brings greater mind-body awareness. Many negative health symptoms from blood pressure, to organ function, to anxiety can be prevented, improved, or curbed through better respiration. You will find that almost all guided meditations, and books on the subject start here and it is simple why- everything starts here. It is a basic process that 99% of our waking life we never even think about (until we are short of breath or suffering an illness). Yes, this life giving wave continues to break upon the shores of the self. Just like we take many gifts of life for granted, it is important to bring awareness to the rhythms that connect conscious thought to the body.

I start here because my biggest break-through in meditation happened surrounding a very simple classic breathing mindfulness exercise. Simplified, it goes like this:

The individual finds a comfortable position- seated or laying. They inhale deeply and exhale deeply. Keeping the mind focused on various aspects of the breath. From the feeling of the air passing through the nostrils, to the expansion of the chest. The hands can be placed on various chakra apexes (one on each adjacent to each other- ex. throat and heart). One only focuses on various sensations of the breath through the body. If your awareness is taken elsewhere just gently bring yourself back to the breath.

I find this simple exercise to solve one of the main misconceptions I had about meditation. I used to think that meditation means clear your mind- no thoughts. Although this is a great technique, and has its purpose, it is typically very difficult to achieve (for my chattering mind at least). Also creating the perfect environment................. don't get me wrong I can get there.... for a minute until my leg has an itch, or there is a car honking its horn from across the street.

Giving the mind something to truly focus on and become mindful of, free from judgments (like breath or simple observations) is a great place to start to calm the wandering mind. Practice in meditation strengthens our will to block out some of this clutter and focus on what is pivotal; however, it takes time and practice. What I am getting at is give yourself some slack. No one is a Buddhist monk levitating holding a lotus on day one. It takes time to train the brain to resonate at new frequencies.

Crystal Instruments

Tools help make our lives easier and more efficient across the board. When we struggle to learn a new skill, or even when we challenge our boundaries, tools can help us cross hurdles. There are many tools that can be used in meditation and mindfulness; however, the most diverse, specialized, and beautiful must be crystals. At times this idea can get rather too far stretched or mystical for some; however even from a purely scientific perspective these crystallized compounds of nature can truly help inspire and guide us. 

So lets take this at surface value for a moment (if I can convince those on the other side and clarify the grand impact of these objects):

Crystals are beautiful, they just are. They have fascinated us for eons, and for good reason. They form in geometrically pleasing patterns and fractals. They can come in vivid colors sparcely seen in nature. They can flourece, glow, sparkle, and shine. I mean, we are helpless to the allure. They have thus inspired art and culture through jewelry, fueled scientific discoveries through chemistry, and even in the modern age, they have been implemented to power our computers and technology. They are at the heart of many of the hallmarks of what we consider to differentiate us as human. Amazing tools and natural resources there is no doubt.

Beyond this crystals work on a level of subtle energy. As I mentioned above, various crystalline compounds are often used in computers (from memory to electrical conduction- Computers and scientific instruments still account for a large portion of the mineral trade; however, this demand has dwindled in recent years due to the ability to synthesize crystalline compounds in the lab). Crystals are known to hold memory, charge, and create resonance. For me, many processes are reflected at various levels and can be applied to multiple disciplines. 

Visual Meditation & Mindfulness

What is the best way to start using crystals for mindfulness and meditation? 

When I was very young I studied an old idea of gazing at a candle flame or a bonfire. The shapes, the heat, the movement, the way it cast shadows etc...  Trainging the eyes to use a focused versus relaxed gaze came intuitively through this process. It almost entrances the mind and can take you on a journey. How many times have you set at a camp fire peacefully looking at the crackle? Your mind goes into a unique middle ground of perception-yet dream like hypnosis. The wonderful thing is you seem to judge less and merely feel- yet you are retaining thought and information. This idea can be utilized in meditation by using crystal gazing. 

Gazing- Simplified 

Begin in a comfortable position with your desired level of lighting (I like sunlight or direct light to be able to see better details). You can use any crystal or stone you have handy (a list of my favorites are below). Hold the stone in your hand as it is comforatble and close your eyes. Breath deeply and relax- keeping the mind still, focused, and receptive. I like to start by focusing on my breathing for a few minutes. Then I transition my awareness to the stone. First how it feels in my hand- the weight, the temperature, smooth or rough etc..

Gently open your eyes. Look at the object as though it is a new world waiting to be discovered. Start with which ever feature first grabs you. Notice every aspect of it- from texture, to geometric shape, to the way it holds light. Let your eyes wander to each space of the crystal surrounding this detail- again noticing each aspect. Move from looking at the surface to gazing deep into the interior of the crystal. Notice inclusions, play with mirrored light, etc... It is a free form of play. As if you are looking at the details of the face of a loved one in order to commit them to memory. Loving and accepting of each imperfection, and celebrating in wonder at each unique characteristic. If the mind wanders to anything judgmental or outside the crystal gently bring yourself back to an open, child like mind of discovery. Often the piece will take you where you need. Finish by continuing deep breathing, just allowing yourself to feel the stone, sofenting your gaze and/or closeing your eyes- always ending in gratitude and love (or which ever intention you prefer)<3

The long and Short

 Meditating really is a form of exercise. Just like most skills and exercises there are different tools that one can use to assist in various types of meditation. In many cases mediation can be a great way to begin or end a physical exercise routine. Although it is quite different from what we typically think of  as a classic form of athletics (running, playing basket ball, going to the gym, etc..), they go hand in hand. They use many of the same concepts (focus, discipline, will power, knowing and pushing boundaries etc..) to build, grow and develop- all in pursuit of better health.