Everyone can meditate! Yes, even you! Meditation is simply the act of quieting your mind and practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is the method of grounding yourself and getting present and becoming fully engaged in whatever it is you are doing at the moment. Meditation can be synonymous with prayer, introspection and reflection. Most people envision a very spiritual yogi sitting in lotus pose for hours upon hours, happily meditating. The truth is that meditation can look like this, but it doesn’t have to. If we can introduce just a few minutes of mindfulness meditation into our daily rituals, it can be life-changing.

Meditation is not easy. Ask anyone who has been meditating for years and they will tell you, truthfully, that although meditation is not effortless, the benefits far outweigh the frustrations. Like a muscle, meditation is a skill which needs to be exercised. It takes patience, time and consistency to hone your meditation practice. Incorporating meditation into your life is not about becoming a new or better or more spiritual person, but rather becoming more acquainted with yourself. The benefits of meditation are endless. Meditation can help lower your stress, improve your focus and clarity, lessen brain chatter, help you understand your feelings and emotions and help you connect with yourself and others on a deeper level. And above all, meditation connects you with the Divine!

20 minutes of meditation in the morning and evening is proven to be the most life-changing with long term benefits and significant results of stress reduction - but once a day for 20 min is a good start. That said, taking a few minutes daily to breathe mindfully and sit in quietude and prayer, is beneficial no matter what.

There are many different kinds of meditation techniques, so finding one that works for you is important. If you try one meditation style for a while and it’s not working for you, try something else. The mental realm is often elusive and it can be challenging to quiet the mind chatter. The most important aspect to remember about meditation is that your mind will inevitably wander. And that’s okay! Patiently notice where your thoughts go and then bring yourself back to the here and now. It’s all part of the purification and mindfulness process. Below are a few meditation techniques for you to explore and try:

Guided Meditation: a teacher in person or virtually, leads you step by step through the practice. This is often the best entry point for beginners.

Unguided Meditation: simply sitting quiet and alone paying close attention to your breath, body and thoughts

Mantra Meditation: a meditation where you recite or chant a syllable, word or phrase generally using a mala

Calming Meditation: a meditation aimed to cultivate a calm, peaceful and more focused state of mind

Insight Meditation: a meditation with intention to cultivate a specific quality or virtue

Focused Attention Meditation: meditation focused solely on breath

Visualization Meditation: a meditation where you picture something in your mind and it becomes the object of your focus

Loving Kindness Meditation: send positive energy and loving kindness first to yourself and then to others

Reflection Meditation: reflect on a question or thought and pay attentions to your feelings and your thoughts 

For beginners and novices alike, using aromatherapy to aid in meditation and setting daily intentions is highly beneficial. Aromatherapy helps to train our brains to enter certain states of consciousness more quickly and effectively. 

The science behind aromatherapy is simple. Aromatic compounds are inhaled through the nose and travel through the nasal tract which contain the Olfactory Receptors. Inhaled aromatic compounds turn into Odor Molecules that first reach the Olfactory Bulb. The Olfactory Bulb then transmits smell information to the Brain and to the Limbic System. The Limbic System is connected to the parts of the Brain that control memory, emotion and hormone balance. The Limbic System will then signal the release of neurochemicals, hormones and neurotransmitters which help the body regulate psychological and physical functions.

If we can ritualize our meditation practice with aroma and scent, we will arrive in that meditative state faster and more precisely. Think of a scent that elicits a memory response. When you smell that scent, it can instantly transport you back in time to a specific place or memory; this is aromatherapy. Apply this perspective to meditation and achieve better results with your practice.

You can quickly and easily find just about any kind of meditation on the internet. YouTube is a great resource, as well as phone apps and many mindfulness and wellness websites. Once you have your chosen meditation, find a quiet place and follow along with these simple steps for an effective and powerful aromatherapeutic meditation

• Find a quiet place. This could be a closed room away from people or in your sacred ritual space.
• Light a candle and clear the energy of the space with White Sage Sacred Mist or Purification & Protection Aura Mist. You can also burn herbs such as Sage, Cedar, Yerba Santa or Palo Santo.
• Sit in a comfortable position.
• You may set a timer if you wish.
• Apply an oil such as Meditation & Trance Anointing Oil, Peace & Purification Anointing Oil, or Quan Yin Sacred Perfume, inhaling the scent and connecting the fragrance with your intention.
• Breathe. Follow and pay attention to your breath as you inhale and exhale.
• Notice when your mind wanders away from the focus of your breath. Gently refocus and bring your attention back to your breath.
• Close your time of meditation with an affirmation of gratitude.

For a most effective meditation practice, set aside time each day at the same time if possible. Create a unique ritual for yourself to help you get into the right state of mind each time you sit down to meditate. Use the same oils and repeat your process over and over again.

From the teachings of Thomas Amelio:

A Mala is a string of beads used to count mantras (Sanskrit sound formulas) in sets of 108 repetitions. A mantra is a word or series of words chanted aloud, or silently to invoke spiritual essences. Chanting is used as a spiritual tool in virtually every cultural and religious tradition. In the yogic tradition a mantra is a Sanskrit word that has special powers to transform consciousness, promote healing, or awaken certain desirable qualities. The practice of chanting a mantra is used as a form of meditation, or a way to clear the mind for deeper stillness meditation. Sitting in a comfortable position, with the eyes closed, you can begin with japa spoken or intoned aloud (vaikhari), whispering (upamsu) or silently (manasik). The mind is focused on the mantra, the thoughts are let go of and the breath is slow and deep. A common way to way to use the mala is to track the beads using the thumb pressed against the bent index finger.

Instructions: Hold your mala up to your heart center (middle of chest) in your right hand. Form a “bridge” with your ring finger and thumb, this forms the “track” over which you pull one bead at a time with your middle

finger. When you have done 108 (one round) you will then hit the 109th bead that sticks out from the rest (the “meru” or “guru” bead), at which time, to do a second round, you reverse direction and go around till you hit the guru bead again (don’t cross the guru!) If you choose to do a third round you would again reverse direction, and so on.

Use Meditation & Trance Anointing Oil to aid in meditation and to enhance spirituality. This is a highly spiritual, sacred blend that's perfect for meditation, yoga, rituals, ceremonies and prayer. It increases visions and connects us to the divine while keeping a centered, grounded mind. Meditation & Trance Anointing Oil is a warm, subtle blend of Frankincense and Sandalwood. Apply to your Third Eye for intuition, sight and visualization and to your Crown Chakra for added benefits related to Higher Consciousness and connection to the Divine. 

Purification & Protection Aura Mist is a cleansing aromatherapy mist created to remove negativity, relieve stress and restore balance. Purification & Protection Aura Mist features exotic Sandalwood and comforting Lavender. Use Purification & Protection Aura Mist as an instant aromatherapy treatment by spraying in a circular motion above the crown of your head. As the mist falls down all around you, breathe deeply and feel the purifying power of the essential oils as any anger, negativity or stagnation dissolves away. Take a moment for reflection and embrace your new lightness of being. This mist is also a great way to remove bad vibes and cleanse any space to create a balanced atmosphere. Make it a part of your yoga or meditation ritual to help clear the mind and set your intention for practice. Additionally, Purification & Protection Mist is a powerful alternative when you can't burn sage or other cleansing herbs.

Quan Yin Sacred Perfume inspires kindness and forgiveness. Quan Yin is the Goddess of mercy, compassion and loving kindness. Heavenly Rose evokes the vibration of the divine feminine and re-instills faith, while Sandalwood and Vanilla encourage forgiveness and help you live in the present.

Peace & Purification Anointing Oil promotes relaxation and helps counter stress. This is a comforting and calming blend that helps support us during times of anxiety, stress, and depression and instills a deep sense of calm. Peace & Purification Anointing Oil is also a great aid against headaches and migraines and supports rest and relaxation. Peace & Purification Anointing Oil is a soothing & comforting blend of floral Lavender and calming Roman Chamomile. Apply to your Third Eye for intuition, sight and visualization and to your Throat Chakra for aid in communication, self-expression, song and voice.

Star Medicine Perfumewill guide you beyond this dense reality, help you surpass the turbulence of the human condition and align you with the luminous sphere of the stars. The inspiration came to me in a meditation, on a challenging night when I was craving escape from the unstoppable thought patterns of my mind. As I was focusing on elevating my consciousness, I began to experience an otherworldly, divine atmosphere which I could only describe as Star Medicine. The hieroglyph of the celestial Egyptian Goddess Nut is depicted here to help you move beyond the terrestrial world and into the magical universe of the cosmos. Tunisian Neroli, with her ability to touch the astral realm, is the star of this aromatic medicine. Resinous, Omani Frankincense cradles her in his ancient arms. Apply this heavenly perfume to your third eye and your wrists for inhalation.

Envision Moon rays emanating from the astral plane enveloping you in an aura of ethereal calmness, balancing the present moment and soothing the past and future. Moon Medicine Perfume will soften the borders between the inner and outer world, guide you through the realm of dreams and bring healing to your journeys through the shadowlands. It's perfect for any Moon ritual! Khonsu is the Egyptian god of the Moon and time; a night traveler who brings illumination to the dark sky. Through his association with the Moon, he was also considered a fertility god and one who helps both flora and fauna grow strong and healthy. Breathe in the trance-inducing quality of mystical Indian Sandalwood while surrendering to the sweet nature of Coconut. With a wisp of dawn-blooming Jasmine and a touch of Citron, you may now feel the protection and blessing of all phases of the Moon.

Sphinx Moth Body Perfume Oil was created for grounding and empowerment. The Sphinx Moth is a strikingly beautiful moth named after the Great Sphinx of Egypt - part human, part animal and lover of the sun god Ra and the earth from which it rises. Sphinx Moth Body Perfume Oil empowers you and instills a lust for life, letting you feel the joy of the sun and the depth of the Earth. Run, dance, howl; this life is yours to do with as you please. Just let yourself be free. You are safe now. Sophisticated Oakmoss combined with musky Labdanum creates a profound and highly spiritual cradle for the sunny-sweet spirit of Bergamot and the tender-hearted Ylang Ylang. This is a blend worthy of the Ancient Egyptian Gods. Lavish yourself and apply from head to toe to perfume your whole body in the fashion of the Ancient Egyptians. It’s a great way to start the day after a bath or shower and can also be mixed with your favorite unscented lotion.

Clarity & Focus Anointing Oil helps remove blocks and improve concentration. This mentally and emotionally uplifting blend is great for studying, exams, decision making and bringing clarity to an overworked mind. Clarity & Focus Anointing Oil is a blend of bright Citrus, focus-enhancing Rosemary and warm spicy Cinnamon. Apply to your Third Eye for added benefits related to your intuition, sight and visualization.

Use Fertility & Manifestation Anointing Oil to manifest new ideas and create miracles. The word fertility signifies the preparation of fertile ground for planting or creating something new - in art, relationships, health, business and money etc. - in other words, generate fertile energy to manifest a new creation. Fertility & Manifestation Anointing Oil is a tool to help bring forth your inner visionary and create something uniquely your own. Fertility & Manifestation Anointing Oil is a blend of musky Indonesian Patchouli with sunny sweet Orange and a touch of Indian spice. Apply to your Solar Plexus for added benefits related to your truth, self and center of will and to your Sacral Chakra for creativity, sexuality and strength.

Woman See Bright Anointing Oil is the ultimate blend for women. This blend evokes divine feminine wisdom and brings clarity and inspiration while balancing female energies. It also helps conquer fear and insecurity and is beneficial during PMS, menopause and childbirth as Clary Sage promotes a healthy hormonal balance. Woman See Bright Anointing Oil is a rich, sophisticated blend of Clary Sage and Jasmine. Apply to your Sacral Chakra for creativity, sexuality and strength, to your Heart Chakra for love, compassion and emotional balance and to your Third Eye for added benefits relating to your intuition, sight and visualization.

White Sage is a powerful and sacred herb revered for its cleansing and purifying properties. White Sage clears negative, stagnant energy and acts as an aid to connect you with the spiritual realm. Use this sacred Sage blend when you are unable to burn herbs in your space or keep it with you throughout the day for those moments that need clearing, cleansing and purification. Our White Sage is grown at a small family farm in Southern California. The plant is native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, found mainly in the coastal sage scrub habitat of Southern California and Baja California, on the western edges of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts. Shake your White Sage Sacred Mist well and spray around the body and living spaces to banish negativity, cleanse, purify and protect.

Breath of Life Diffuser Oil is a calming blend of Lavender, Lemon, Sandalwood and Frankincense created to nurture the spirit and inspire sacred wisdom. Breath of Life Diffuser Oil is a perfect oil to relieve stress and diffuse during yoga, meditation or any spiritual practice.

Grounding Earth Diffuser Oil is a grounding blend of Cedarwood, Frankincense, Juniper created to center the mind and reconnect us to the earth. Grounding Earth Diffuser Oil keeps us rooted to combat the chaos of modern life.

Use Tranquil Moonlight Massage + Body Oil for peace, relaxation and sleep. A deeply calming and relaxing oil, Tranquil Moonlight helps release tension and promotes comfort, relaxation and rest. It supports sleep and rest by inducing a state of calm and tranquility as your worries and mind-chatter dissolve away into the ether. Massage over the entire body with emphasis on the heart and solar plexus. Breathe deeply and visualize the gentle calming moonlight wash over you and cleanse any worries or burdens. Self-apply before bed and drift off into deep restorative rest. Sweet dreams! Tranquil Moonlight Massage + Body Oil is a blend of warm, supportive wood notes and vanilla-y balsam which cradle sage and floral notes. Lavender comes together with Sandalwood to nurture and promote tranquility and grounding, Peru Balsam provides warmth and Clary Sage fosters deep calm and relaxation.

Water Aromatherapy Body Lotion was created for purification and healing. Water is purifying, rejuvenating, and transformational. Visualize your emotional pallet being cleansed as calming Lavender tames your nerves and night-blooming Jasmine intoxicates your senses. Allow the energy of water to flow through you, leaving you cleansed, feeling safe and nurtured. Lavish this lotion generously from head to toe while setting your intention for the day or evening. Inhale the divine aromas and visualize your wishes coming true.