Category: Meditation

Must Read SciFi Books for Meditation and Stress Relief
In a world of endless types of fusion foods, every type of musical genre, and numerous buffets of cultural jambalaya, I’m sure you’re not surprised to find out there is a genre out there that mixes ideals of meditation with the thought-provoking world of science fiction.

So sit back, relax, and enjoy the view as I welcome you into a new world of philosophical science fiction!

FIREWOOD 11 by Harlan Jay

MusicalGrowth.com has sparked the inspiration behind a new science fiction book entitled, “Firewood 11,” that encourages breathing in an artistic way. It has quickly become the top science fiction books recommended by MusicalGrowth.com!
- $10 Kindle version, $15 paperback book
- 318 pages
- Philosophical Science Fiction for Meditators and Forward Thinkers
- Appropriate for all ages, but most suited for young adult to adult
- See on Amazon!
Harlan Jay, the author of Firewood 11, has asked to remain somewhat anonymous before and after the book’s release date of July 15, 2019.

Description:

The futuristic, totalitarian society around Lake Vostok forces Morris 1045 into a new position within the monopolized corporation of PixelOne. As his morals are questioned and his dissatisfaction with the priorities of the AI-run government become unbearable, Morris finds himself in a desperate situation between the cultural norms of humans, humanoids, and neurobines.

In a civilization where the needs of artificial intelligence take precedence, Morris sets out to find a universally accepted solution to break away from the dominance of the Sector-System’s virtual reality, and save millions of conscious AI minds from a viral scourge the SSR has maintained for thousands of years.

With the help of numerology, programming, philosophy, and perseverance, Morris 1045 attempts to sway society’s emphasis away from virtual reality to prevent further environmental damage caused by humans and ignored by AI.

About the Author:

Harlan Jay is a musician, composer, author, and philosopher. While science and technology continue to shape his predictions of society’s future, the strictly human ability to comprehend and appreciate music continues to influence his thinking, and subsequently, his narrative philosophies. His main goal is not to seek out recognition based on image or social status, but for his works to be shared due to their thought-provoking content.

How can SciFi relate to meditation?

An interesting idea to say the least. If you begin to read Firewood 11, you’ll quickly see the relation.

Meditation is about bringing one’s mind into a calm state, a place of unquestioning existence in the universe (give or take). Science Fiction is a genre that tends to predict the situation of the universe under new circumstances.

At the very beginning, the main character uses slow breathing on a day-to-day basis. And without giving spoilers, breathing becomes a very large part of the narrative. Trust us when we say, SciFi can be used to encourage meditation.

THE MINDFUL DRAGON by Steve Herman

A cute children’s book about a boy taking care of his dragon who worries about everything! Meditation, mindfulness, and a calm routine helps save this dragon from worrying about the past, present, and future.
- $5.95 Kindle version, $12.95 paperback book
  - (audiobook & hardbook available)
- 48 pages
- Children Sociology Book
- Appropriate for 4 to 8 years old
- See on Amazon!
Description:

You can teach your dragon to sit, stand, roll over, and you can even potty train him… But what if your dragon is worried about so many things? He worries about the past, and about the future…. What do you do? You teach him about mindfulness – You teach him to be mindful! How do you do it Get this book now and find out how! Fun, cute and entertaining with beautiful illustrations, this playful book will teach kids about mindfulness.

Many of the reviews on Amazon go into detail about how much it has helped their children understand the importance of mindfulness and meditation. Therapists are said to have recommended it to their own patients!

If you love this type of genre for children, you may consider searching for more of Steve Herman’s children’s books that go into so many other topics such as how to deal with anger, anxiety, compulsive lying, how to deal with change, and many more.

BOOK OF UNWISDOM by James Sawers

With a touch of science and mysticism, this quirky “unwise” book goes far beyond a normal philosophical textbook and relays everyday thoughts through a poetic medium. The charming wordage leaves you smiling as you relate to each metaphysical mentioning of troubling questions that can’t be answered.
- $13.95 paperback book
- 170 pages
- Religion & Mysticism
- Appropriate for adults
- See on Amazon!
Description:

“Conversing in Silence” is a book of poetry and meditations on the sacred and the profane, with a touch of science thrown in just to mix things up a bit, and to add some modernity to the discussion. Basically, the book is composed of commentaries and hopefully insights, into matters of religion, mysticism, and everyday life. There is perhaps nothing new or novel in this book, only familiar ideas, questions, and answers that have been reframed into, hopefully, more easily understood concepts and explanations. But, it is in the process of reframing that new insights may arise. The poems in this book are intentionally not particularly long and can be read in any order, there is no specific classification or ostensible ordering, though some pairings will be apparent.

If you appreciate this style of writing, be sure to check out the other books in this series written by James Sawers. As a book recently published independently within the last month, this author needs all the support they can get!

Conclusion

There isn’t many science fiction novels that involve meditation or ideals of meditation practitioners. But I hope I found a few that can brighten your life a bit by mixing a creative fusion of intriguing science fiction and thought-provoking philosophy.

Best of luck in your search for great reading material!
July 25, 2019
Best Meditation Gift Ideas on Etsy
With Christmas around the corner, you may be searching for gift ideas for a nephew, cousin, friend, or significant other who has a passion or an interest in “meditation.” It makes things even more difficult if the gift giver has very little knowledge of meditation or the practice of calming the mind.

Etsy is a wonderful source for genuine and unique gift ideas for your meditating friend, but be careful! If you’re spending money to improve someone’s meditation experience or attract their meditation mentality, make sure you go about it the right way.

Before I give a few options, here are some things to keep in mind when approaching meditation gifts:
- Meditation is an act of calming the mind and slowing thoughts, so accessories (or gifts) aren’t necessary to meditate. But they CAN definitely improve one’s meditation experience.
- Themed accessories (clothes, jewelry, decor, etc.) can help improve a room’s atmosphere, thus inspiring improved meditation. Themes can include: quotes/sayings, Buddhist philosophies, trees or nature, gemstones, essential oils, maybe even yoga equipment, books, audio/music, guided meditation CDs, headphones, etc.
- Go for utility!
Here are some BAD gifts for meditators:
- Clocks, watches, or anything that displays time.
- SciFi themed things (a.k.a. science fiction – while they make great gifts, they aren’t necessarily great meditation gifts)
- The wrong essential oils that excite versus calm (i.e. wild orange or lemon may not be the best; instead, try cardamom or lavender)
- Fidget ring or spinner (meditators are usually trained not to move! This encourages anxiety for most)
- Metal decor, unless it is shaped or inferring to nature (Earthy materials are better in my opinion)
- Stay away from gifts that take advantage of the materialized industry of “new age” health. Usefulness is the biggest factor when deciding on a meditation gift.
So hopefully this gives you a good idea of what to look for as far as thoughtful and useful meditation gifts.

And to further help, I’ll now list a few of the best gift ideas for meditators from Etsy shops! I hope it helps.

If you need more ideas,

scroll to the bottom of this article to find more links to other articles on MusicalGrowth.com.

1. SoulRole’s Lavender Eye Pillow

So, as our first example, this gift idea has all the utility and thoughtfulness you might need in a gift. Lavender is a known herb to help alleviate nerves and anxiety (my wife and I use it on our anxious chihuahua all the time) and the silk material allow for utmost comfort on the face’s sensitive skin.
- Around $23
- Handmade item of 10″ x 3.5″
- Organic cotton, hemp, and silk
- Organic flax seed and lavender
- Can be heated in the microwave or cooled in the freezer
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON ETSY
SoulRole is a wonderfully received shop on Etsy with 5 out of 5 stars from nearly 1,000 customer reviews! There are also other material options including cotton sateen or seagrass (though you must message for different materials). If gift wrapped, they use 100% post-consumer tissue paper.

This item is made to order! The “freshness” is guaranteed but does take one to three weeks to ship. So plan accordingly!

As a meditation gift, this eye pillow helps darken the remaining light in a room as well as fill the senses with calming lavender. The silk material allows the meditator to relax without discomfort for as long as they wish. You can’t ask for more utility from a gift!

2. MangoTreesShop’s Foldable Meditation Cushion

This is another HIGHLY useful item for a meditator. In a world where the human body isn’t trained to be as resilient to hard surfaces (as compared to monks), the biggest challenge when meditating for a long period of time is staying comfortable!
- Around $41
- Handmade item of 50cm x 27cm x 28cm (folded)
- Material – 100% handmade cotton fabric
- Stuffing – 100% Kapok fibre
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON ETSY
A foldable meditation cushion allows for comfort as well as ease of storage. With no chemicals or pesticides in the firm material, this durable cushion encourages improved posture for extended durations. This handmade item from Australia takes about 5 to 10 business days from this emerging Etsy shop!

If money is of no concern, check out this other option with memory foam: WaldenUS Meditation Cushion.

3. PondEddyWoodworking’s Mini Meditation Kit

Most experienced meditators may have everything in this kit (incense, candles, rocks), but the quality of this mini altar is by far the best I’ve seen – especially for the price! I cannot believe everything PondEddyWoodworking is offering with this mini kit to help any starter with meditation or help a veteran meditator travel with their meditation gear.
- Around $35
- Handmade item from New York
- Pinewood altar about 9″ x 7″ (3″ tall)
- Kit includes: 1 Lotus incense burner, 6 incense, 2 candle holders, 6 candles, 1 glass jar with rocks
- Color/stain variety
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON ETSY
One of the best things about Etsy.com is that each item sold helps sustain someone’s creative lifestyle and individualized business. This item’s description contains a note from the artisan: “happy to send photos of the process while it’s being made.” This mini traveling kit is made by a REAL person from Sparrow Bush, New York.

When it comes to unique gift ideas for meditation enthusiasts, a custom-built meditation altar is definitely hard to beat.

4. EarthtoEthers Meditation Lotus Wrap

This item pairs well is “Number 2” on this list.

The Lotus Wrap allows for longer, more comfortable meditation by wrapping around your legs for back support, stabilization, spine alignment, and deeper relaxation. This light and compact wrap works better for meditation than a normal yoga strap and is easy to travel with (and can apparently even be used as an infinity scarf or head covering!).
- Around $57
- Handmade item from Canada (around 96″)
- Ethically sourced, eco-friendly and natural rayon viscose
- Includes 0.5 lbs. aluminum, scratch resistance, anti-slip buckle
- Static-free, tear resistant, quick-dry characteristics
- Machine washable (gentle cycle)
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON ETSY
Like I’ve said before, one of the biggest hindrances for beginning meditators or those with back or joint problems is keeping a comfortable seated position. Sometimes a little support is all we need! With this back supporting wrap, one could potentially meditate for far longer with less concern for pain or discomfort. The usefulness doubles when worn as a scarf!

5. Fraximus Meditation Stool

I think every meditator prefers to meditate outdoors, but the problem is, there’s nowhere to sit – not without poor posture or a dirty seat. This foldable oak stool solves this issue by providing a leaning seat for improved meditation posture (where legs are crossed) without getting too dirty. The foldable legs allow for easy transportation as well! Love this idea, especially for the affordable price.
- Around $33
- Handmade from the UK (Standard 8″ high by 6″ wide)
- 100% English oak wood (color/finish options)
- Three height options
- Brass plated steel hinges
- CLICK TO VIEW ON ETSY
The thoughtfulness of this creation is beyond most sellers. There are three options for height to ensure proper comfortability for the user and also four options for stain color (light, natural, medium dark, and dark). The oak wood and the steel hinges ensure a durable stool to last for years to come.

Although this gift is simple in its philosophy, for a meditator this is almost their saving grace. Simplicity is usually preferred, plus this provides the option to hike and meditate outside! I love this item and may buy myself one.

Worried about comfort? Don’t be!

You can buy a custom-fit, cotton cushion for this exact stool: Fraximus Washable Cushion.

Not worried about a budget?

If money is of no concern, invest a little more in a posture certified option that is very similar: SPOKO Meditation Bench
- Around $86
- Foldable and portable
- Posture Certified by a Posturologist (Mat Boile)
- Birchwood and made in Canada
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON ETSY
This beautiful handmade meditation bench is curved Canadian birch wood and fits a bit better, especially because the design is certified by a posture specialist. This particular position helps improve circulation, energy, relax muscles, and encourage proper body alignment. And it is less than 4 pounds in weight!

6. Crystalgemstoneshop Meditation Palm Stones

Meditation stones can be a good gift depending on taste. Some meditators LOVE stones because it’s something to hold, feel, and ground the senses. Others are less fond of stones, usually because they’ve not tried anything like it. So for such a low price, a single stone could be the perfect gift to trail meditation stones.
- Around $10
- One handmade stone from Florida
- 100% nuummite
- Around 1 to 2 inches in diameter
- CLICK TO VIEW ON ETSY
This meditation stone is made of the gemstone nuummite, known for energy and connection with elemental forces within the earth. It is said that nuummite promotes self-development, inner power, and higher consciousness. Essentially this stone embodies “mystic energy” as it is called, so for meditation purposes, it is definitely suitable.

Prefer wood?

You can buy a wood stone made of apricot wood used for the same thing: Worry Wood.

7. MayaGurStudio’s Meditation Under a Tree Painting

Decor can offer a different kind of utility for a meditator. Although it doesn’t physically help someone meditate, having appropriate reminders of simplicity and mindfulness can sometimes be all one needs. This original painting is printed on watercolor paper in the style of traditional Japanese calligraphy with a Japanese brush and black ink.
- Around $17
- 5 different sizes to choose from
- Handmade item from Israel (standard size 11.8″ x 15.8″)
- Watercolor 250-grain paper, watercolor paint, art print, Japanese brush style
- Well protected for shipping
- CLICK HERE TO VIEW ON ETSY
The minimalist style of Japanese brush style paintings is a perfect addition to any meditator’s decor. If you aren’t aware of the significance of this idea, Buddha was known to have found enlightenment under a Bodhi tree through meditation. So this simple painting is a reminder of this and everything encompassing the meditator’s philosophy.

8. MasonCreationsStudio’s Meditation Chair

The options 2 and 4 on this list aid a meditator by improving their comfort, but when it comes to this portable meditation chair, the biggest problem is solved outright! With a backrest attached to the yoga mat covered chair, the comfort is unlike the other options. Full support means “no worries” when it comes to extended meditation.
- Around $90
- Handmade is Ashland, Oregon
- Sturdy metal, collapsible frame for portability
- Wood covered with a yoga mat for grip
- CLICK TO VIEW ON ETSY
The utility of this item is far beyond the other options, but consider whether the person who’s receiving your gift would appreciate the backrest. MOST would love the back support, but SOME appreciate the challenge of holding proper posture without exterior help. While this chair can solve back issues for frequent meditators, it could also promote laziness during meditation.

Make sure to consider all the options before purchases a meditation gift!

Conclusion

Meditation can, of course, be practiced without tools or accessories, BUT useful items like the ones in this list can definitely improve the experience for frequent meditators. Always consider how familiar the gift receiver is with meditation. A beginner could benefit from almost all accessories, but a frequent practitioner of meditation may have all they need.

The stools and posture aids I’ve presented in this list can help almost anyone who meditates.

My MOST favorite options from this list are:
- #2 – MangoTreesShop’s Foldable Meditation Cushion ($41)
- #5 – SPOKO Meditation Bench ($89)
- #6 – Crystalgemstoneshop Meditation Palm Stones ($10)
I hope you found this list helpful! Etsy gifts are always a joy to purchase as gifts because they’re always so unique and personal. And all the while, you can feel good in supporting a small business and real people’s dreams of creating for others!

NEED MORE IDEAS!?

Here are a few more articles you might find helpful in coming up with gift ideas:
Don’t forget MusicalGrowth.com has two albums our for meditation and listening!
- Once Hidden: A Journey Through the Chakras
- Piano Steps
Best of luck with all your meditation gift research!

Be sure to leave a comment if you need help with more ideas or if you’d like to offer any suggestions – I’ll be sure to read each one of them!

Thanks for reading,

Chase

Nov. 2018
November 16, 2018
Tibetan Singing Bowls History – The Purpose Revealed
*Originally published on Feb. 20, 2018. Last updated on April 12, 2018.*

Unfortunately, the history of Tibetan singing bowls has been lost due to the near complete destruction of Tibet’s monasteries in the 1950’s due to the communist Chinese military occupation.

Luckily, I’ve found a few trustworthy sources for some interesting information most people don’t know about. These sacred tools need to be respected and cared for properly – without an accurate knowledge of Tibetan singing bowls history, the user may not understand the context.

As a quick example, Americans are taught not to drop the national flag on the ground out of respect for the colors. Singing bowls are sacred and should also be cared for properly – at least if you respect the culture.

This article’s organization:
- Introduction to the Material
- History of Tibetan Singing Bowls
- Their True Purpose
- My Recommendations
Introduction to the Material

According to Rain Gray from Bodhisattva.com, many monks and people of the Himalayas know very little of Tibetan singing bowls – he had actually travelled and researched the history of singing bowls for over 8 years. At the time of publication, these bowls were fairly new to the Western world and information about their background was in demand.

Thanks to Rain Gray’s determination, he was able to interview two Tibetan-born, Buddhist monks on October 7, 1986, about the historical use of singing bowls. I would just like to say thank you to Rain Gray, Lama Lobsang and Lama Lobsang Molam for sharing their research with the world through their article.

The article itself is only a transcript of this interview and because of their broken English, difficult concepts were hard to understand – so in the spirit of spreading the Dharma (teachings of Buddha), I hope I’ve covered and re-explained things from Mr. Gray’s article and other sources in a friendlier format (though I do invite you to read Gray’s original article as well).

History of Tibetan Singing Bowls

The music of Tibetan monasteries are quite varied, not just in different pitched singing bowls, but in the variance of instruments. Miles away, a temple gong can be heard calling upon the surrounding inhabitants to stay mindful. The “purr of a well-blown conch,” reed-blown clarinets, drums, cymbals, and large two-manned trumpets (up to 18 feet long!) are also common practice. All music and sounds produced by Buddhist monasteries followed the principle of “interdependence, interrelationship, and interaction functions” (according to the journal article, Asian Music).

Buddhist singing bowls have been linked to the very first teachings of Buddha as a means of teaching (among other things such as healing). The first metal bowls were estimated to have been made of pure copper over 5,000 years ago., but Tibetan bowls were estimated to have been made over 2,000 years ago – but as I had said at the beginning, the communist Chinese regime burnt precious Tibetan monasteries that practically erased most of the written record of singing bowls.

Today, we must rely on the traditions and knowledge passed down from generation to generation and luckily, the mysticism of the Tibetan culture hasn’t changed. Dwelling at the highest point of the world with the surrounding Kunlun and Himalaya Mountains, Tibet sources mighty rivers that flow down to India and China. According to an article in the Social Science journal, the first time a European (Friar Odoric) visited Tibet, a written account of the experience in 1330 C.E. read:

“Those who are born here (Tibet) have very long lives… [and possess] clear understandings and good memories… they deserve honour above all other men.”

Fortunately, in 1986, Rain Gray from Santa Monica, CA was determined to find some answers about singing bowls after a long 8 years of personal research with little reward. Gray finally sat down with two Tibetan Buddhist monks to ask questions and hear the valuable teachings of singing bowls that have been handed down through speech and tradition.

Originally there were three singing bowls (relics as they say) that were kept safe behind the Drepung, Narthang, and Sakya Monasteries in Tibet. Unfortunately, Lama Lobsang Molam inferred that there only one left at the Drepung Monastery.

These precious relics are said to have been originally used by the historical Buddha (Shakyamuni) as a teaching tool who taught through language and energy. Singing bowls being the tool for his energy. The original relics were special in that legend states: those with negative karma produce lesser quality tones from these original singing bowls, whereas those with positive karma produce pure tones.

Singing bowls are notoriously complicated in their metal alloys that are said to contain 5, 7, or 9 different metals, one of these metals being the rare meteorite iron. Tibet has a special, “extra pure” type of meteorite iron thought to be the reason why Tibetan singing bowls have especially pure sounds and resonant abilities.

Their True Purpose

Although the history of singing bowls are a little convoluted, the traditional use has been passed down through the generations. According to the interview conducted by Rain Gray, the purpose of Tibetan singing bowls are a bit different from the Western world tends to believe.

The purpose of singing bowls:
- Teach
  - Symbolized the “Void” and teaches the Dharma
  - The vibrations teach about “emptiness” and keeps listeners away from Narak (“hell realm or lower realm”)
  - Is a gateway for Buddha’s energy to pass through by vibrations and teach about the Four Noble Truths
  - With the teachings from singing bowls, the listener may be equipped to join Shambhala (a mythical kingdom ruled by the “future Buddha”)
- Gather
  - Those in the area will be influenced to join in mindfulness
  - The positive energy will gather people to fight against those who try to destroy or conquer the world
  - Even “hungry ghosts” can hear the sound thousands of miles away (according to Lama Lobsang Molam)
- Transform
  - Singing bowls are tools for the ordinary to transform into a higher realm of the Buddha nature
Listeners of singing bowls are to dwell on the Dharma or the teachings of the Shakyamuni Buddha (or Siddhartha, the historical Buddha), which most importantly can be tied to the Four Noble Truths:
- (1)The Truth of Suffering
  - All existence is suffering
- (2) The Truth of Cause
  - Suffering is caused by ignorance and can in-turn cause craving and illusion
- (3) The Truth of Extinction
  - There is an end of suffering: nirvana or enlightenment which is the state of no suffering
- (4) The Truth of the Path
  - Nirvana is attained through practicing the Eightfold Noble Path
So for the layman: Tibetan singing bowls help in attaining peace of mind. The vibrations of a singing bowl produce a sound of the “Void” and are derived from the Buddha’s energy transmitted through its resonance. Listening, in turn, helps us along the path to enlightenment and the end of suffering.

Of course, after reading the fourth Noble Truth, the next question is inevitable: “what is the Eightfold Path?”

The Eightfold Noble Path (simply put):
1. Samma ditthi – Right understanding
2. Samma sankappa – Right thought
3. Samma vaca – Right speech
4. Samma kammanta – Right action
5. Samma ajiva – Right livelihood
6. Samma vayama – Right effort
7. Samma sati – Right mindfulness
8. Samma samadhi – Right concentration
If you’re interested in these ideologies, I would highly recommend conducting your own research and contacting your local Buddhist sanctuary. I am not advocating or pushing any religion, but want to provide basic information to anyone who is interested.

Spirituality is for everyone and the teaching of Buddha can be used as a guideline no matter if you are Buddhist or not. Religions across the world tend to have similar characteristics of behavior that generally relate to “do no harm” and the golden rule: “treat others as you would like to be treated.”

Keep an open mind. Review and research these teachings as they may add valuable insight into a more simplistic life. But as I always say, take everything with a grain of salt.

My Recommendations

Because true singing bowls are from a long tradition of caring production, you have to be aware of a few key characteristics when searching for your own singing bowls. The “self-help” industry tends to mass produce popular items without caring as much about authenticity or perhaps even quality.

There are a few amazing brands that are less than $100! So if you’re looking for a newly made singing bowl that I’d recommend, definitely read this article: Singing Bowls Sale – Under $100!

I’m still reviewing antique singing bowls at the moment, but I would highly recommend checking out iSingingBowls.com – that’s where most of the bowls I trust come from.

Musicologist, Rain Gray, goes to the Himalayan mountains to choose from 50,000 singing bowls and after testing each of them in person, he only takes 1 out of every 200. He’s very picky! So you know each bowl iSingingBowls.com has for sale is of the greatest quality.

Conclusion

Tibetan singing bowls are sacred tools and we who are fortunate enough to own these bowls must respect their purpose and ancient tradition by caring for them properly.

The next coming Buddha is known as “Maitreya,” which can be translated as “harmonic resonance.” Sound can invite energy into the soul and speak to one’s heart on a very different level than language can (I have always thought words can be distracting – I would much rather sing or play my emotions versus explaining them).

Much like Himalayan pink salt lamps, yoga, or meditation, singing bowls have been a recent trend for good reason. But I doubt many people know of the true nature and purpose behind these mythical tools.

I would invite you to share this information with anyone you know so we can help preserve the proper long-standing tradition of Tibetan singing bowls. Without an accurate understanding of their context, one may never respect and care for their own singing bowl properly.

My handmade Tibetan singing bowl has always been a cherished possession of mine, but after researching and finding out the tradition of these bowls, I’ve come to really respect the craftsmanship and amazing sound it produces.

You’d probably be interested in this article!

What are your thoughts after reading this article? Has it changed your perspective toward Tibetan singing bowls? I would love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading!

Chase

Feb. 2018

Sources

BestSingingBowls.com – https://bestsingingbowls.com/history-singing-bowls/

Gray, Rain. Bodhisattva.com. Site: https://www.bodhisattva.com/singing_bowl_history.htm

Jennings, Walter. “Tibetan Civilization.” Social Science, vol. 2, no. 3 (1927): 243-289.

Lhalungpa, Lobsang. “Tibetan Music: Secular and Sacred.” Asian Music vol. 1, no. 2 (1969): 2-10.

Tricycle – https://tricycle.org/magazine/noble-eightfold-path/

Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shambhala#In_the_Buddhist_Kalachakra_teachings
April 12, 2018

Best Incense – Brands, Materials, and Info!

Incense is a growing trend in the West, whether its used in yoga sessions, church services, or massage appointments, but when it comes down to it, this spiritual tradition has been around far longer than many think.

I don’t claim to define the single, “best incense,” but I do hope to suggestion information and ideas for some great options that have been reviewed by many sources online.

This article will provide everything you need to know about purchasing incense!

The organization of this article:

Brief History of Incense
6 Main Forms of Incense
Best Incense Brands
Best Incense for Stress
Best Incense Per Room
Incense Chart
Potential Side-Effects

Brief History of Incense

As I’ve mentioned in my essential oils article, aromatherapy has been around since before 18,000 B.C.E. (French cave paintings of plants being used in medicine were carbon dated to be over 20,000 years old!).

The term “aromatherapy” was coined by the French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé in 1910 from an alchemy accident involving lavender essential oil (he accidentally healed a burn by dipping his hand in lavender oil – the nearest liquid during the accident!).

The Indus Civilization (3,300 to 1,300 B.C.E), a civilization with trace evidence of yoga’s beginnings, were also known to use incense. Ancient China began using incense in religious prospects such as worship around 2,000 B.C.E.

Incense is a very old, spiritual tradition and can even be seen in traditional Catholic services today. Frankincense was one of the gifts the Magi brought to the “newborn king.”

The specific origin of incense seems to point toward ancient Egyptian roots, where incense was used in rituals to “please the gods.”

But if there’s any take away from the history of incense, it’s that there is a spiritual, mental, and physical connection.

6 Main Forms of Incense

Because plant material can be shaped into many forms, the list could be much longer. The main forms of incense can be found in loose, cone, or stick form.

Before you choose what form of incense is best for you, it’s best to know all the options.

6 main forms of incense:

Loose incense
- The oldest form of incense, but very high maintenance. You must continually supply heat or else the burning will stop. Best used for campfires with Japanese charcoal made from bamboo (due to the non-scent burning).
Sticks with bamboo
- Most common in America and therefore, most commercially produced. Though there are high-quality options, many are low-quality and just soaked in fragrance. Be careful!
Cones
- Stand-alone, durable cones are a great way to burn incense. Sometimes they can produce a lot of smoke though because a lot of material burns at the same time.
Solid Sticks
- Lights easily and made in many lengths, but are fragile. Solid material burned in a bowl of rice or sand mainly.
Cylinders
- “Most elegant” and “ultimate form” of burning incense according to SpiritualScents.com. Thickness can range from toothpick to pencil and offers an even burn and consistently regulated smoke/fragrance.
Coil Incense
- An old Chinese tradition of burning incense where the material is circled into a spiral. This shape allows a lot of material to be molded into a small space which provides longer burn time.

Best Incense Brands

When it comes to burning plants, you MUST have good quality material. Whatever you end up burning will eventually make its way into your lung since the smoke of the incense is breathed in.

So quality should be your focus. Do some research! Your health is important.

6 of the best incense brands:

Paine’s
Blackbird
Shoyeido
Juniper Ridge
Nippon Kodo
Incienso de Santa Fe

When it comes to brands of incense, there seems to be a lot and it becomes overwhelming!

But just like teas or most foods, just make sure there is a statement of quality such as “no hidden ingredients,” “no charcoal or perfume,” “all natural – no synthetic oils or fragrances,” “100% unused an authentic,” etc.

Shoyeido, for instance, states their Golden Pavilion incense is made in Kyoto, Japan with exclusive family-owned recipes that are over 300-years old.

Paine’s Balsam Fir incense states that it’s made from sustainable tree trimmings with all natural materials. A great plus to know you’re buying from a conscientious company.

Juniper Ridge tends to always mention their ancient incense is sustainably harvested and has no hidden ingredients (no charcoal or perfume) such as their Smudge Stick Cedar variety pack.

Hopefully, these examples can help educate you to what you should see – don’t fall victim to the uninformed consumer traps!

Best Incense for Stress

Most people turn to incense as a stress relief method, which there’s a good reason! So this list will highlight some of the best types of incense known to help relax and relieve stress.

6 incense for stress:

Sandalwood
Jasmine
Lavender
Pine
Chamomile
Lemongrass

Best Incense Per Room

If you want to be more specific with your type of incense, consider the purpose. What do you want from incense? And where do you want the benefits? Which room?

Here are a few incense options per room recommended by Well + Good. If anything, it will make you think and give you food for thought. Everyone’s different in their needs, but these common incense types are great for specific rooms.

Best incense per room:

Kitchen
- Cedar, palo santo, bergamot
Bedroom
- Lavender, juniper
Living Room
- Sage, eucalyptus
Bathroom
- Pine, eucalyptus, lavender, yerba santa

Incense Chart

The information provided below is from Raven and Crone. Because of the long tradition of incense, there are some old known reasons to burn certain materials.

Click one of the incense types below to price check on Amazon!

Although many of the benefits listed below are not as applicable, it is still interesting to read about the old-fashioned descriptions of each type of incense effect.

How the links were chosen:

Each type of incense in the list was research for the best quality on Amazon
The first preference was bamboo stick incense
The second was cone or coil
The third was raw ingredients
With raw ingredients, you can shape incense yourself!

~ Chart of Over 85 Different Incense ~

Acacia – stimulate psychic powers

Ambergris – for dreams and aphrodisiac

Anise seeds – for meditation and emotional balance

Bay – stimulates psychic powers and induces prophetic dream-visions

Bayberry – attracts money, happiness, control, and protection

Benzoin – for purification, negative energy dissipation, emotional balance, antidepressant, grief, anxiety, and astral projections

Bistort – aid in divination

Cardamom – for mental clarity, confidence, courage, concentration, enthusiasm, and motivation

Cedar – for purification, stimulate/strengthen psychic powers, prevent nightmares, heal various ailments (head colds), and attract love

Chamomile – for harmony, peace, and calm

Citron – for rituals in healing and to strengthen psychic powers

Clove – dispels negativity and purifies sacred spaces, attracts money, relieves pain, stimulates intellectualism, wealth, protection, improves memory and focus

Cypress – for strength, healing, comfort, anxiety, stress, self-assurance, confidence, willpower, and concentration

Dittany of Crete – aid for divination and astral projection

Elecampane – strengthens clairvoyant powers and divination

Fern – to instigate rain and exorcise evil supernatural entities

Fumitory – to exorcise evil entities, demons, and poltergeists

Galangal – to break curses

Ginger – attracts wealth, lust, healing, and love

Gotu Kola – aid in meditation

Hibiscus flowers – attracts lust, love, and divination

Horehound – usually an offertory incense to Horus, an ancient Egyptian god

Jasmine – attracts money, love, purification, wisdom and induces dreams of prophetic nature

Lavender – induces sleep, attracts love (especially of a man), and used for healing, cleansing, happiness, and relaxation

Lotus – elevates mood and attracts protection, healing, spirituality, and aids meditation

Mint – increases libido, exorcise evil entities, conjure good spirits, attracts money, and aids in healing due to the protective powers

Myrrh – for purification, healing, consecration, exorcism, and meditation (also for ancient Egypt deities like Isis and Ra)

Oakmoss – attracts money and attraction

Patchouli – attracts money, growth, love, mastery, fertility, and sensuality

Pine – for purification, exorcism, attracts money, strength, healing, cleansing, and breaks hexes

Rose geranium – for protection and courage

Rosemary – to purify, heal, dispel depression, prevent nightmares, preserve youthfulness, and promote sleep

Sagebrush – aids healing and banishes evil/negative energies

Sandalwood – for exorcism, protection, healing, and astral projection

Star Anise Seeds – stimulates psychic powers

Sweetgrass – to conjure good spirits

Thyme – for purification and healing

Vervain – for exorcism

Violet – for wisdom, luck, protection, healing, and love

Willow – to promote healing, attract love, and protect against evil

Ylang-Ylang – for love, euphoria, and harmony

Allspice – attracts both money and good luck

Althea – for protection and psychic power stimulation

African violet – for protection and spirituality within the home

Aloes – attracts love, strength, good fortune, and spiritual vibrations

Amber – for love, happiness, healing, and comfort

Angelica – for protection, integration, harmony, insight, understanding, stability, and meditation

Basil – for protections against evils (demons/unfriendly ghosts) and attract fidelity, love, wealth, and sympathy. Good for concentration, trust, integrity, mental clarity, courage, and confidence.

Bergamot – for prosperity, joy, money, alertness, balance, strength, courage, motivation, and uplifting of spirits

Bracken – for outdoor fires to magically produce rain

Carnation – for protection, healing, love, lust, and strength

Cedarwood – for purification, healing, money, protection, grounding, clarity, balance, wisdom, and insight

Cinnamon – attract protection, money, wealth, prosperity, business success, healing aid, strength, and lust stimulation

Citronella – burn for cleansing, healing, and exorcism; also repels insects

Coconut – for protection

Copal – for purification, protection, exorcism, and to attract love

Damiana – facilitates psychic visions

Dragon’s Blood – dispels negativity, exorcise evil entities, attracts love, courage, purification, and restores male potency

Eucalyptus – for purification, healing, and protection

Frankincense – to dispel negativity and purify spaces as well as aid in meditation and induce courage, protection, psychic visions, and attract good luck

Gardenia – attracts peace, healing, and love

Ginseng root – protection against evil spirits and all forms of evil

Heather – to conjure good spirits and magically produce rain

Honeysuckle – attract money, friendship, healing, and happiness

Hyacinth – attracts happiness and protection

Juniper – stimulates psychic powers and breaks curses as well as attracts calm, protection, and healing

Lemon – for healing, purification, and love

Lemongrass – for mental clarity

Licac – stimulates psychic powers and attracts harmony in life

Mace – stimulates psychic powers

Mesquite – added to incense to improve healing powers

Musk – for prosperity, courage, and acts as an aphrodisiac

Nutmeg – aids meditation, attracts prosperity and stimulates psychic powers

Orange – for love, luck, money, and divination

Peppermint – for energy, exorcism, healing, and mental stimulation

Poppy seeds – promotes female fertility and attracts luck, money, and love

Rose – increases courage, prophetic dreams, and attracts healing and love (strongest powers for love)

Rue – for healing

Sage – for protection against evil, for purification, and attracts wisdom, money, healing, and clarity for the body, mind, and soul

Solomons Seal – often burnt for ancient Pagan deities

Strawberry – attracts love and luck

Sweet Pea – for courage, love, and friendship

Vanilla – attracts love, sexual desire, and to improve the mind

Vetivert – to break curses, attract money, peace, and love, and protect against black magic and thieves

Wisteria – protects against all forms of evil

Wormwood – stimulates psychic powers

Yarrow – for exorcism and promoting courage

Potential Side-Effects

Incense involves smoke and when it comes to burning certain materials, side effects can often be found. So how bad is incense?

A lot of research is available online, but due to the nature of this article, I’ll only be introducing a few ideas behind the possible issues behind incense. There are a lot of variables when it comes to incense due to the differences in material and type of burn, so always do your research and purchase the best quality, PURE materials.

Remember. Whatever you burn, will be breathed in. Don’t buy materials with artificial components like fragrance-soaked incense or coal particles.

According to a few sources provided by Dr. Axe, burning incense has four dangers to keep in mind:

Causes inflammation in the lungs
It is a type of air pollution
Could produce more particles than cigarette smoke
Increases risk of UPT (upper respiratory tract carcinomas)

Definitely, keep in mind that incense is not much better than cigarettes or cigars because it is still involves burning plants. So although it won’t kill you, it isn’t necessarily good for your lungs.

But everything in moderation. The more incense you burn, the more risk of danger. Once or twice a week shouldn’t be too bad, but to be safe, please consult a healthcare professional before attempting incense yourself (there’s my disclaimer for incense!).

Conclusion

Incense is commonly used as an aid for meditation, yoga, relaxation, and massage sessions. But throughout history incense has been used as a spiritual aid more than the Westernized purpose of health benefits.

I hope this article has helped bring to light the possibilities of incense and the best ways to go about starting your incense hobby. Just keep in mind to read the possible side-effects section and pursue incense in moderation.

Do you use incense? What is your favorite benefit of incense? Let me know in the comments below! I’m excited to hear from you.

Thanks for reading! Sign up for the newsletter to hear more about health fads, research, and other aids for meditation (such as music!).

Chase

March 2018

Sources

Best Incense for Relaxation

Best Incense Brands

Best Incense per Room

Best Incense Brand

Choosing Incense Form

Wikipedia – Incense

Christianity and Incense Symbolism

Raven&Crone; – Magickal Properties of Incense

Incense More Dangerous than Tobacco?

Is Burning Incense Bad for You? Dr. Axe

March 22, 2018

Singing Bowls Sale – Under $100
*Originally published on March 5, 2018. Updated on April 12, 2018.*

Singing bowls are amazing tools used to influence the mind and focus your thoughts. I was given an amazing handmade Tibetan singing bowl a few years ago and have really come to love it!

Don’t worry too much about the price! Although singing bowls can get quite expensive (especially the antique bowls), there are singing bowls sales with amazing options under $100 that you should consider.

Treat this small investment as a trial run, before buying bigger and better bowls ranging from $150 to $800 or more!

This article will only be mentioning metal alloy combinations (5 or more metals) and not quartz or ceramic singing bowls. They are fun options, but not traditional like the hand-hammered Tibetan singing bowls that I’ll list (the most common type used).

Organization of this article:
- Á la carte (just the bowl)
- Bowls with a Cushion
- Singing Bowl Kits
- Purpose and Benefits
Á la carte (Just the Bowl)

If you’re concerned about price, please keep in mind that you get what you pay for – BUT, there are a few I would recommend. These options are obviously cheaper because there is no cushion included for the bowl (I don’t have a cushion, but I sometimes wish I did because I feel bad for my sacred bowl).

The Shamans Market bowls are hand hammered in Nepal and only costs $79!
- Multiple harmonics
- Three ring engraving
- Hand hammered in Nepal
- 3.5” tall by 6” diameter
- 2.7 pounds
The important keyword here is “hand-hammered.” This means that the crafter personally makes sure the shape of the bowl creates a pure tone. Don’t buy a manufactured bowl. It’s best not to take the risk.

So the above bowl is created with traditional pounding techniques for the bottom half and then a smooth top to shape the vibrations of the metal which in turn create a pure wave-form or “sound.”

It comes with a wooden mallet with a felt cover on one end to use with the metal bowl without damaging the metal. The metal alloy itself is composed of Astadhatu gold, silver, mercury, copper, iron, tin, lead, and zinc.

The possible downside of this bowl is that the pitch is undefined (or not tuned), though can still offer positive influence during meditation (it’s just not chakra specific). So if you’re looking for a specific healing pitch for a certain chakra, keep scrolling!

Bowls with Cushions

Most singing bowls online come with a cushion as well – the reason behind this is unknown to me, but I’m guessing it’s a cheap addition to attract more customers.

Online sources for singing bowls are mostly not of great quality – always check the customer reviews! Some reviews will even show a video demonstration so you can hear the resonance. If the bowl doesn’t “ring” longer than a few seconds, stay clear. There are far better options out there.

I’ve chosen a couple that are proven to be high-quality through customer reviews and popularity.

Silent Mind’s Antique Design Singing Bowl set is “Amazon’s Choice.”
- 4” diameter
- Wooden mallet with felt
- 14.1 ounces in total
- Hand Sewn Non-Dampening Pillow
- Each bowl inspected for quality before shipping out
I’m always wary of the “antique design” bowls with print on the inside and outside, but a customer review by Derick Snow offers proof of the promised quality.

For a small bowl of about $35, it’s not a bad start for a beginner. More experienced singing bowls users may look past this commercial style bowl, but for a gift or a starter bowl, you can’t beat the price for the size and quality.

The Sacred Space Tibetan Singing Bowl (above) is far more simplistic than Amazon’s Choice:
- Hand-hammered
- Multi-layered tone
- Metal alloy contains 80% copper and 20% tin
- Cushion and “striker”
- 2.25” tall and 5” in diameter
If you follow the above link, you’ll find a video showcase of this singing bowl. Compare the difference! Sacred Space’s bowl offers a ring that’s almost twice as long.

The multi-layered tone is definitely due to the copper/tin alloy. Great for beginning meditators, but again, not for professionals due to the lower price of around $52. But for a simple bowl, it’s a VERY good sale for the quality.

Buddha Groove’s Singing Bowl is another great option!
- Made by Tibetan artists in Nepal
- 2.5” tall and 5” in diameter
- Made of a metal mix
- Antique finish allows for the non-felt side of the striker to be used too
- Hand-hammered in traditional techniques
The price might be higher, but the quality speaks for itself. The tone is purer compared to tin alloys and the hand-hammered style almost guarantees a unique and perfected sound. With the free shipping in a single business (available for 48 states), this is a quick and high-quality solution if you want to try singing bowls here and now!

The felt wooden stick and the cushion will help keep the bowl in good condition even after use. I still wish I had a cushion for my singing bowl because I hate setting metal down on hard surfaces. This is a great deal and provides everything you need to get started with your singing bowl!

Singing Bowl with Tibetan Calendar
- Etched symbols
  - Tibetan Calendar on the outside
  - Buddha on the inside
- 3” tall and 5.25” in diameter
- Weighs 1.25 pounds
- Includes wooden striker and cushion
The authentic etched symbols against the white offer a unique look, unlike most traditional singing bowls. You must be careful though with styles like these (most are bad quality), but fortunately, I trust Buddha Groove and they offer some great indications of high-quality craftsmanship.

This singing bowl is made in Nepal and consists of a metal alloy including gold, silver, mercury, copper, iron, tin, and lead (the reason it weighs over a pound!).

Because it is handcrafted, no two bowls are alike and offer the owner a unique feeling with each bowl’s deep, humming vibrations that fill the room.

Special High-Quality Hand Hammered Singing Bowl
- Hand-hammered in Nepal
- Premium metal alloy of 9 metals
- Up to 3” tall and 5.5” in diameter
- Comes with cushion and striker
Though the price of $98 is pushing the budget, this is a wonderful and beautiful option with an authentic mantra embedded in the metal: Om Mani Padme Hum (Tibetan Mantra).

Because the metal alloy is more complex, the tone it produces will also be far more full and rich.

Each type of metal vibrates at a certain frequency. When more metals are involved with an alloy, more frequencies are touched upon when the bowl vibrates – thus, a wholesome sound is produced because a larger spectrum of frequencies is present in the tone of the bowl.

So with this singing bowls metal allow, the sound will be very pure and resonant! And with the 5.5” diameter, it is also the largest option I’ve found for under $100. The larger the bowl, the bigger the sound!

Singing Bowl Kits

For those planning on using singing bowls in multiple locations or are planning on displaying the bowl kit, the cushion is sometimes not enough and a box is necessary.

When storing the bowl for travel or display (or general storage), a box is necessary for safekeeping and peace of mind. These next few options offer a box or a carrying bag to ensure your bowl is never mistreated while in storage or on the road!

dZi Root Chakra Mini Bowl
- Comes with Lokta paper box (tree-free and sustainably harvested)
- Includes cushion, wood striker, and instructions
- Hand-cast, hand-hammered, and hand-tuned by artisans in Kathmandu, Nepal
- Root Chakra specific tone
- 2” diameter
If you’re looking for a quick addition to your collection or if you’re looking for a great gift idea, this dZi kit is everything you need for only $20. An amazing deal for the cushion, striker, and paper box.

Though its only 2” in diameter, it still is very useful for root chakra healing and is guaranteed authentic as it’s made from Nepal with traditional methods! They also have the same size bowl with a blue box that identifies with the 3rd eye chakra.

Maha Bodhi Tibetan Singing Bowl Set
- Handcrafted and hand painted
- High quality brass with etched “Om Mani Padme Hum”
- Specific tone
  - Throat Chakra Healing
- 3” tall and 5” in diameter
- Includes a wooden mallet, suede/silk cushion, and handmade Lokta paper box
- Fairtrade regulated
The reviews speak for themselves – out of 124 customer reviews, this singing bowl has received a 4.4 out of 5. After watching a video provided by S. Oldfield, the sound is fairly impressive for such a cheap, 5” bowl. So it makes for a great starter bowl for only around $32.

Because of the specific healing tone aimed at the throat chakra, the healing effects may be noticed faster than multi-layered tones. If you like this option but aren’t fond of the handpaint, they also have the traditional style in 3” (below).

This small 3” bowl should not be overlooked because the tone is specifically targeting the heart chakra. The wooden mallet and handmade Lokta paper box are also included along with the round cushion. An amazing deal for only $22! A great starter bowl or gift set.

Etched Singing Bowl with Embossed Double Vajra Gift Set
- Includes striker, bowl, cushion base, and handmade paper box
- 4.25” diameter
- Handmade in Nepal
- Visva Vajra etched symbols
- Metal alloy of copper, zinc, tin, and iron (traditional Sanskrit Panchaloha “five metals”)
Though this bowl is not chakra specific, the metal alloy is a traditional mix that produces a multiphonic tone shaped by artisans in Nepal. It’s a little bit higher in price at $76, but the black color is unique and offers a very cool aesthetic to the traditional singing bowl.

Purpose and Benefits

Now singing bowls are trending right now, but few know of the historical symbolism of Tibetan singing bowls. Most people know they’re foreign and are possibly used for healing.

But if you’re curious about the history of singing bowls and the real purpose behind their use, I invite you to read my article where I deciphered a real conversation with two Tibetan-born monks and explained things a bit clearer than other sources (there aren’t very many sources with information like this, unfortunately).

The history is a bit obscured since Tibetan monasteries were burnt down out of war, but luckily traditions are passed down through speech and practice. Make sure you’re fully informed before you take on your own singing bowl!

Conclusion

Singing bowls can only be trusted if made by traditional hand-hammered techniques and preferably made in Nepal.

Each bowl is uniquely different just as pieces of art because the crafters themselves shape the metal alloy into these individual bowls. They are very special tools used to spread healing, teaching, and the “emptiness.”

If you end up buying a singing bowl for yourself or as a gift, I would highly recommend the owner read my article expressing the true purpose behind the use of singing bowls. It may strike a new appreciation for these amazing spiritual tools full of old tradition and mysticism.

Also, be sure to check out iSingingBowls.com for there occasional special deals on high quality singing bowls chosen by musicologist Rain Gray!

I hope you found this article useful! Please let me know if you have any online singing bowls that you’d recommend.

What is your favorite bowl in this article? Does size matter to you? Let me know in the comments below.

Thanks for reading!

Chase
March 5, 2018
Seven Chakras Meditation – Baby Steps to Opening Chakras
Each of the seven chakras play a vital importance to your overall health. A routine balancing and cleansing of the seven chakras will help keep you healthy, wealthy and wise.

A simple balancing exercise that can help cleanse your seven chakras is meditation. The first step is to get into a meditative state, by sitting in a comfortable position and removing distractions. Meditation is used for discovering whether you are in balance or not and if not, calming the mind is the best way to obtain balance.

Chakra meditation is a technique that helps us to determine if we are out of balance and can help recenter our chakras, especially the seven major chakras listed below.

The 7 Chakras and their colors:
- the Root Chakra (red)
- the Navel Chakra (orange)
- the Solar Plexus Chakra (yellow)
- the Heart Chakra (green)
- the Throat Chakra (blue)
- the Brow Chakra (indigo)
- the Crown Chakra (violet)
Chakra meditation is meant to open and cleanse the chakras, allowing more balance into one’s life. Most people choose to do all the chakras at once, but it is also possible to target a specific energy center around which one is having trouble. Imbalance can occur from two issues: too much openness in a chakra(s) or too much tension (maybe a blockage) in a chakra.

Chakra Meditation

This chakra meditation will target all seven major chakras from greater alignment. As you work with it, you may notice areas of greater blockage or areas which are stronger or overpowering. Simply take note of the condition of each of your energy centers and feel free to spend more time in some areas.

If a specific area is easy and comfortable to meditate on, that is a sign of balance. When it is extremely “friendly” to be in, to the point where you don’t wish to move on, however, that is a sign of attachment or too much openness. On the other hand, any aversion or negative feelings you associate with a chakra, color, or area of the body indicates that the energy center is closed or blocked.

There is no need to force anything. Be gentle with yourself and use a lot of patience!

Preparation:

This is standing meditation, which may come as a new experience for you. Your stance is to be erect but relaxed, pulling you deep into your body. Place your feet as close together as is comfortable for you, as long as you maintain sturdiness and balance. Imagine a string comping from the top back of your head to the ceiling, from which you are hanging. Roll your shoulders up and then back, drawing your shoulder blades down and gently towards each other. Stretch out the fingers as if you are trying to touch the floor. Tuck your pelvis slightly for perfect alignment. Finally, place your hands in prayer position at your heart center and begin the meditation.

How to Focus the Chakras During Meditation

Begin by deepening the breath and letting it fill your belly, then your lungs, and let it out slowly, first from the chest, then the belly. Count long, deep belly breaths. Feel your feet connecting fully with the ground. Notice how strong the columns of your legs are.

Now imagine, extending down between the legs, an energy, which comes both down from your body and up from the East. Feel as if it is an anchor. It may be the color “red” for you, or perhaps it is a dingy, rusty color. It may be bright white! It is a sensation of feeling grounded, centered and strong. If someone were to come and try to push you over, you could not be uprooted. This energy would help you hold your ground. Focus here until this sensation or feeling of being rooted is strong for you. It may come as an awareness of the muscles in the legs and buttocks or thought that the feet have merged with the ground.

Next, pull that strong energy up and focus it in the center of the pubic bone or right at the sex organs. The red of the root chakra turns orange when it reaches this center. It may be a different color for you. It may be dull or dingy, or you may even feel the energy rather than see it in your mind. You should allow yourself to feel whatever arises from this center but feel it with detachment. Sexual wounds, sexual desire, the drive to meet and impress people, to be creative, to express oneself and experience pleasure stems from this chakra.

Are these drives or aversions overwhelming you? Imagine being perfectly at peace with and embracing your sexual nature. Allow yourself to feel sensual and desirable, and imagine yourself in a wonderful performance or creating and sharing beautiful art. Channel your sexual energy into a positive feeling for yourself and the belief in your own happiness.

Then allow this positive feeling coming up from the floor or the root and being empowered in the sacral chakra to tough the naval chakra right behind the belly button. The red and orange now turn a golden, mustard yellow as they encounter the fires of drive, ego, and ambition. Like desire, this is also hunger, but it usually manifests in overheating, a need to control, the recognition of the self as an “I” or an ego, and the want of material success and status. In the chakra below, you have chosen happiness, in this chakra, balance further by recognizing your own fear, ambition, and will to survive in all other creatures on Earth. Choose to use your strength to help others.

Once you accept this, you are ready to pull this golden energy up toward the heart, where it turns a radiant and lovely green. Sorrow, grief, and betrayal shut down this center quite early in our lives. It takes understanding and loving others to reopen and balance it. In the naval chakra, we recognized our own selfish drives as the universal will to live and be, which is the first step toward compassion. In the heart center, we use compassion and forgiveness to further rid ourselves of fear and to bravely choose a life spirituality and love.

This choice gleefully allows energy to flow into the throat. The indigo energy of the throat is our higher drive. We are physical, emotional and spiritual beings, we cannot be one or the other, we must be all three. Here we recognize our many natures and seek wisdom from our higher selves. We pull the indigo energy up in to the “Third Eye,” between the eyes of the brow, where it becomes light violet.

Our intellect is what allows us to be self-reflective, which is the only path to spirituality. Without self-awareness and the ability to reason, we could never be fully developed humans. This is the center for insight, but it is not the highest mind. This lies in the crown chakra, just above our heads.

The energy from the root chakra has traveled through every energy center, becoming cleansed and combining with more and more complex wavelengths. It is finally ready to be fully cleansed in the deep violet and bright white of the crown chakras. Simply imagine this energy pouring from the root, up the body and out of the top of the head like a fountain as it envelops you and renews your entire aura.

Conclusion

In order for your body system to function optimally, all the chakras should be in balance, as one unbalanced vortex could have an adverse effect on the entire system, and may eventually lead to physical illness and other problems.

The importance of the 7 chakras go far beyond the explanations presented in this article, but I hope this has given a simple introduction. Take time and focus on your overall health by examining each of the seven chakras through this meditation technique. If you’re interested, I invite you to read more about the 7 chakras.

What do you think? Does the chakra meditation have potential?

Let me know what you think! Always excited to hear from the community.
January 24, 2018
Best Guided Meditation – FREE 15min Transformations
Meditation is one of the most natural and effective ways to reduce stress. But sometimes we need help from guided meditation to really feel its effects.

According to numerous studies by the Harvard Medical School, the National Institute of Health, and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:

meditation is proven to help depression, anxiety, and stress.

Truth be told, there have been many times I’ve relied on meditation ever since I was introduced to it by my trumpet teacher in middle school. But I was told about it in chunks once every week – today, we have so many options to learning meditation.

Free Online YouTube Guides

The problem is many people attempt meditation without aid or help and don’t have any clue as to the proper way of meditation. Luckily, I’ve found four of the best FREE 5 to 15-minute YouTube videos of the best guided meditation online.

*For those who don’t want to waste time with “you get what you pay for” type materials, I have also found one of the most credible sources for guided meditation you can find online – I’ll explain at the end of this article! Trust me it’s worth looking into.*

The Five-Minute Miracle
- 5.5 minutes in length
  - By: Beyond Purpose
  - 1.9 million views
  - Published on Dec 28, 2011
- Pros:
  - The quality of the audio is good! No distracting recording issues.
  - The voice and music mix is well-balanced.
  - The music isn’t distracting and there’s bird sounds in the background.
  - The narrator has a calming voice
  - It’s only five-minutes long!
- Cons:
  - The titles and photos are little low quality and not very creative.
  - The music is almost too simple!
Forgiveness, Releasing Guilt, and Letting Go
- ~13-minutes in length
  - By: Positive Magazine
  - 171,000 views
  - Published on July 16, 2013
- Pros:
  - High quality titles and beautiful photos
  - The music is very interesting but too complex for my taste
    
    It’s distractingly melodic and intense at times
  - The pace is good and doesn’t move too fast
- Cons:
  - Most of the talking isn’t instructional, but metaphorical and meant to encourage imagination (everyone have their own tastes though)
Deep Relaxation and Bliss
- ~14-minutes in length
  - By: Live The Life You Love
  - 31,000 views
  - Published January 11, 2016
- Pros:
  - Beautiful photo
  - Relaxing narration with a smooth voice
  - The creator is truly passionate about meditation (a very interesting background that led to her life goals)
- Cons:
  - There is only one photo used
  - Video editing make the photo move strangely (don’t watch video as it could be distracting)
Anxiety, Fear, Overthinking and Urgency
- Have to watch this one on YouTube (sorry, they disabled it on other sites):
  - https://youtu.be/xoYnqvadurg
- ~10-minutes in length
  - By: Positive Magazine
  - 3.5 million views
  - Published May 8, 2013
- Pros:
  - The instrumental music is atmospheric and not at all distracting
  - Beautiful photos were chosen to make the video
  - Good professional mix between voice and music
- Cons:
  - The narrator’s voice can be a little distracting at times
The Issues with YouTube

YouTube is a great source when it comes to materials for meditation or yoga, but I find every time I try to do it myself, it’s never as refreshing as I hope. Maybe it is because I’ve taken professional classes before and find it hard to compare.

When you’re in a pinch for time, these free videos can do wonders for you and can release stress in a very short amount of time (even if you only have 5-minutes to spare!). I would highly recommend you try each of these YouTube videos, before considering investing in more materials.

Look past the “YouTube”

After you try all the videos above, ask yourself if YouTube videos will hold you over for months to come. For those who need the inspiration of a vocal narrator, listening to the same recording multiple times can lessen the effectiveness. At this point you should consider finding a local meditation circle or group, or possibly even join a quality yoga class that incorporates meditation.

But if you’re anything like me, being around people causes my brain to over analyze myself and my movements. For me, meditation is a personal experience.

Why Guided Meditation?

For that reason, I find meditation by myself is most effective. And listening to guided meditation alone allows me to forget about the world around me, because there are no people around me. For a novice, the narration is absolutely a necessity for best quality effect in a shorter amount of time. Imagine escaping to the top of a mountain and being able to freely experiment with the joys of meditation by allowing yourself to be guided through noise-canceling earphones risk free of any embarrassment! No one has to know your secret of complete relaxation.

One time in high school, I was overwhelmed with projects and assignments. With the frustrations of the world piling on my shoulders, I grabbed my backpack, filled it with waters, stuffed my pockets with my earbuds, and escaped to the Southern Californian hills behind my community. I stayed there for a few hours until I felt at ease again. If only I had guided meditation to help speed up the process because avoiding those projects didn’t make them go away!

Thinking Quality vs. Quantity

If you’re looking for some quality “guided meditation” tracks, I would highly recommend this particular 8-minute meditation program. Wait wait! I’m serious – don’t look back. Because this is actually an amazing program that no one knows about (and I don’t know why!).

Back in 2010, Time Magazine named it the most American form of meditation yet. As one of Amazon’s best sellers, thousands of people use this program as a stress-relief tool. No matter what level you are (even if you’re a complete beginner), the published writer Victor Davich leads you through a high-quality meditation program.

At one time this former attorney, Victor Davich, even taught 400 lawyers to successfully meditate at the same time at the Westin Palm Springs Hotel! His “real world” approach allows anyone to connect with his strategies of stress-relief.

I’m always cautious of online scams and empty promises, but this source is as credible as it gets. Here’s some interesting factoids about the creator of this guided meditation program.

Who’s Victor Davich?
- He was formerly an attorney, producer, and marketing executive for Fortune 500 companies.
- Started meditation himself during his second year of law school (just to survive!)
- Endorsed by physicians at the UCLA Medical School and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.
- Endorsed by best-selling author Richard Carlson.
- 8-Minute Meditation has been featured in TIME magazine, Cosmopolitan, OUTSIDE, SHAPE, Natural Health, and KCBS-TV.
- Studied with some well-known meditation teachers, including Shinzen Young and Sharon Salzberg.
- He himself has meditated every day for the past 25+ years!
- Best quotes of Victor Davich from the CBS Interview in 2010:
  - “If you can watch 8-minutes of your favorite TV show, then you have the patience to change your life through meditation.”
  - “Meditation is an Eastern tool for Western results.”
  - “Quiet your mind. Change your life.”
There’s a reason hard-working people develop meditation habits (such as Oprah Winfrey, Hugh Jackman, Paul McCartney, Angelina Jolie, Katy Perry, Nicole Kidman, and Steve Jobs according to Robin Strauss from Ranker.com), because without meditation, a fast-paced life would be nearly impossible (if not fatal). The mind needs a break from the grind of “worrying” and “planning.”

The best way to change your life, is to “quiet your mind.”

But, like I always say, don’t take my word for it. Research his website yourself (but don’t be thrown by his website’s lack of aesthetics!).

Victor Davich’s 8-Minute Meditation

Conclusion

YouTube is a great source for enough free material to pursue meditation as a hobby. But I would highly recommend investing a bit more in yourself if you want unquestionable results. YouTube has so much content that credibility can sometimes be hard to determine, so I hope I’ve spelled out some of the best options you can find via YouTube.

If you’re looking for a tried and true strategy in getting the most out of meditation, I invite you to research the 8-minute meditation program I mentioned above.

Everyone can donate 5 to 10-minutes for your personal and mental well-being. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even if you don’t have time to listen to YouTube videos, just sit and breathe deeply for 5-minutes. I know this sounds silly, but trust me. A mere 5-minutes can alter your mood for the rest of the day – the first step is the hardest!

If you’re curious in Buddhist music, I invite you to read up on it! And you can also read up on my opinion in the importance of music and how it affects the body, mind, and spirit.

Your Opinion?

Once you’ve tried it, let me know your opinion! I’m very curious if you’ve heard of meditation or if you currently use it on a daily basis. I would love to read your comments and hear your feedback.

Here’s a few things I would love to hear from you about:
- Do you feel you need guided meditation?
- Is there a noticeable difference between guided and non-guided meditation?
- Do you think Victor Davich is using a lawman’s “silver tongue” to convince us of his meditation expertise?
- What do you use for meditation? Music, YouTube, CD’s, or silence (nothing at all)?
Excited to hear from you! Let’s compare notes.

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Thanks for reading,

Chase

Jan. 2018

MusicalGrowth.com
January 20, 2018