Using Gemstone Mala Beads for Japa Meditation

The practice of Japa meditation is an ancient form of meditation that has been used for centuries to help people achieve inner peace and harmony. The word “Japa” comes from the Sanskrit word meaning “mantra repetition.” This type of meditation involves the use of a mantra, or sacred sound, which is repeated over and over again. The repetition of the mantra helps to focus the mind and brings about a state of deep relaxation.

Many people find that using crystals and stones can help to enhance the effects of meditation. There are many different types of crystals and gemstones that can be used for Japa meditation. Some of the most popular stones include amethyst, quartz, and black tourmaline.

When choosing a stone for your Japa meditation, it is important to select one that resonates with the energy of the mantra you are using. For example, if you are using the mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum,” you would want to choose a stone that has the energy of compassion. If you are using the mantra “Om Shanti,” you would want to select a stone that has the energy of peace.

Each type of crystal has intentions they are attuned with. Ask The Mala Tree for advice on these properties. When done right, the crystal’s energy property will synchronize with the mantra, making it more effective in turn.

When you are choosing a crystal or gemstone for your Japa meditation, it is important to listen to your intuition. Go with the stone that calls out to you. The one that you are drawn to is the one that will be most effective for you.

If you are new to meditation, it is important to start with a stone that is easy to work with. Quartz crystal is a good choice for beginners. It is a very powerful stone and can be used to help you focus your mind and achieve inner peace.

As you become more experienced with meditation, you can experiment with different types of crystals and gemstones. Each stone has its own unique energy and properties. You may find that some stones work better for you than others.

Once you have selected the right stone, it is important to cleanse it before using it. It is also important to charge the stone with your intention.

After you have cleansed and charged your stone, you are ready to begin your Japa meditation. To do this, find a comfortable place to sit or lie down. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths. Then, begin to repeat your mantra. Focus on the sound of the mantra and let it fill your mind.

As you continue to repeat your mantra, you may find that your mind begins to wander. When this happens, simply bring your focus back to the mantra. Continue to repeat the mantra until you feel a sense of peace and calm come over you.

Japa meditation is a great way to achieve inner peace and harmony. The use of crystals and gemstones can help to enhance the effects of meditation. If you are looking for a way to relax and find inner peace, Japa meditation may be the perfect solution for you.

The key to successful Japa meditation is to relax and let the mantra do the work. The repetition of the mantra will help to focus your mind and bring about a state of deep relaxation. Do not try to force the mantra. Simply allow it to flow through you and let it work its magic.

The Power of Mantras

Mantras are the powerful Sanskrit or Tibetan words or phrases chanted during Japa meditations or other kinds of yogic practices.

Mantras rise above words of affirmations when it comes to their potency. They are uttered for every bead in a Japa mala bead, and these words resonate with your intention.

Mantras are inseparable from Yoga as one of its earliest aspects. Written in the ancient Vedic scripture of early India, they first came from the visions seen by the Rishis during a deep meditative state. Back then, mantras were chanted as part of religious ceremonies and were often considered secret.

A mantra then is a tool to help control and focus the mind. The vibrations of the words create a frequency that aligns with your intention and helps to open up the subconscious mind.

When you chant a mantra, you are not only speaking the words but also vibrating them through your whole body. The mind, body, and spirit connection is activated and the benefits of chanting mantras are vast.

Benefits of Chanting Mantras

There are many benefits to chanting mantras. The most notable ones include:

1. Calming the mind: When we chant a mantra, we create a certain vibration in our bodies. This vibration helps to quieten the monkey-mind and bring us into a more meditative state. When the mind is calm, we are better able to focus and connect with our true nature.

2. Manifesting our desires: As we stated before, mantras are powerful words that resonate with our intention. When we chant a mantra with focused attention, we are better able to manifest our desires into reality.

3. Connecting with our higher selves: Mantras help to quieten the mind and allow us to connect with our higher selves. When we connect with our higher selves, we are able to access our intuition and guidance.

4. Healing the body: The vibrations created by chanting mantras can help to heal the body on a physical, emotional, and mental level.

5. Boosting self-confidence: When we chant mantras, we are reminded of our innate power and beauty. This boost in self-confidence can help us to tackle life’s challenges with ease.

How to Chant Mantras

Now that you know the benefits of chanting mantras, you might be wondering how to get started.

Here are a few tips:

1. Find a comfortable place to sit or stand. You can close your eyes if you’d like but it’s not necessary.

2. Take a few deep breaths in and out to help you relax and center yourself.

3. Start chanting the mantra slowly at first and then increase the speed as you get comfortable.

4. You can chant out loud or internally, whichever feels more natural to you.

5. Chant for as long as you’d like. A good rule of thumb is to chant for at least 3-5 minutes per day.

Now that you know how to chant mantras, it’s time to choose one!

Our Favorite Mantras

There are many different mantras to choose from, each with their own unique benefits.

Here are a few of our favorites:

1. Om: This is perhaps the most well-known mantra. It is a universal sound that can be used for any intention.

2. Om Namah Shivaya: This mantra is used for protection, self-purification, and to connect with the energy of Shiva.

3. So Hum: This mantra means “I am That” and is used for self-realization and to connect with the divine.

4. Lakshmi Mantra: This mantra is used to attract abundance, prosperity, and good fortune.

5. Ganesh Mantra: This mantra is used to remove obstacles and promote new beginnings.

6. Om Mani Padme Hum: This mantra is used for compassion, and self-love, and is considered as the most powerful mantra in Buddhism.

7. Sarva Mangala Mangalye: This mantra is used for general well-being and to invoke all the auspicious energies.

8. Gayatri Mantra: This mantra is used for wisdom, and knowledge, and bestows the energy of the sun.

9. Medicine Buddha Mantra: This mantra is used for healing.

10. Om Namo Narayani: This mantra is used to humble the ego and bow to the divine.

Now that you know some of our favorite mantras, it’s time to start chanting! Remember to be patient and go at your own pace. Chanting mantras is a personal practice and there is no right or wrong way to do it. The most important thing is that you do it with an open heart and the intention to connect with your Higher Self.

8 Best Yoga Poses for Beginners

First-time yoga students and beginners can be intimidated by all the fancy words and seemingly complicated poses.

But yoga doesn’t have to be complicated! In fact, there are plenty of beginner-friendly yoga poses that can help ease you into regular practice. Here are the 8 best yoga poses for beginners:

1. Mountain Pose

The Mountain pose is a great pose for beginners as it helps to improve posture and balance. To do the pose, stand with your feet together and your hands at your sides. Then, raise your arms overhead and stretch your fingers towards the sky. Finally, take a deep breath in and out and hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

2. Downward Facing Dog

Downward-facing dog is another great pose for beginners as it helps to stretch the entire body. To do the pose, start by getting down on your hands and knees. Your hands and knees should be shoulder-width apart. Then, tuck your toes under and lift your hips up into the air so that your body forms an upside-down “V” shape. Finally, take a deep breath in and out and hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

3. Warrior I

Warrior I is a great pose for beginners as it helps to improve strength and flexibility in the legs. To do the pose, start by standing with your feet about hip-width apart. Then, step your left foot back about 4 feet and turn your left foot so that it is pointing out at a 45-degree angle. Next, bend your right knee so that it is directly over your right ankle and raise your arms up overhead. Finally, take a deep breath in and out and hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute before repeating on the other side.

4. Warrior II Pose

Warrior II is similar to Warrior I, but with the legs turned out more so that they are parallel to each other. This position helps to improve balance and strengthens the muscles in the legs, hips, and core. To do the pose, start in mountain pose with your feet together. Then, step one foot back about three feet and turn both feet out so that they are pointing toward the sides of the mat. Bend both knees so that they are directly over each ankle and reach your arms out to the sides at shoulder height. You should feel a stretch in both of your legs as well as across your chest and back.

5. Child’s Pose

Child’s pose is a restorative yoga pose that is perfect for beginners who need a break during their practice. The pose helps to stretch the hips, thighs, and ankles while calming the nervous system. Start the pose by getting down on all fours, making sure that your knees are hip-width apart and your big toes touch. Sit back safely on your heels, then exhale and bring your forehead to rest on the mat in front of you (child’s pose). You can stay in this position for as long as you like before coming back up to all fours

6. Triangle Pose

The triangle pose is a great pose for beginners as it helps to improve flexibility in the hips and legs. To do the pose, start by standing with your feet about 3 feet apart. Then, turn your right foot out so that it is pointing at a 90-degree angle and place your left hand on your hip. Next, reach your right hand down towards the ground near your right foot while extending your left arm up towards the sky. Finally, take a deep breath in and out and hold the pose for 30 seconds to 1 minute before repeating it on the other side.

7. Cobra Pose 

Cobra pose is a gentle backbend that is perfect for beginners. The pose helps to stretch the chest, shoulders, and abs. To do the pose, lie on your stomach with your feet hip-width apart and your hands at your sides. Then, press into your hands and lift your chest off of the ground, keeping your hips firmly planted on the ground. Breathe deeply for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

8. Cat-Cow Pose 

Cat-cow is a simple yet effective pose that is perfect for beginners. The pose helps to stretch the back and neck muscles while also massaging the spine. To do the pose, start in a tabletop position with your hands and knees on the ground. As you inhale, arch your back and look up towards the ceiling (cow pose). As you exhale, round your back and tuck your chin towards your chest (cat pose). Repeat this sequence for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

The poses highlighted above are just a few of the many that are perfect for beginners. These poses are a great way to get started with yoga and can help to improve strength, flexibility, and balance. Yoga is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being, and these poses are a great way to get started.

Significance of Mala Beads in Yoga

The interconnectedness of yoga, meditation, and mantra chanting is essential to understanding the significance of mala beads. Each practice supports and enhances the others. When all three are combined, they create a powerful tool for self-transformation.

The mala has long been used in the practice of Yoga, and is especially useful for dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation), also called the Sixth and Seventh Limbs of Yoga, respectively.

Mala beads have been used in yoga and meditation for centuries as a way to keep count of mantra repetitions, or as a tool for concentration. Mantras are powerful words or phrases that are repeated during meditation. They can be chanted out loud or internally, and are often used to focus the mind and connect with the Divine. Malas are used to keeping track of mantra repetitions, as well as to assist in concentration.

Yoga and mantra chanting are both ancient practices that help us to connect with our higher selves and achieve a sense of inner peace. The use of mala beads in yoga helps to keep us grounded and focused on our practice. It is believed that the repetition of mantras can help to still the mind and bring about a state of deep meditation.

The use of Mala in practicing Yoga has been around for centuries. It is particularly relevant when it comes to the Sixth and Seventh Limbs of Yoga: dharana (concentration) and dhyana (meditation).

Holding a counter bead between your fingers brings mindfulness, dharana (single awareness) into a mantra repetition.  The beads help keep your mind clear of distractions, so you can focus on what’s happening in the present moment.  Through practice, dharana lasts for two beads, then three, then the whole Mala.

The mind then becomes still, and a continual flow of concentration is generated. It’s termed dhyana when the attention remains steady and continuous.  This results in a steady, continuous flow of attention known as dhyana.

At this point, dhyana enables the mind to become absolutely quiet and still.

Mala beads are a beautiful and sacred way to connect with the divine energy within us all. They can be used as a reminder to stay present and focused on our practice. By repeating mantras with our mala beads, we create positive vibrations that bring about inner peace and clarity.

If you are looking for a way to deepen your yoga practice, using mala beads may be the perfect addition. Choose a mantra that resonates with you, and see how the power of intention can transform your life.

Namaste!

Types of Yoga

There are many different types of yoga, each with its own unique benefits. What differentiates them is the emphasis that is placed on certain aspects of the practice, such as the postures (asanas), the breath (pranayama), or the meditation (dhyana).

Through the years, there have been many different interpretations and variations of yoga. As it has become more popular in the West, many people have adapted the practice to fit their own needs and goals.

Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular types of yoga:

Hatha Yoga: Hatha yoga is one of the most popular types of yoga in the Western world. It’s a slow-paced form of yoga that emphasizes gentle movements and deep breathing. If you’re new to yoga, Hatha is a great place to start because it gives you time to learn each pose without feeling rushed. 

Vinyasa Yoga: Vinyasa yoga is a more active form of yoga that incorporates flowing movements. If you’re looking for a workout, Vinyasa is a great option. It’s also a good choice if you’re already familiar with yoga and are looking to challenge yourself.

Iyengar Yoga: Iyengar yoga is a type of Hatha yoga that focuses on alignment and precision. If you’re someone who likes things to be just so, Iyengar yoga is the perfect choice for you. This form of yoga uses props like blankets, blocks, and straps to help you achieve the perfect alignment in each pose. 

Bikram Yoga: Bikram yoga is a type of Hatha yoga that is practiced in a heated room. This form of yoga is said to detoxify the body and improve flexibility. If you’re looking for a hot yoga workout, Bikram is the way to go. 

Kundalini Yoga: Kundalini yoga is a type of yoga that focuses on awakening the energy centers of the body. Kundalini yoga is a more spiritual form of yoga, and it often incorporates chanting and meditation. If you’re interested in exploring the deeper side of yoga, Kundalini is a great option.

Yin Yoga: Yin yoga is a slow-paced form of yoga that emphasizes long holds in each pose. Yin yoga is a great way to stretch deep into the muscles and connect with your breath. If you’re looking for a more meditative form of yoga, Yin is the way to go.

Now that you know a little bit about the different types of yoga, it’s time to choose the right one for you. If you’re not sure where to start, try taking a few different classes to see what you like best. Or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, you could even try a yoga retreat!

No matter what type of yoga you choose, remember to breathe and have fun. Yoga is meant to be an enjoyable experience, so don’t take it too seriously. Relax, let go, and enjoy the ride!

Crown Chakra Meditation

The Crown Chakra is located at the top of the head. It is our connection to the divine, and it is through this chakra that we receive guidance and wisdom.

When the Crown Chakra is in balance, we feel connected to our higher purpose and are able to live with intention and clarity. We are open to new ideas and ways of being. We trust our intuition and have a strong sense of our own identity.

If the Crown Chakra is out of balance, we may feel disconnected from our higher purpose, or like we are just going through the motions of life without any real direction. We may struggle with making decisions, or feel like we are stuck in old patterns of thinking. We may also feel disconnected from our spiritual selves.

A simple Crown Chakra Meditation can help to bring balance and harmony to the chakra. Here is a simple way to meditate on the Crown Chakra.

BEFORE YOU START: Choose a time when you can relax and meditate. You may want to set the mood by using oils, candles, or incense in the color of the chakra. Find a comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed.

1. Close your eyes and imagine a thousand white petals surrounding your head like a soft, protective cap.

2. In the center of the flower, there is an opening. A light shines through it. This is your link with God – your connection with everything that ever was, is, or will be.

3. Envision this light flooding your body, entering each cell and fiber of your being with pure consciousness.

4. A level of awareness that goes beyond your rational thoughts and the five senses, one that takes you into a greater understanding.

5. This is your link to understanding the universe.

6. Believe that everything happening in your life is meant to happen, and will benefit you greatly. Envision the power of this connection as a bright light surrounds your body—filling you with its Divine Radiance.

7. You are learning new things. The things you used to believe were true are not necessarily true. You are discovering new possibilities. This is Enlightenment.

8. Now you can let your thoughts roam free and explore without being limited by your rational mind.

9. When you do this, you’re essentially aligning yourself with your Higher Self… which allows for new experiences, fresh starts, and personal growth.

10. Stay relaxed as you open your eyes to the present moment.

The Crown Chakra is a powerful energy center that can help us to connect with our higher selves and the divine. When it is in balance, we are able to make decisions with clarity and live with intention. A simple crown chakra meditation can help to bring balance and harmony to this chakra.

Brow / Third Eye Chakra Meditation

The Brow or Third Eye Chakra is located in the center of the forehead, just above and between the eyebrows. It is associated with our ability to see clearly, both physically and intuitively.

When this chakra is balanced, we have a strong sense of intuition and inner knowing. We are able to see things clearly, both literally and figuratively. Our thoughts are clear and focused, and we are able to see the big picture.

When this chakra is imbalanced, we may have trouble seeing things clearly. We may be foggy-headed or easily confused. Our thoughts may be scattered or unfocused. We may also have difficulty trusting our intuition or inner knowing.

This meditation will help to balance and open the Brow or Third Eye Chakra.

BEFORE YOU START: Choose a time when you can relax and meditate. You may want to set the mood by using oils, candles, or incense in the color of the chakra. Find a comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed.

1. Make yourself comfortable and take deep, slow breaths through your nose.

2. Beginning with the feet and ankles, tense each muscle group in your body until you reach the neck and head. As they relax, feel yourself sink into the floor or chair.

3. It may help to envision the Third Eye Chakra, located between your eyebrows, as a physical entity.

4. Picture the Ajna symbol with white wings on either side of a circle. Concentrate on the golden triangle inside the circle to connect your physical being with your Higher Consciousness…

5. Now imagine that symbol being bathed in the color Indigo. This is a color with violet-blue hues. These hues are coming down from the Crown Chakra at the top of your head. They are also coming up from the Throat Chakra at the base of your neck.

6. The Third Eye Chakra is represented by a lotus flower. To meditate on this chakra, picture the roots of the lotus deeply rooted in your forehead, connecting with the Sushuma, the central column linking all of the chakras together.

7. As you meditate, focus on the area between your eyebrows. You might feel a spinning sensation. This is the Third Eye vortex. You might also sense a pulsing feeling. This is chakra energy.

8. Be aware of any other sensations you may experience, such as smelling the fragrance of the Third Eye Chakra lotus.

9. The Third Eye is just as real as your two physical eyes. It helps you to understand things, see things that are far away, and know the answers to big questions. You need to take care of it and use it every day, as you do with your physical eyes. Let your intuition guide you to a life that is more enjoyable and satisfying.

10. Ease back into the present moment.

The Third Eye Chakra is a powerful tool that can help us to see clearly both physically and intuitively. When this chakra is balanced, we are able to focus our thoughts and see the big picture. This meditation will help to open and balance your Brow or Third Eye Chakra, so be sure to try it regularly!

Throat Chakra Meditation

The Throat Chakra is the fifth chakra and is located in the throat. It is associated with the element of sound and the color blue. The Throat Chakra governs communication, self-expression, and truth.

A balanced Throat Chakra allows us to express ourselves clearly and truthfully. We are able to communicate our needs and wants, and we have no problem speaking our minds. We feel confident in ourselves and our abilities.

An imbalanced Throat Chakra can manifest as a fear of speaking or feeling like you are not being heard. You may find yourself shy or withdrawn. You may have a hard time expressing yourself, or you may find yourself talking too much.

If your Throat Chakra is imbalanced, there are a few things you can do to help balance it. One is to practice meditation. Meditation can help to quiet the mind and allow you to focus on the present moment

This meditation will help to open and balance your Throat Chakra.

BEFORE YOU START: Choose a time when you can relax and meditate. You may want to set the mood by using oils, candles, or incense in the color of the chakra. Find a comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed.

1. Get into a comfortable position and breathe in through your nose slowly and deeply.

2. Start by tensing your muscles, one group at a time, from your feet to your head… as you sink into the floor or chair, feel the weight of your body…

3. Now focus on your lower head and neck. Imagine a beautiful blue mist entering your mouth, bathing your throat cavity, swirling around your ears, caressing your neck, gliding over your tongue, and relaxing so that the area becomes supple and free from tension.

4. Know where your tension is and focus on that area. The blue mist will help you release it.

5. With each inhale, envision the blue mist becoming more concentrated…with each exhale, see it gradually filling your throat, mouth, tongue, ears, and neck…giving you the courage to speak your truth with compassion–to yourself and others.

6. Relax and focus on the blue mist swirling around your Throat Chakra. Allow yourself to think about what you want and what you need. You always have the right to ask for what you desire– never feel like you’re asking for too much. Your requests are valid, so make sure they’re being heard with respect and patience.

7. Commit to speaking up for yourself, in some way, every day. …

8. By meditating on this beautiful mist daily, you will strengthen your Throat Chakra and move closer to having your needs met by others. You already have everything within you that you need to meet those needs yourself.

The Throat Chakra meditation is a great way to open and balance your chakra. If you have an imbalanced Throat Chakra, this meditation can help to restore balance. Meditation helps to quiet the mind and focus on the present moment. This allows you to express yourself clearly and truthfully. You may find that you are more confident in yourself and your abilities after practicing this meditation technique regularly.

Featured Mantra: “Om”

The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra is a sacred sound that is known as the universal sound of the universe. The mantra has been around for centuries and is still being used by people today.

Om is not a religious word. It is a spiritual sound that can be used by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. The power of Om comes from its ability to create vibration. This vibration can have a positive effect on your mind, body, and spirit. When you chant Om, you connect with the universal energy that surrounds us all. 

The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra is said to bring inner peace, calm the mind, and provide clarity and focus. It is also said to be beneficial for overall health and well-being. The mantra can be chanted aloud or repeated silently in the mind. Chanting the mantra aloud can be done with a group or alone. Repeating the mantra silently in the mind can be done anytime and anywhere.

The Benefits of Chanting the “Om” Sanskrit Mantra

Some of the benefits of chanting the “Om” Sanskrit Mantra include:

  • Reducing stress and anxiety: The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra has a calming effect on the mind and body. It helps to reduce stress and anxiety levels.
  • Improving sleep: The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra can help to improve sleep quality. It is a good idea to chant the mantra before going to bed.
  • Increasing focus and concentration: The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra can help to increase focus and concentration. When chanting the mantra, it is important to focus on the breath and allow all other thoughts to fade away. 
  • Enhancing relaxation: The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra can help to enhance relaxation. When chanting the mantra, it is important to focus on the breath and allow all other thoughts to fade away. 

How to Use Om

There are many ways to incorporate Om into your life. One way is to chant it during meditation. Sit with your spine straight, close your eyes, and relax your body. Focus your attention on your breath and begin to inhale and exhale deeply.

You can also use Om as a tool for manifestation. When you make a wish or set an intention, repeat it out loud along with the chant of Om three times. Doing this will help to send your Intentions out into the universe and will increase their power. 

The Om Symbol can also be used as an accessory and home decor. Some mala beads also use Om as their guru or center bead. Wearing or displaying Om is auspicious as it is said to invoke the blessings of the divine.

How to Chant “Om” 

Chanting “Om” is easy—all you need to do is repeat the sound “Om” out loud or silently to yourself. You can chant “Om” anytime, anywhere. If you’re new to chanting, start by repeating the sound for three minutes a day. Slowly increase the amount of time you spend chanting as you become more comfortable with it. 

When you chant “Om,” focus on the sound and let all other thoughts pass through your mind without clinging to them. Breathe deeply and evenly as you chant. There’s no need to force the breath—simply let it flow naturally. Be sure to practice proper breath control so that you don’t get lightheaded or dizzy while chanting. If you want, you can place your hands in a mudra (hand gesture) while chanting “Om.” The most common mudra for “Om” is called Gyana Mudra, which involves touching your index finger to your thumb—but any mudra will do. Experiment until you find one that feels comfortable for you. 

The “Om” Sanskrit Mantra is a sacred sound that has been around for centuries. It is still being used by people today because of its many benefits, which include reducing stress and anxiety levels, improving sleep quality, increasing focus and concentration, and enhancing relaxation, peace, balance, and abundance.

Om is a powerful and sacred sound that can be used to improve your life in many ways. By incorporating it into your meditation practice or using it as a tool for manifestation, you can experience the benefits of this sacred mantra.

Heart Chakra Meditation

The Heart Chakra is the fourth chakra. It is located in the center of the chest and is associated with the color green. The Heart Chakra represents our ability to love and be loved. When this chakra is balanced, we feel open to giving and receiving love. We feel compassion for others and ourselves. We are able to forgive and let go of grudges. We have fulfilling relationships and feel a sense of connectedness with the world around us.

When the Heart Chakra is imbalanced, we may feel closed off from others. We may find it difficult to give or receive love. We may be quick to anger or hold onto grudges. We may have difficulty in our relationships or feel disconnected from the world around us.

There are many ways to balance the Heart Chakra. One way is through meditation. Below is a meditation you can do to balance your Heart Chakra.

BEFORE YOU START: Choose a time when you can relax and meditate. You may want to set the mood by using oils, candles, or incense in the color of the chakra. Find a comfortable place where you can sit or lie down without being disturbed.

1. You are about to start a journey to the Heart Chakra… Acknowledge any negative feelings you have, but don’t focus on them. Know that it’s okay and that you are safe and loved.

2. As you travel down the path, take note of your surroundings. The red pathway eventually turns to a sandy orange and then appears to ripple like water beneath your feet. You may feel as though your feet are lighter now, making it easier to walk forward …

3. The road becomes a rich, welcoming yellow color… You can feel the warmth emanating from it and seeping into your feet. It spreads throughout your body, sending a warning that everything is about to be bathed in bright sunlight.

4. Ahead lies a green pathway that leads to a pink palace. As you walk down the path, it falls away beneath your feet as if you’re walking on air. You’ve arrived at the entrance of the pink castle.

5. As you enter the hall, you see your heart on a plinth. It’s appearance moves you – is it frozen in ice, or bleeding from being too open? No matter its state, remember that you’re here to heal it.

6. Always have the right tools for the job. In this case, you’ll need a pick and an ice axe. Use your breath to warm up the ice so it melts faster…Unlock the chain with a key from your pocket.

7. Put your hands on any scars and think about Universal Love to help them go away.…

8. Be aware of the connection between what you are thinking and what is happening in your body. Enjoy these moments.

9. Touch your heart gently and send it a lot of Universal Love, knowing that the more love you give to it will enable it to send more love to other beings.

10. Stay here for as long as you like, then when you’re ready to leave, thank your heart for everything it has done for you. Walk back down the path, and take note of how your surroundings have changed. The colors are brighter and the air feels lighter. You may feel a sense of peace and calm.

The Heart Chakra is our powerhouse of love. By meditating on this chakra, we can open ourselves up to giving and receiving love more freely. We can also find compassion for ourselves and others, and forgive more easily. This chakra helps us to create fulfilling relationships and feel connected to the world around us.