Deepen Your Meditation Practice

Deepen Your Meditation Practice

Advanced Techniques for Spiritual Growth & Inner Transformation

By Kristen Ashenden

Crystal expert, meditation guide, & founder of Earth to Soul Emporium

Congratulations on establishing a regular meditation practice! As you continue on your journey of self-discovery & inner peace, you may find yourself ready to explore more advanced techniques. This guide will introduce you to powerful methods to deepen your practice, incorporating crystals, energy work, & ancient wisdom traditions.

"The deeper you go into meditation, the more profound your experience of life becomes." - Sadhguru

1. Vipassana Meditation

Vipassana, which means "to see things as they really are," is an ancient Indian meditation technique. It involves observing bodily sensations & mental phenomena without reaction, leading to profound insights & equanimity.

How to Practice:

1. Sit comfortably with your eyes closed.

2. Start with focusing on your breath to calm the mind.

3. Gradually shift your attention to bodily sensations, starting from the top of your head & slowly moving down to your toes.

4. Observe each sensation objectively, without reacting or judging.

5. If thoughts arise, acknowledge them & return to observing sensations.

6. Practice for 30-60 minutes daily for best results.

Crystal Tip: Selenite

Place a selenite wand nearby during your Vipassana practice. Selenite has a high vibrational energy that can enhance clarity & facilitate deeper insights during meditation.

2. Trataka (Candle Gazing)

Trataka is a yogic purification practice that involves gazing at a single point, often a candle flame. This technique enhances concentration, strengthens eye muscles, & can lead to heightened states of awareness.

How to Practice:

1. Set up a candle at eye level, about an arm's length away.

2. Sit comfortably & light the candle in a dark or dimly lit room.

3. Gaze steadily at the flame without blinking for as long as possible.

4. When your eyes water or feel strained, close them gently.

5. With closed eyes, focus on the afterimage of the flame in your mind's eye.

6. Repeat for 10-15 minutes.

Crystal Tip: Labradorite

Place a labradorite stone near your candle during Trataka. Labradorite is known to enhance intuition & psychic abilities, complementing the third-eye awakening effects of candle gazing.

3. Kundalini Meditation

Kundalini meditation aims to awaken the dormant spiritual energy at the base of the spine, leading to heightened awareness & spiritual awakening. It often involves a combination of breathwork, mantras, & specific body postures.

A Simple Kundalini Practice:

1. Sit in easy pose with a straight spine.

2. Place your hands in Gyan Mudra (touch thumb to index finger, other fingers straight).

3. Close your eyes & focus on the third eye point (between the eyebrows).

4. Practice Long Deep Breathing for 3-5 minutes.

5. Begin chanting the mantra "Sat Nam" (Truth is my identity). Inhale "Sat," exhale "Nam."

6. Continue for 11 minutes, gradually building up to longer durations.

Crystal Tip: Shungite

Keep a shungite pyramid near you during Kundalini meditation. Shungite is believed to offer protection from electromagnetic frequencies & support the rise of Kundalini energy.

4. Sound Bath Meditation

Sound bath meditation uses the vibrations of singing bowls, gongs, & other instruments to induce a meditative state. The sound waves help to entrain brainwaves, leading to deep relaxation & potentially altered states of consciousness.

How to Practice:

1. Lie down comfortably or sit in a supported position.

2. Close your eyes & take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.

3. Begin playing a recorded sound bath or use your own instruments if you have them.

4. Focus your attention on the sounds & vibrations, letting them wash over you.

5. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the sounds.

6. Continue for 20-60 minutes.

Crystal Tip: Crystal Singing Bowl

Incorporate a crystal singing bowl into your sound bath practice. Each type of crystal bowl produces unique frequencies that can align with different chakras & energy centres in the body.

Explore Crystal Singing Bowl Sets

Tips for Deepening Your Practice

• Consistency is key: Aim for daily practice, even if it's shorter on busy days.

• Create a sacred space: Dedicate an area in your home for meditation, filled with meaningful objects & crystals.

• Attend retreats: Immerse yourself in longer periods of practice to break through plateaus.

• Study spiritual texts: Complement your practice with wisdom from various traditions.

• Journal your experiences: Keep track of insights, challenges, & breakthroughs.

• Practice mindfulness throughout the day: Bring meditation off the cushion & into daily life.

Remember, deepening your meditation practice is a journey, not a destination. Be patient with yourself & enjoy the process of unfolding awareness & inner growth. As you explore these advanced techniques, you may find that your relationship with yourself & the world around you transforms in profound & beautiful ways.

Explore More

• Chakra Balancing Meditation: Aligning Your Energy Centres

• Creating Powerful Crystal Grids to Enhance Your Meditation

• Astral Projection: Techniques for Out-of-Body Experiences

• Quantum Meditation: Exploring Consciousness at the Subatomic Level

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