How to Use Objects to Aid in Meditation

Meditation is an ancient discipline that focuses the mind. Objects ranging from special crystals to beads or flowers to landscape paintings can be used in meditation to increase concentration, aid your visualizations or pay homage to ruling deities. Use any of the enormous range of meditation techniques that many people claim is a fine way to fight stress, increase relaxation and promote overall health of body and soul.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scented candles and/or sticks of incense (optional)
• Computer with Internet access
• Meditation beads (optional)
• Flowers (optional)
• Meditation crystals (optional)
• Pictures or statues of important deities (optional)

Deepen Your Meditative State Using Objects

1. Learn the basics about what is and is not considered an "object" for the purposes of meditation online (see Resources below). A word, phrase or prayer is considered an object by some schools.

2. Place fresh flowers in a vase in the space where you meditate. They imbue the room with added vibrancy and are considered a spiritual good omen.

3. Burn a candle or stick of scented incense. Eastern schools of meditation stress the importance of elemental fire as a beneficial presence during meditation.

4. Place a meaningful image in the space in front of you where your vision will rest if you practice a type of meditation that doesn't require eye closure. An image of a particular deity, spiritual figure or anything that heightens your sense of calmness and concentration, such as a landscape painting, can be used.

5. Purchase a set of meditation crystals. There are various types. Some, such as chakra crystals, are specific to a particular school of meditation, while others are simply used to help maintain concentration. Shop for this type of item in specialty stores, such as New Age boutiques, and speak with a sales associate if you have any questions.

6. Use a rosary of meditation beads if you practice a school of meditation that involves the repetition of a mantra. Advance one bead per repetition of your mantra, and continue in reverse when you reach the point you started from if you want to keep going.

7. Consult a knowledgeable expert. Virtually all large cities have societies dedicated to the different meditation schools. Get professional instruction if it fits your budget, and collect tips and know-how from experienced practitioners.

Tips & Warnings

• Costs involved in the use of objects to aid in meditation can range from negligible, for things like flowers, to expensive, for objects like high-quality sets of meditation crystals.
• The practice of any form of meditation may create health benefits such as stress reduction and more restful sleep, but it is not intended to replace the care of a doctor. If you experience a sharp increase in your anxiety level, fall into deep depression or have unexplained abdominal discomfort, you may have a stress-related illness that requires immediate medical attention.

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