A Self Love Ritual

Have you ever tried to meditate but not been able to find the right head space for it? Wondered what meditation actually does? Although it doesn’t belong to any religion or faith, It’s practiced in cultures all over the world to create a sense of peace, calm, and inner harmony. Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine.

So how do we achieve this deep state of relaxation and a tranquil mind?

Sophie Clewley, Aveda's Transformational Coach, Mentor and Holistic Counsellor, shares the benefits, the how to's and some handy tips on meditation.

Words by Sophia Clewley, Aveda’s Transformational Coach, Mentor and Holistic Counsellor

Meditation is a practical tool that recharges, settles and soothes, while enhancing the feeling of deep peace that occurs when the mind is silent. Meditation helps us to feel more solid in who we are despite the turbulence of the outside world. The act of meditation causes the brain waves and body to slow down, which is something that we, as a culture, are not particularly good at.

The benefits of Meditation are increased level of restful alertness, restoration for all systems of the body, relief from insomnia, increased stability and decreased anxiety. 

The reason why people give up and think they can't meditate is because they are not present or grounded before they start. So doing this process will set you up for success. 

I understand, it can be challenging to find quiet time, but don’t let that stop you. It’s allowing yourself ten minutes a day just for you. 

To begin, we must first understand the importance of preparation before we start to meditate.

Our energy system consists of a Physical, Emotional, Mental and Spiritual Body. To create harmony these bodies must be aligned, centered and grounded before we start to meditate.

A simple way to do this, is to:

•Visualise a golden thread coming down through your crown, through your heart, down through your legs, through your feet and into Mother Earth. This is your alignment. 

•Feel into your heart center which is a direct point of connection to your higher self, this is your centering. 

•Making sure your feet are flat on the floor and you are fully present in the moment, this is you grounding. 

How to meditate 

•Set aside 10 - 15 minutes, find yourself a special place where you will not be interrupted 

•Sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor with your back nice and straight. 

•Take a few deep slow breaths in through your nose and out through the mouth.

•With each breath, becoming more present, more still and more grounded, allowing the stresses of the day to be released. 

•Become aware of your breathing, place your left hand on your heart and with each breath visualise your heart expanding and filling up with love and light. 

•Continue with this process until you feel still and harmonised.

Handy Tips:

•I recommend Chakra 1 for grounding – spray above your crown about 5 inches above your head. This will allow the essence to penetrate through all of the bodies. 

•Light a shampure candle to create the perfect ambience for your mediation experience.