Meditations :: Inner Balance
Background
This centering exercise will bring the mental, phsyical and spiritual selves together so that the benefits from their harmonic, magical power can be felt. This exercise will concentrate on the root chakra, chakras are energy centers in the body and are a fundamental component of Eastern mysticism. The seven major chakras are located (for purposes of visualization ) along the spine, at the base of which lies the root chakra. The root chakra is associated with the color red, the vitality of the life force, and the primordial connection to the collective unconscious. To receive the maximum benefit from this exercise, burn patchouli incense or place a few drops of patchouli oil on a cotton ball or in an oil diffuser to fill your senses with the deep, musky, sweet smell that stimulates the root chakra. After repetitive practice, even a passing whiff of patchouli will bring a sense of calm, centered power.
Gather:
Patchouli incense or oil
A full length mirror
A darkened room/area
Meditation
Sit or stand in front of the mirror with your spine straight. Light the incense and the candle and place the candle in between yourself and the mirror so that it approximates the position of your root chakra. If you choose to stand, you will need to place the candle on a short table or stool. Begin by breathing deeply through your nose. Fill your lungs with air, hold this breath for a count of 3, feeling the full expansion of your lungs. As you breath in again, feel your diaphragm rise and see your chest expand in the mirror. See if fall as you exhale. On your next breath, fill your stomach with air. In the mirror, see it inflate like a balloon, expanding to accommodate the life giving air. Continue conscious breathing and look at the reflection of the flame in the mirror. See its glow encompassing your mirror image in warm soft light. Close your eyes and imagine the same glow emanating from your physical body, feel your skin tingle with warmth and light. Look back at the mirror, move your focus to the reflection of the melting red wax. Blur your vision and shape the candle into a ball. Red is a vitalizing color, full of movement and energy. It simply can not stay still. As you look at it in the mirror, allow it to rotate clockwise, slowly at first. Close your eyes and move the spinning ball of kinetic energy from your mirror self to your physical self. The scent of patchouli hangs in the air around you, entering your body as you breath to stimulate the root chakra, causing it to spin faster. Feel the ball of red energy swirling and expanding just above your groin. Hold this image as long as you wish while focusing on your connection to your own primal power, to the source within you, your origin.
Bring yourself back to full consciousness slowly, do not hop right up or snap your eyes open. Pinch out the flame and allow the incense to burn away, leaving the earthy scent of patchouli lingering in the air.
Quick Tip :: Deep Breathing
Many people have difficulty the first time they are instructed to "breath into the belly". To make is easier for myself, I recalled the instructions of my high school choir teacher who used to tell us to "sing from the stomach". To illustrate this, she had us place our hands on our chests, inhale and sing the scales (do, re, me, etc) as we exhaled. The final note was often wavering, flat and gasping. Next, she instructed us to place our hands on our stomachs, feel it expand with air as we inhaled and repeat singing the scale. Each note was clear and deep, even the final 'do'
Summary
This centering exercise was designed to have an air of ritual. As with anything, the more often you practice, the easier it will become. Eventually, simple deep breathing, envisioning the root chakra, or inhaling a key scent will bring you to center. If you continue to burn patchouli when you practice centering, after a time the scent will act as a trigger. One of the ways to communicate with the subconscious is through the senses and through repetition the subconscious can be trained to make shifting consciousness to a relaxed, ritual state of mind easier. Triggers can also be used to achieve the opposite effect, for instance peppermint, bright lights and hot colors energize.
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