Self-care and mindfulness have become immensely popular in recent years. There are many ways people can and do de-stress, from going for run, to daily gratitude practices, preparing and eating nourishing whole foods, to drumming circles and dancing, and of course meditation.

Meditation is the art of quieting your mind. Daily meditation has been shown to reduce anxiety, as well as help you learn to love yourself. Daily meditation practices bring a sense of calm and inner peace.

Barriers to meditation

For some, sitting still for a length of time can be a difficult endeavour, and emptying our minds can be even more difficult. Sometimes, it just takes repeated practice but other times it can really be a struggle.

In those times, having something to focus your excess energy on can be especially useful, especially when you are first beginning. A nice tool that beginners, as well as advanced meditation students, can add to their practice is crystals.

The power of crystals

Crystals are believed by some to possess healing powers as well as other magical properties. There is no concrete scientific evidence that suggests crystals provide these benefits, but rather the research suggests it’s largely a placebo effect. However, there is also research that suggests that the placebo effect, has benefits all on its own as well, so believing in the power of crystals can be beneficial either way.

How to use crystals

Before you use your crystals, you need to clean them and charge them. Wash them in soapy water. Let them dry in natural sunlight. Your crystals are now ready for use.

Why use crystals in meditation?

Certain crystals can lend a hand while you meditate. Some crystals can help you elevate your mind to your higher calling, some crystals can help you keep your mind free from distraction. Others can take the edge of any niggling anxieties or stresses.

How to choose crystals?

There are two ways you can do this. Go with your gut instinct and choose the ones that call to your inner being. The other way is to research and choose crystals for your specific desires and purchase those specific crystals for your meditative needs. There are many different kinds of crystals, with their own unique healing and magical properties. There are many that can assist you in your meditation practice, however there are four main crystals that are the best for this job.

  1. Clear Quartz

With it’s diamond like sparkly appearance, this crystal is known as the master of the healing stones. It is believed that using this stone while you meditate will amplify your own energy. It also helps clarify your future dreams and goals. If you use this crystal alongside a mantra, Clear Quartz can help you fill your blank canvas with your highest purpose. It’s also a perfect crystal for clearing your mind of all chaotic thoughts and understanding your intentions within a sticky, chaotic situation and helps remove any unwanted distractions.

  1. Selenite

This crystal represents peace, serenity, and consciousness. It is a soothing crystal and encourages you to full embrace the practice of self-awareness and allowing all of yourself to be seen without judgment.

Use this stone when you need to access your inner peace and quiet space inside yourself. Selenite is a perfect stone to help you visit your mind’s natural sedative state.

  1. Moonstone

Want to manifest your heart’s desire into being? Then adding a moonstone to your meditation is a must. Simply hold it over your heart chakra in meditation for 15 minutes and that will help you manifest whatever was on your heart while you were meditating.

Moonstone encourages meditation practitioners to check their egos and let their inner intuitions lead them on their respective journeys.

  1. Obsidian

If you find that you can’t relax and become hypervigilant while trying to meditate, then this is the stone for you. Obsidian is the ultimate protector. If you are struggling to let go of situations and being too hyper-aware, obsidian sinks you down into a state of calm.

These 4 stones will help guide you on your meditation journey, and help you find inner peace.

Jenny Williams is a writer at Assignment Writing Service and Luckyassignments.com.