Meditation and Essential Oils | Finding our summer Zen

As the warm days of summer invite us to relax and unwind, it's the perfect time to embrace meditation. Combining the power of essential oils with meditation can enhance relaxation, focus and overall well-being.

Learn how to use essential oils during meditation and discover summer meditation routines that can be done both indoors and in a peaceful outdoor setting.

Why use essential oils in meditation?

Essential oils have been used for centuries to promote physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. When used in meditation they contribute to:

Enhance relaxation: Certain essential oils have calming properties that help calm the mind and reduce stress.
Improve focus: Certain scents can sharpen mental clarity and focus, making it easier to stay present during meditation.
Mood booster: They can lift your mood, creating a positive atmosphere for your practice.

Choosing the right essential oils

For summer meditation, try these essential oils:

• Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.
• Peppermint: Refreshing and invigorating, peppermint can enhance focus and clear the mind.
• Lemon: Bright and refreshing, lemon essential oil can boost your mood and energy levels.
• Eucalyptus: With its cooling and clarifying properties, eucalyptus is perfect for summer meditations, especially in hot weather.
• Ylang Ylang: Known for its sweet floral scent, ylang ylang has calming properties that can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm.

How to use essential oils in meditation

There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your meditation practice:

Diffusion: Use a wood diffuser to spread the aroma throughout your meditation space.
Topical application: Dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (such as coconut or jojoba oil) and apply to pulse points such as wrists, temples and behind the ears, or use a roll on.
Bath: Add a few drops of essential oil to your bath before meditating to create a relaxing environment.

Summer meditation routines

Morning Sun Meditation (Outdoor)

Purpose: Energize and set a positive tone for the day.
Essential Oils: Lemon and Peppermint.

Routine:

• Find a quiet place outside where you can sit comfortably and feel the morning sun.
• Diffuse lemon and peppermint essential oils or apply a diluted mixture to your wrists.
• Close your eyes and take deep breaths, inhaling the refreshing aromas.
• Focus on the warmth of the sun on your skin and the sounds of nature around you.
• Visualize the energy of the sun filling your body with light and positivity.
• Spend 10-15 minutes in this meditative state, gradually returning to full awareness.

Cool Afternoon Meditation (indoors)

Purpose: Relax and refresh during the heat of the day.
Essential Oils: Eucalyptus and Lavender.

Routine:

• Create a cool, comfortable space indoors with a fan or air conditioner.
• Diffuse eucalyptus and lavender essential oils in your meditation area.
• Sit or lie down in a comfortable position.
• Close your eyes and take slow, deep breaths, feeling the cool aromas.
• Focus on relaxing each part of your body, starting from your toes and working your way up to your head.
• Imagine a cool breeze flowing over your body, blowing away any tension or stress.
• Meditate for 15-20 minutes, then slowly open your eyes and stretch.

Evening Wind-Down Meditation (indoor/outdoor)

Purpose: Relax and prepare for a restful evening.
Essential Oils: Lavender and Ylang Ylang.

Routine:

• Choose a quiet space either indoors or in a quiet outdoor space.
• Diffuse lavender and ylang ylang essential oils or apply a diluted mixture to your temples and neck.
• Sit comfortably with your spine straight and eyes closed.
• Take deep breaths, focusing on the relaxing aromas.
• Practice mindful breathing: inhale for a count of four, hold for a count of four, and exhale for a count of four.
• Let go of the day's events and imagine them drifting away like clouds.
• Meditate for 10-15 minutes, then gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings.

Incorporating essential oils into your meditation practice can greatly enhance your experience, helping you find your summer zen. Whether you choose to meditate in the bright morning sun, cool off in the afternoon, or unwind in the evening, these routines and essential oils will support your journey to greater relaxation and focus. Embrace the scents of summer and let them lead you into a deeper state of meditation and well-being.