15 Tools to Elevate Your Meditation Practice to Another Level

You just wrapped up a hard day in the office, and now you’re looking forward to unwinding and spending some time with your thoughts. You sit down in a quiet place for meditation, but something is missing. You and your thoughts are suddenly not enough… 

We know how frustrating this feeling can be, but we’re pleased to say that we’ve found some incredible tools that will bring you more pleasure and excitement in your daily meditation practice. No need to take on more hard work!

Different seasons may require various tools. You don’t have to find one way to meditate and stick to that plan throughout your life. The most effective thing to do is to look at your personality, current needs, and tendencies and then decide what could have the most significant impact on your spiritual life.

Here are some great tools to make your meditation less of a chore and more of a refreshing activity: 

Spiritual Symbols

When we talk about meditation, we always emphasize the importance of awareness. But how do we cultivate it? Gestures, signs, symbols, objects — they play with our consciousness and help us understand the world better. Likewise, spiritual symbols give us instructions on navigating the spiritual world and walking in the right direction.

1. Hamsa

Hamsa is a hand-shaped symbol that first found its popularity in Middle Eastern cultures. The word hamsa means five and symbolizes the five fingers on the hand. In all faiths, people would associate the sign with the hand of God or Fatima. Hanging the protective amulet at your home meant that negative thoughts and vibrations had no power to bring harm.

In Hindu symbolism, the upward hand means Abhaya, do not be afraid. And the downward hand means Varada, donation, or charity. In many places, people use their hand to show care and comfort for one another.

Incorporating this sign in your meditation practice can help you find harmony between the chakras and the five senses. Remember that each finger correlates with its own chakra:

1. Thumb: Solar plexus chakra; Fire element.
2. Index finger: Heart chakra; Air element.
3. Middle finger: Throat chakra; Ethereal (space) elements. 
4. Ring finger: Root chakra; Earth element.
5. Pinky finger: Sacral chakra; Water element.

2. Lotus Flower

The lotus flower represents enlightenment, purity, and self-regeneration in most cultures. The symbol holds a perfect analogy for the human condition: even if the roots are planted in the dirtiest water, they can still produce the most beautiful flower. 

You can use the sign in guided meditation. To do this, imagine a flower unfolding in the center of your chest. Slowly, but deeply inhale and exhale. Focus your attention on the flower and your chest. 

As you breathe in, the flower’s blossoms open up and absorb all the peace around you. When you exhale, the flower’s blossoms close and allow positive feelings to dwell within you. Once you are finished with the meditation, take time for gratitude and reflection to let the loving feelings settle. 

Remember that you can return to the flower and rediscover the peace you need at any time of the day. 

3. Mandala

The Mandala is a symbol of the universe. Meditation practitioners use it as a spiritual guidance tool. The patterns of the Mandala absorb any chaos in the mind and declutter chattering thoughts. Let the analytical left side of your brain rest while the creative right side runs a little bit more freely.  

How to use Mandala for meditation:

• Pick the Mandala that resonates with you the most.
• Set your intention before you start the practice.
• Begin to focus on the Mandala.
• Allow your mind to wander through the beauty of different patterns.
• Imagine yourself falling into the Mandala. Let it absorb all your attention.
• Relax and float with the feelings that come toward you.

4. Yin Yang

The Yin Yang symbol represents the unity of two opposite halves. Yin refers to the feminine energies in life, while Yang refers to the masculine energies. Reuniting Yin and Yang within your body can help promote a healthy life. 

Yin Yang can be practiced simply by breathing:

• Imagine that the inhaling of breath is Yang. Expand your lungs and oxygenate your body. 
• Imagine that the exhaling of breath is Yin. Contract your stomach and let it become denser as the air comes out. 

5. Aum/Om Symbol

The Aum/Om symbol represents the universe and the ultimate reality. “Om” is one of the earliest sounds that helped people open their third eyes and connect to divine energy. 

The whole environment has its own pulse and vibration. When we chant the sound “Om,” it vibrates at the frequency of 432 Hz. This exact frequency is found throughout the whole creation. 

One way to incorporate the practice of “om” into your routine is simply chanting “om” three times at the end of yoga. If you don’t practice yoga, then you can chant “om” three times before you go to bed or before you have your morning cup of coffee. Reignite the power and passion within you!

Sounds for Meditation

The right sounds resonate with our bodies and return them to their natural state. Such sounds have spiritual healing and regenerating effects on our minds and souls. There’s nothing better than letting the sounds make you feel as if the world is melting away with all the pressures of your everyday life. 

Here are some of the most common instruments that can give your meditation a unique boost:

1. Gongs

The gong is one of the oldest therapeutic instruments in history. It’s been used for over 4,000 years in various spiritual practices. The gong’s vibrational and mystical features greatly resonate with the body’s energy and relax it in the most powerful way. 

Using gong sounds can provide an authentic path to a deep transformation that moves from the matter to the essence. Your body becomes rooted in a greater understanding and awareness. We’re all part of the universe that, like our bodies, produces vibrations. To achieve perfect balance and harmony, we must find ways to resonate with each other.

2. Singing Bowls

If you’re looking for something to help you concentrate and dive into the depths of meditation, look no further than singing bowls! 

There are several different ways to meditate with this instrument. You can make the sounds by yourself while you meditate or let someone else lead you and play singing bowls.

It is also possible to fill the bowl with water. The process is called charging the water. The charged water affects the vibration frequency and produces different sounds depending on the water level. Soothing and melodic sounds will make you more focused, relaxed, and ready for a deeper meditative state!

3. Tuning Forks

The tuning fork is a fragile instrument yet a unique method to treat your soul and restore your inner state. This instrument takes only minutes to learn and is easy to use at home. It can serve as a powerful treatment for yourself, friends, and family.

There are two types of tuning forks: unweighted forks, which work with the auric field, and weighted forks, which are applied directly to the body, often targeting the same points as acupressure. 

The tuning forks can free you from negative thoughts and unwanted energies. When you tap the tuning forks, you awaken your inner self and revitalize it for a new happier state. 

4. Rattles

The sound of the rattle dates back to far before any written historical accounts. Archaeological evidence shows that the oldest rattle was created 67,000 years ago! Rattles and drums were the first instruments designed due to man’s natural impulse to add sound to dynamic movements such as dance. 

The rattles themselves transmit important sound information for us to listen to and translate. In all this clatter and banging, there is a language inviting us to the mystery of spiritual healing. Uncover any anger, shame, sadness, or guilt, and let these feelings fade away as you play rattles!

5. Ocean Drum

Ocean drums may be the best option for all the earth dwellers who love sunsets and salty air! The soothing sounds of the crashing waves will help you awaken the qualities of the ocean within you: receptivity, strength, tranquility, and flexibility. 

The instrument opens a pathway for your mind to enter the Theta Brainwave state. This state produces unconscious creativity and deep relaxation. Unlike other instruments, the ocean drum creates a dream-like experience in which you can access profound states of your imagination and authenticity. 

Spiritual Items

You don’t have to have something physical to aid you in your meditation. But some tools may surprise you with their qualities and effectiveness. Today can be an excellent time to explore this broad spectrum of meditation items and get into new and nourishing habits.

1. Crystals

Crystals may seem like nothing more than pretty decor to the untrained eye, but they have amazing spiritual healing properties. Mined from Mother Earth and sparkling with ancient energy, they can help you tame all the monkeys in your head and quiet every racing thought. 

Using crystals for meditation will unlock hidden avenues within you. Every crystal is dressed in its own special properties. For instance, a carnelian will infuse you with vibrant energy, while a celestite will bring you to a space of serenity. Citrine properties will surprise you with their power to help you achieve whatever goal you have in mind, and amethyst will purify the aura of any negative energy. Only you know what’s best for you!

2. Incense

Like sounds, scents can take us back to the places we are most familiar with. A delicious aroma of apple pie, for example, instantly sweeps you away from a busy street to your childhood home and floods your brain with memories. 

Incense is known for its therapeutic benefits. It is the perfect tool to increase motivation, boost your meditation practice, and bring comfort to your mind.

Even religious leaders use incense year after year in the belief that it enriches our souls.

Here are some scents that you could include in your rituals:

• Lavender for relaxation.
• Sandalwood for comfort and peace.
• Jasmine for an enhancing romantic mood.
• Lotus for getting in tune with your mind’s eye.
• Cinnamon for creativeness.

3. Oils

Like incense, oil is another form of scent that helps to enhance the quality of the meditation experience. Various oils are renowned for their uplifting and spiritually healing properties. The method of application and the choice of oil depends on your intentions and goal for the meditation practice.

There are a few ways that you can use your essential oils:

• Diffuse – use your aromatic diffuser to fill the room with the scent of the oil.
• Create a roller bottle – blend two different oils in a roller bottle. Roll it onto your neck and wrists before meditation practice.
• Wear diffuser jewelry – put a few drops of essential oil on your bracelet for aromatherapy during your spiritual practice.
• Use a room spray – use your oil as a room spray for your meditation pillow and the room where you meditate.

4. Candles

In this fast-paced world, some have started to joke that humans have the attention span of a goldfish. It would be fair to say that attentiveness and focus are two of the qualities that people strive hardest to achieve. Anyone who struggles with meditation –  candle gazing can be your go-to!

You don’t have to repeat your mantra, but simply rest your gaze on the flicker of the flame. Make sure to put the candle in a dark room with little or no breeze. Place your candle about a meter in front of you at eye level.  

After practicing a few times, you will find yourself more resilient, patient, and focused in your everyday life. 

5. Sand Timer

A sand timer is a big helper for those who don’t want to be tied to their devices during their spiritual practices! For slower and quieter activities to be effective, we need to minimize distractions from our surroundings. A sand timer can be helpful for a couple of reasons:

• No more looking at the clock and counting minutes – you can choose the sand timer with the length of time that you need. You no longer have to keep track of time since you’ll know how long you’ve been sitting.
• No more losing focus – you can focus your attention on the falling sand. The relaxing sound and movement will help you concentrate on one thing and be less distracted by the environment.

Conclusion

Sometimes we may have a clear goal in mind but not know the practical steps to achieve it. One thing is for sure — if we continue to do what we’ve always done, there will be no change.

But if you’ve already stopped here, you’re probably looking to explore, to try something new, and to experience something you’ve never experienced before.

All of these tools can help you discover a whole different spiritual world. Are you ready for more extraordinary things?

About the author:

Roberta is a curious and ever-learning freelance copywriter on behalf of mindfulsouls.com. She takes every chance and risk to grow, inspire others and live more mindfully.

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3. Best Books on Meditation

4. Best Headphones For Sleeping & Meditation

5. Different Ways to Meditate in Your Spare Time

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