Monthly Archives: December 2018
Begin by taking some full, deep breaths. Don’t try to force anything, just relax and breathe deep.
As you breathe, imagine yourself standing in a grove of tall, strong trees. See yourself as one of those tall, strong trees. Breathe deep and feel the ground beneath you and the sun shining down upon you. Feel your connection to the Earth and become aware that you now have roots where your feet were.
Breathe deep and on an exhale, slowly begin to send those roots deep into the ground. Down, down through the grass and the topsoil, Down through soil and rock and the roots of other plants and trees. Through water tables and bones and all the many layers of Earth. Continue to send those roots down, down in search of the Source at the center of the Earth. Begin to feel the energy pulsating as you draw near and feel the heartbeat of the Earth.
When you reach that source of energy deep within the Earth, let it take a form in your minds eye. It may be a huge crystal cluster, or the hot molten core of the Earth. With your roots, tap into that source of energy, breathe deep and feel the energy slowly begin to rise, traveling up your root.
Up, up through the layers of Earth and soil and rock. Through roots and seedlings and water tables. Feel the energy rise up your roots, through your feet, your calves you thighs. Let that Mother Earth energy rise through your trunk, your torso, and up, up through your chest and arms and neck. Let it reach your head and just fill you. Stay with this feeling for a moment and just breathe.
Now, imagine you have branches that are tall and wide and reach up to the sky. Feel the air rushing around your branches and the warmth of the sun as it caresses your leaves. Take a deep breath and with it, take in the energy of the sky and the sun. Let it tickle each leaf before being drawn into your branches.
On another in breath, take that sky energy deep into your tree and feel it flow down through your head, your shoulders, your arms and chest. Breathe it into your torso, hips and legs. Feel it mixing and mingling with the energies of the Earth. Stay with this feeling for a while and just breathe.
~ Sacred Path Reiki
Shea requires body heat (or some other form of heat) to be used. You may find that taking a little time out to reflect, meditate, or pray while melting your Shea is a way to combine plants and spirituality daily. This meditation is also an excellent way to ground and center during autumn.
Sit down in a comfortable position. As someone who enjoys yoga, I do the padma asana; those of you who practice yoga might find it natural to sit this way as well (legs folded and flat to the floor). For those of you who are not so limber, simply sit in a comfortable position.
Scoop out a quarter-size amount of Shea butter. Place into your receptive hand, then put your dominant hand on top. Now bring the hands together to your chest, squeezing them together in the prayer position. In the Buddhist faith this is called namaskara mudra (The Gesture of Prayer).
I like to do the namaskara mudra while warming my Shea butter because it reminds me to be thankful to those who processed the precious healing butter so I can use it. I also think about what power is held in the hands as I warm the oil in my palms, reflecting and hoping my hands will make a difference in this world.
To try a Shea Mudra meditation:
Close your eyes. Take deep cleansing breaths. Scoop out some Shea. Put your hands together, bring them overhead pressed together, then slowly down the path of your center stopping at your chest. Rub your hands together, gently and slowly to encourage the butter to melt. Concentrate on your breathing, your hands, and your thoughts, as well as the affirmation or prayer if using. As an affirmation, try this:
I am whole, I am sound,
I am free to give with these hands in the name of spirit.
Do this type of reflection for about five minutes a day, to release anxiety, stress, and insecurity. When you are finished, use the Shea as an emollient body treatment, rubbing the melted butter on areas that need softening.
From: Four Seasons of Mojo
I think it's time to go shopping... maybe even buy some really cool stuff at my online shops!!
