Autumnal Grounding and Centering

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