by Andrew Pacholyk MS LAc.
~Peacefulmind.com
Depression can cast a dark shadow over our lives, making it challenging to find joy and meaning. While professional help is crucial for managing clinical depression, incorporating metaphysical practices into your routine can provide additional support and help lift your spirits. Here are 8 metaphysical tools to consider:
- Crystal Healing
Crystals or crystalline structures are solid material whose constituents are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a structure or lattice that extends in all directions. Crystals give us information about the structure of compounds and how science understands the functionality of molecules. They have also been revered over the centuries for their metaphysical healing benefits. For thousands of years, cultures, worldwide, have used crystals for healing.
Crystals can “speak” to us in different ways and it is usually due to the fact that we instinctively need something from it. It may be that we are attracted to its shape, color or sheen. It could be its size, weight or properties, but whatever it is that draws us in, there is a reason behind it. When this happens at first glance, I often like to look up its metaphysical properties and color meanings. This often explains immediately why I was drawn to it.
Certain crystals are believed to have energetic properties that can help alleviate depressive symptoms. Consider working with:
– Rose Quartz: Known for its loving energy, it may help soothe emotional pain
– Citrine: Associated with joy and optimism, it could help boost mood
– Amethyst: Thought to promote calmness and spiritual connection
Carry these crystals with you, meditate with them, or place them around your living space to benefit from their purported energies.
- Chakra Balancing
In metaphysical traditions, Chakra are energy centers in the body that can become blocked or imbalanced. Depression may be linked to imbalances in certain Chakra, particularly the heart and solar plexus Chakra. Try Chakra meditation or energy healing techniques to restore balance and promote emotional well-being.
Sit comfortably in a chair or lay on the floor with your eyes closed. Consider starting your focus at the base of your feet and s-l-o-w-l-y moving your energy up the body, using the rainbow colors to enhance and mentally fill each area with the specific color as you move your intention up toward the top of your head. Use the ROY G. BIV color spectrum:
R-ed at the feet, knees, base of spine – Root Chakra
O-range below the navel – Sacral/Spleen Chakra
Y-ellow at the solar plexus – Solar Plexus Chakra
G-reen at the heart center – Heart Chakra
B-lue at the throat -Throat Chakra
I-ndigo between the eye brows or third eye – Third Eye Chakra
V-iolet at the top of the head or crown – Crown Chakra
Take some time to visualize yourself in a state of perfect, radiant health.
- Aromatherapy
Essential oils can have powerful effects on mood and emotions. Some oils that may help lift spirits include:
– Lavender: Calming and soothing
– Bergamot: Uplifting and mood-enhancing
– Frankincense: Grounding and spiritually connecting
Use these oils in a diffuser, add them to a bath, or apply them topically (diluted with a carrier oil) to experience their benefits.
Bath Blend: Add 15 to 20 drops of 2 of the above oils as a bath blend to a bathtub already filled with warm water. Disperse the bath blend in the warm water with your hand. Soak in the bath for up to twenty minutes. Repeat as needed.
Massage Blend: Add 10-15 drops of chosen essential oil to 4 oz of a carrier base oil such as sunflower, safflower, jojoba, or canola oil. Pour a quarter size drop into the palm of your hands and bring your palms together. Disperse the oil over the area you want to massage and rub in a circular, clockwise motion. Gently massage the area for 10-20 minutes or over the entire body for a total body massage.
Diffuser Blend: Place 8-10 drops of essential oil in the diffuser bowl filled with water. Most diffusers use a tea candle. As the candle warms the bowl the aroma from the blend diffuses into the air. This blend can also be placed in any lamp ring.
Inhalant Blend: You may blend several essential oils together or use one particular oil. Simply uncap the bottle and place it up to one nostril. Close the other nostril with your finger as you inhale deep. Switch nostrils and inhale once more, be sure to close the opposite nostril. Try not to touch the bottle to the nostril for this area is very sensitive and the blend may slightly burn or irritate the area around the nostril. Repeat as often as needed
Compress Blend: Blend 5 -10 drops essential oil in a quart of cold water. Saturate a cloth with the water/blend mixture and apply to the affected area for at least 10 minutes. Repeat treatment often.
Perfume Blend: Blending 2 to 3 essential oils together in jojoba oil can make a lovely perfume. Dab this delicate, concentrated mixture on your pulse points. Remember the rule: Less is more.
- Mindful Breathing
While not strictly metaphysical, mindful breathing practices can help shift your energy and perspective. Try the 4-7-8 technique:
- Inhale for 4 counts
- Hold the breath for 7 counts
- Exhale for 8 counts
Repeat this cycle 4 times to help calm your mind and restore a sense of balance.
Deep Diaphragm Breath
Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That’s it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breathe, deep.
- Affirmations and Mantras
Positive affirmations or words of encouragement lend themselves to changing what we believe and who we need to become. Negative words that destroy our self-esteem and block our growth are destructive patterns that create fear. This “self attack” helps to create an environment for self-loathing and anxiety. Harness the power of words to shift your mental state. Create positive affirmations or use traditional mantras to reprogram negative thought patterns. For example:
– “I am worthy of love and happiness”
– “This too shall pass”
– “Om Mani Padme Hum” (a Buddhist mantra for compassion)
Repeat these phrases daily, especially when feeling low, to gradually reshape your mindset.
- Energy Cleansing
Energy medicine is based on the belief that the human body is composed of energy fields. When the energy is properly distributed and circulating freely, the body is healthy. Imbalances or abnormal amounts of energy are believed to indicate an excess or deficiency.
The aura bio-sphere or the color energy that surrounds us, are ever changing based on how we are “inside ourselves.” Physical, mental, and emotional situations show through the colors of our Aura. The word “aura” is but another name for “forcefield” or “radiation.” An aura is a field of subtle, luminous energy surrounding a person or object. The aura has layers and they reflect our emotions as well as our health. Every substance in the Universe has a radiation or aura and the auras of minerals, plants, animals, as well as human bodies have special characteristics.
Metaphysical traditions often emphasize the importance of cleansing your energy field. Try these techniques:
– Smudging with sage or palo santo
– Taking a salt bath
– Visualizing a white light surrounding and cleansing your body
These practices may help clear negative energy and create space for more positive emotions.
- Moon Rituals
Connecting with lunar cycles can provide a sense of rhythm and renewal. Consider creating a monthly ritual aligned with the full or new moon. This could involve:
Setting an intention: With a new moon we aim to set a new intention. New Moons are for new beginnings and the start of a new project or goal. As the new moon grows towards being full, we aim to work at reaching our goal.
Expressing our full potential: This is the goal reached at the Full Moon. When the moon is full, we are in full bloom. The representation of fulfillment and fruition are most empowered during this time.
Releasing what no longer serves you: As the moon wanes from full to new, these are the times best served for releasing what no longer serves your interests or no longer should be apart of reaching a particular goal.
Meditating under the moonlight: This can be done at any phase during the moon’s journey.
Sit quietly with your mind receptive and open to receive spiritual energies. Do all that you can to feel the light of the moon upon you. Make mental notations on thoughts or ideas that come to you. These can appear as knowledge, wisdom, understanding, or inspiration. Whether you are conscious of it or not, you are planting the seed of intention that will manifest with time. From this point forward, it is time to release the old beliefs that no longer serve you. Let go of the pain and suffering you endure. Forgive those around you who have hurt you. It’s OK. Develop the ability to listen within, as you go about your expansive meditation.
Engaging with these natural cycles may help you feel more connected to the world around you and provide hope for new beginnings.
- Spirit Animal Meditation
In many spiritual traditions, animals are seen as guides and teachers. You may, subconsciously know what your spirit animal is. If not, simply close your eyes and ask yourself, “how do I perceive myself?” Am I strong and courageous? Meek and mild? or am I a mix of the two? What type of animal comes to mind? How do you relate to a certain animal? Through meditation, you can connect with your spirit animal, which can provide you with comfort and further insight. To practice:
- Find a quiet space and close your eyes
- Visualize yourself in a natural setting
- Invite your spirit animal to appear
- Observe and interact with the animal in your mind’s eye
- Reflect on any messages or feelings that arise
This practice can offer a sense of guidance and support during difficult times.
Remember, while these metaphysical tools can be helpful supplements to your well-being routine, they should not replace professional medical advice or treatment for depression. Always consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and care. By combining conventional treatment with these metaphysical practices, you may find a holistic approach that helps lift your spirits and navigate through challenging emotional terrain.
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About the author:
Andrew Pacholyk MS LAc. is an acupuncture physician and international best-selling author. His work combines his diverse passions and expertise in alternative medicine, spirituality, and personal growth. Andrew celebrates 25 years as the founder of Peacefulmind.com a website offering resources on holistic healing and wellness integrating various healing modalities drawn from his background in natural, spiritual, and philosophical concepts.
