Meditation + Essential Oils

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments of calm and clarity can sometimes feel impossible. Daily stressors and the demands of life can leave us feeling overwhelmed, mentally cluttered and living in fight or flight.

People live in a state of heightened anxiety because of so many contributing factors: hormonal changes, ultra processed foods, working into the night, scrolling social media, continuous work demands, personal commitments, the stories in our head, and so much more. With the constant bombardment of information, responsibilities, and expectations this relentless pressure affects our mental and physical health, leading to sleepless nights, tension, and a persistent sense of unease.

Meditation offers an opportunity to feel more restful, quiet the noise, reconnect with the present moment, and develop a greater sense of personal awareness. Sitting on our own with stillness is powerful because we become more aware of the silent dialogue in our mind. It is in this stillness where contemplation invites new thoughts and helps us to find our spiritual connection.

You will find many recordings of 'How to Meditate' on YouTube find one that you resonate with, my preference is a somatic mediation. As you begin your meditation, take a slow, gentle in breath, allowing it to expand into your diaphragm and letting your body receive the breath naturally. Then slowly exhale, allowing your out-breath to be slightly longer than your in-breath. Continue with this gentle rhythm. As your breathing begins to slow, allow your body to soften, your mind to become quieter, and yourself to settle into a sense of calm and stillness.

Below is a list of the benefits that meditation may support :-

Reduced stress and anxiety + Improved emotional regulation + Improved attention and concentration + Reduced symptoms of depression + Better sleep quality + Greater self-awareness + Improved ability to cope with chronic pain + Modest improvements in blood pressure in some individuals + Greater psychological well-being and quality of life.

Using essential oils during a meditation can support the parasympathetic nervous system bringing both calmness and clarity to the body and mind. Essential oils inhaled before a mediation practice can also provide an individual sensory experience. When we inhale an essential oil volatile aromatic molecules are detected by receptors in the nasal cavity, sending signals through the olfactory system to areas of the brain closely connected with emotion and memory.

When I have passed the same essential oil to a group at an event they will frequently describe a similar response such as feeling calm, peaceful or having more clarity. For others it may invoke a childhood memory, or a past event they had forgotten about. It is always a pleasant experience.

By combining mindful breathing with meditation, and essential oils, we are strengthening the nervous system and becoming the healer in your own home.

Essential Oils Can Support Your Emotions and Your Meditative Experience

Research suggests that certain aromas, particularly lavender, may promote feelings of relaxation or reduce perceived stress in some people. When incorporated mindfully, aroma can therefore become a sensory element of a meditation practice, helping create an atmosphere associated with calm, focus, and reflection.

Frankincense — grounding and contemplative; a lovely choice for deeper meditation and quiet reflection.

Lavender — soft and calming; particularly suited to evening meditation, relaxation, and slowing down.

Sandalwood — warm, woody, and grounding; works beautifully with breathwork and longer meditations.

Cedarwood — earthy and comforting; useful when you want your practice to feel steady and grounded.

Vetiver — deep, rich, and earthy; a good choice for settling into stillness and body-awareness practices.

Bergamot — fresh and uplifting; suited to meditation when you want a lighter, more positive atmosphere.

Wild Orange — bright and energising; ideal for morning meditation, gratitude, or intention-setting.

Peppermint — fresh and stimulating; useful for practices centred on alertness and mental focus rather than relaxation.

Clary Sage — herbaceous and soothing; can complement reflective or restorative meditation.

Roman Chamomile — gentle and comforting; well suited to relaxation and bedtime meditation.

Balance® Grounding Blend — a particularly good doTERRA blend for grounding practices, with a warm, woody aroma.

Serenity® Restful Blend — suited to winding down, quiet meditation, and creating a restful atmosphere.

Adaptiv® Calming Blend — designed around a calming, balancing aromatic experience and can work well before meditation.

Anchor® Steadying Blend — a grounding aromatic blend that pairs naturally with yoga, mindful movement, and meditation.

To use an essential oil in a meditation once you are sitting or laying down in your comfortable place, massage one or two drops of your favourite doTERRA essential oil on to the palm of your hands. Close your eyes holding your hands away from your nose inhale using the breathing method above. Begin your meditation and inhale as often as you wish.