The opening section of this book introduces the rich tradition of mindfulness, exploring some of the research that has been done into the many benefits of this practice, to help you appreciate exactly what mindfulness can do for you. You’ll learn how to work with your crystals to become more mindful, including how to use the ‘crystal referrals’ that you’ll find in Part 1 and the keywords and ‘crystal reflections’ in Part 2.
Part 1, ‘Using Crystals for Mindfulness’, covers how you can use crystal-based mindfulness to achieve physical, mental, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. In addition, you will find out why you may need to cut ties with people who are holding on to your energy, and how to identify which chakras (energy points in the body) can help clear issues that may be hindering your mindfulness. If you want to understand how and why crystals can facilitate and enhance mindfulness, and learn about the rich tradition of mindfulness, keep reading the introduction and Part 1. If you can’t wait to get hands-on, then go to Part 2 immediately, but do read the essential introductory section ‘Caring for Crystals’ (see page 18) before you begin.
Stromatolite, one of the oldest crystals in the world, with Smoky Quartz, Malachite and Preseli Bluestone. All crystals can help to focus attention in the present moment.
In Part 2, ‘A Directory of Crystals for Mindfulness’, you’ll find descriptions of the qualities that each of the featured crystals offer to support your mindfulness practice, together with practical exercises that can help to manifest those qualities in your life.
At the simplest level, you might choose to flick through the directory until a picture catches your eye and then work with the crystal as suggested. In this way you can allow your intuition to assist you. Or, you might prefer to target your crystal mindfulness more specifically by selecting the appropriate crystal energy and tuning into the crystal through the exercise. None of the exercises takes more than 15 minutes and some as little as a minute or two. Some people will notice an immediate effect on their state of mind, while for others it may take a few days. Just remember that mindfulness requires practice to perfect. You can use your crystal as described in the exercise once or twice a day or carry it with you until you notice a change – after which, of course, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t continue to enjoy your crystal contact daily. Simply focusing on a crystal as you practise mindful breathing (see page 23), for example, is an easy way to return to the ‘now’ that can be done at almost any time.
After a while, you may want to move on to dissolving another barrier to stillness. If so, simply turn the pages until you find the next appropriate crystal. And do bear in mind that crystals have other healing properties that could well make themselves known as you continue to attune to these stones.