Soft lighting is a beneficial part of home decor because the environment will always affect your state of mind. Soft lighting will also create a warm ambience that helps to reduce feelings of stress, anxiety and worry. Due to my love of salt lamps, I decided to incorporate these into my meditation sessions. Not only is the a lamp a helpful focal point for meditation, but its warm glow also encourages the brain to switch onto 'night mode' - something the blue light of our phones and computer screed muddle with. So if you need help putting the day to bed, give this nighttime ritual a try.
Salt Lamp Meditation
1. Create a comfortable atmosphere around your salt lamp where you won't be disturbed. Remove your devices from the space and limit distractions as much as possible. Play nature-inspired music, yoga or meditation tracks, "pink noise" or whatever helps you relax.
2. Find a comfortable seated position in front of your lamp on a blanket or pillow, one leg crossed in front of the other, or in a chair or bed with feet flat on the floor.
3. Imagine yourself rooted into the earth's core. Consciously lengthen your spine a little more with each breath. Roll your shoulders front to back, back to front, and let them drop away from your ears. Soften the muscles of your jaw, eyes, and forehead. Let your breathing be natural.
4. Begin acquainting yourself with your salt lamp. Touch and notice its texture and shape, its hues and gentle heat. Focus on the subtleties, the dips and edges, with open curiosity.
Let all other thoughts fall away as you bask in the slow energy of the moment.
5. Remove your hands from the lamp and rest them on your thighs for a few breaths. Feel the warmth of your hands and the softness of your thighs. Your hands are light. Your spine is long. Your shoulders are soft and low. You can gently move your hips, spine, shoulders, and head to release any lingering tension.
6. On a long inhale, bring your hands to your sides, palms up, and slowly raise your arms overhead from the sides as if you were scooping all the energy of the earth up into the sky.
Exhaling, bring your hands back down in front of you, palms facing you as if you were showering yourself in the earth's healing energy.
7. Continue synchronizing your breathing to movement for 3–11 minutes. Gaze at the lamp—eyes open or closed, seeing its warm glow and shape in your mind’s eye. Each inhale gathers warm positive energy from your salt lamp, melting thoughts and tension. Each exhale showers you in a healing light. Inhale to receive. Exhale to bathe.
8. When you feel you are finished, inhale deeply and stretch your arms up over your head. Bring your palms together.
9. On your exhale, bring your palms together, down in front of your heart. Press your thumbs into your chest, fingers spreading. Soften your shoulders.
10. Close your eyes or let your gaze drop to the floor with a soft gaze. Whisper "thank you" to yourself for allowing this moment of stillness. Rest here for a few deep breaths and open your eyes when you're ready.
11. Imagine the quiet glow of the lamp—which represents the peace you felt in this moment, shining from your heart for the rest of the night.