Every living thing on this planet has its own unique energy, and flowers are no different. Plenty of yogis or casual stretchers have used flora in their meditation practices, not just because they’re aesthetically pleasing and smell good, but for the vibe, they give off. Let’s look at the ways you can use flowers in your meditation practice.
The Power of Flower Energy
Flower energy is compelling, especially with a combination of the outdoors. One of the significant health benefits of keeping flowers is that it can raise oxygen levels in your brain, which boosts serotonin levels. Exercising outdoors or near plants will also increase endorphins, which creates a “runner’s high” where you feel calm and clear-headed.
A Stanford University study found that smelling flowers can also reduce rates of depression if they’re surrounded by flora for approximately 60-90 minutes per day as opposed to an urban setting. Forest bathing, or Shinrinyoku, is a Japanese tradition where citizens would take a short walk around a forest. These trips led to reduced anger, depression, and anxiety.
Along with the benefits mentioned, being around flowers also helps you sleep better. A University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health study found that nature, plants, and flowers help you unwind and leave stress behind.
Plants and the Expression of Joy
Shelly Levis, writer of Countertop Gardens, said that “a plant in flower is its highest expression of joy.” Flowers have been used to shift people's awareness and lift spirits for centuries. Think of a new couple giving each other roses or a friend expressing condolences for the loss of a loved one. These expressions of love and humanity still continue to this day.
In general, scent activates awareness because scent reaches our long-term memory faster than the other 4 senses. However, some flowers start that process better than others.
Roses
Roses have a light fragrance that calms the mind and increases the focus during exercise. Many practitioners will sprinkle rose petals throughout the room or put them in freshwater. Their rich source of anti-inflammatory compounds will make you feel light and cool. After the practice, you can turn the petals into rose water to spray on your skin for a vitamin A and C dose.
Lilies
Similar to roses, the scent of lilies isn’t too overpowering. We suggest going for white lilies because their soft coloring isn’t too difficult on the eyes and will make your mind less active. Keep them in a low water bowl to float and watch them do their magic. Lilies are often considered as one of the best flowers for mental health because they stay fresh all day long.
Daffodil
Yellow tends to induce happiness in others, and the daffodil can cause the same warm feeling in your self-rejuvenation session. You can pair them with other floras because they don’t overpower a bouquet, which is excellent. After all, you’d miss out on their soothing vibrations. Daffodils are eye-soothing, attractive, and are a great addition to baths.
Lotus
If there is any flower associated with meditation, it’s the lotus. The lotus' beautiful and bright shape represents rejuvenation and life and is one of the few flowers that bloom twice. Their openness will provide you with excellent vibrations and positive energy. Choose pink lotuses for an authentic yogi experience, but any genus of the flower will work perfectly.
Jasmine
The jasmine flowers that grow on shrubs are great for increasing focusing power for meditation. Jasmine will help you feel relaxed, especially if you sprinkle these small blooms around your body as you concentrate. Their aroma is delightful but may overwhelm you if you’re used to using the other flora on this list. Keep them near other flowers for better results.
