What Is Spiritual Alchemy and How Can You Practice It?

A blue and gold butterfly is shown in front of a blurred background of greenery and flowers

Like ancient Egyptian and Greek scientists before them, European scientists and philosophers of the Middle Ages believed that everything in the world was made up of four basic elements: earth, air, fire, and water.  They saw these four elements as having specific qualities and properties that could be manipulated to create new substances. As a result, the early chemists, or alchemists as they came to be called, became focused on turning base metals, such as lead, into higher metals, such as gold. This sounds like the pursuit of wealth and power. And given human nature, for some of these alchemists,…

3 Ways Breathing Exercises Support Sleep, Creativity and Spirituality

A young woman is in profile against a dark background, gently blowing dandelion seeds.

Breathing exercises improve relaxation, focus, and oxygen flow to the brain, enhancing creativity. They reduce stress and anxiety, remove major roadblocks to clear thinking, and boost overall cognitive function. In other words, they make life feel better. In this article, we’re going to touch on 3 main ways you can use breathing exercises: to prepare for sleep, to stimulate creativity, and to support spiritual pursuits such as meditation and prayer. Breathing Exercises and Sleep Many people seek out breathing exercises as a natural and non-pharmaceutical way to promote better sleep. There are several reasons why breathing exercises may be helpful…

7 Important Meditation Tips for Beginners Plus a Free Visualization for Everyone

A young black woman wearing a dark colour sport bra. Her eyes are closed and the palm of her hands are in contact. She seems to be meditating.

Are you looking to start meditating? If so, would you like some useful meditation tips to get the most from it?  Some of the earliest records of meditating stretch back to 3500 BC. Many human civilizations have realized the benefits of meditation for several millenniums. Although historically the practice was more popular in the East. But in recent years, it has seen a major increase in participation by Westerners. Not only have celebrities raved about it, but massive corporations have encouraged it in the workplace. This is due to its major benefits including, stress relief and better mental well-being. Plus,…