Exploring the psychological benefit of the use of Crystals

Deja Prescott
Nov 3 · 4 min read

What the brain sees in physical reality and what it imagines, are perceived in the same way — as images in the mind. The mind, then, does not distinguish which is real. Whether we see a thing happening tangibly on the outside or solely within the mental space of imagination — it all passes through the central hub of the mind to be perceived.

An athlete imagining running a race triggers parts of the brain in the same sequence as when he/she is physically running the race. This concept is adapted in motor imagery training based on mental representations (MTMR) and is used in gymnastics, volleyball, golf, and also in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a stroke. The same is emphasised in studies showing that performing ‘mental contractions’ of muscles, drives the muscles to a higher activation level and results in increased muscle strength (DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2003.11.018).

The mind communicates to the body, and thus what is mental may be perceived as just as real as what is physical.

I say this to say that stimulating the mind has a great impact on what manifests in the body. We will return to this.

Now, crystals are precious gems, some formed under great pressure for thousands of years. There are numerous physical characteristics of crystals such as the piezoelectric effect of quartz used in watches. Black tourmaline is known for its ability to absorb and reduce EMF radiation from electronic devices. A crystal has the ability to hold vibrational frequencies within itself; however, it is somewhat difficult to prove the crystals’ vibrational effect on our own electromagnetic field.

Beyond the physical characteristics, what is the psychological benefit of using crystals?

From the lapis lazuli in King Tut’s tomb to the gemstone breast plate of biblical high priests, crystals have been used for millennia by the metaphysical community, ancient civilisations and cultures. Meanings and characteristics have been attached to each crystal: Tiger’s eye to help with focus, confidence and grounding; Rose quartz to stimulate unconditional love; and Moonstone to balance the emotions. But, how do we go about objectively proving these effects to be true and reproducible?

Let’s explore the concept of mental labelling.

A vision board works because it lays out dreams and aspirations of what you want your life to be filled with. New experiences, career choices, vacation trips, and inner goals of more stability or calmness. It is an effective tool because whether the brain sees it through the eyes or as an image in the imagination — it perceives it, to some extent, as what is happening in your reality. Therefore, the more you see the images of going on your favorite cruise, or working at your dream job or whatever you fill your vision board with — you are one step closer to making it a reality by feeding your mind with the possibility that it already exists. What happens next follows a self fulfilling prophecy in that, your beliefs about your dreams guide behaviours and mindset that put you in a position to achieve them.

Crystals are like vision boards. When you psychologically attach meaning to an object, every time you see the object your brain subconsciously connects the meaning and emotions you have attributed. Therefore, by saying that the moonstone, for example, is helping you to: draw out and heal old emotional patterning, promote intuition and empathy and reminds one of the necessity of the cycle of change just as the moon waxes and wanes — now, every time you wear the moonstone or see it on your window sill, whether you are consciously aware of it or not — your brain is constantly reminded of these positive traits and is strengthening synapses between the object and the meaning attributed. Like an endless loop of positive affirmations every time you see it.

Of course, it is not necessarily solely the crystal giving you power to develop but you yourself with your powerful imagination and the tools of language and emotion, hacking these abilities for your greater benefit. Crystals help you to do what you can already do yourself. Humans are the most sophisticated computers on the planet. We can consciously choose to be and attract all the qualities that crystals have been esteemed to offer: the ability to balance our emotions, the ability to cultivate unconditional love, to be grounded, to dispel negativity. It is not a question of dependency on precious stones — though they function as useful tools — but to realise we are the common denominator to set these qualities into motion.

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