Manifest with the Full Moon

January 22, 2016 By Leave a Comment

DIYCrystalGrid

Crystal grids are an arrangement of gemstones + crystals that are placed with intention to bring forth a desired energy. Start your Crystal Grid with cleansed crystals to ensure they’re fully energized and vibrating high.

The Full Moon brings upon a perfect time to charge your crystals with lunar energy. Place your crystals in a bowl and leave them under the moonlight. In the morning, your crystals will be fully cleansed and ready for intention setting.

Now it’s time to charge your crystals! We love infusing them with a specific, desired intention. Hold your gem between your palms, open your heart and raise your voice. Share your intentions with the world. When we feel supported, we feel empowered, confident and radiant.

Think about which Chakra the gemstones you are using will compliment. Each gem is believed to emit its own special vibration and healing energy. When worn near the Chakras, the energy centers of the body, this further inspires manifestation + intention setting. For example, Rose Quartz inspires unconditional love of all types. Amethyst vibrates peace + calm, while Clear Quartz is said to provide clarity and focus. Whatever you end up choosing, make sure they assist in your big picture goal.

The arrangement of your gemstones also counts! Placing gemstones pointed inward is said to attract inward energy, while the opposite is said to draw those energies out.

This mindful meditation practice is a fun, relaxing way to boost your mood and help you manifest your greatest desires.
Filed Under: DIY, Health + Wellness, How - To, Intention, Intentional Living, Tutorial, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , ,

9 Eco Products for Stylish Yogis

August 19, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Screen Shot 2014-08-18 at 11.52.26 AMYoga means union, and is a process by which we can become more connected with ourselves, and recognize our interconnectedness and oneness with all beings and the earth. When we realize the effect we have on the environment, and the inherent unity we have with it, we can live more harmoniously with the natural flow of life.

My favorite products have a low impact on the environment, are kind to animals, and are made without exploitation or oppression of humanity. When the products we use and the money we spend are in line with the philosophy of yoga, we come closer to the union we seek. Our choices, our dollars and our words are ways in which we cast a vote towards consciousness or disconnection. When we realize the power that we have to make changes with our choices, we give voice to what matters and to our morals.

 

1. My Tiny Devotions Daydream Mala: I love connecting with the energies of the earth through what I wear, especially because I live in a city. Crystals, minerals, and stones remind me of the miraculous power of creation. Sandalwood is grounding and reminds me of the support that the earth has to offer. When we meditate and practice yoga, we become more mindful and can utilize our own inner resources and the earth’s resources in ways that will benefit our descendants and show respect for all we have been naturally given. My mala is a constant reminder of that commitment. www.lovetinydevotions.com

 

41OYrO1KWiL._SL500_AA300_2. Manduka Black Mat Pro: This mat has a lifetime guarantee, so you’ll never need to buy another yoga mat. Manduka is committed to ecology, sustainability and life long support for your yoga practice. They also recently created the world’s first 100% recyclable yoga mat. How awesome is that? www.manduka.com

 

3. Miakoda Hand Crocheted Cowl: This eco-friendly, vegan, organic company is made in a small factory in NYC by Julia Ahrens.  When it’s cold, I never leave home without my hand crocheted cowl. They’re made with love by my sister who carries out a mission close to both our hearts. www.miakodanewyork.com

 

4. KiraGrace: KiraGrace is an American conscious yoga clothing company run by an amazing woman CEO named Kira Karmazin. This company celebrates women’s beauty and individuality while supporting the bigger picture– KiraGrace donates 100% of the proceeds of the Warrior T-Back Yoga Tank to Off The Mat Into The World, supporting the community locally and globally and showing commitment to progress and change in the name of unity and justice. www.kiragrace.com

 

5. North Coast Organics Natural Deodorant in Death by Lavender: The armpits and the skin are vulnerable to absorption of toxins, so I choose products that are natural and non-toxic. North Coast Organics is committed to kindness to animals and the environment, contains only natural and organic ingredients, and are even made on equipment cleaned only with natural products. http://north-coast-organics.com/

 

6. Leni Penn, Light Grey Ostrich Tote: Made in the USA with all vegan materials, this incredibly authentic feeling and looking leather alternative is gorgeous, durable, and compassionate. No animals are harmed, and it comes in multiple sizes with different ways of closure. The bags are versatile enough for you to take to practice, the beach, or wherever your travels take you…  www.lenipenn.com

 

7. Simplecare Products, Coffee Bean Fresh Scrub: Owned by a woman entrepreneur, this small company uses only vegan and wholesome products that are good for you, for animals, and for the earth. The products are handmade, detoxifying, and ecologically responsible. www.simplecareproducts.com

 

IMG_6719_210aa4d2-3cfa-4dcd-a55a-fdbb87ba4aad_large8. Stone & Violet, Crystal Grid Board:  Artist, woodworker, and crystal specialist Lauren Gray visits a lumberyard weekly to salvage wood that is destined for the landfill and creates boards emblazoned with sacred geometrical patterns for use in crystal grid work. Creating grids is a beautiful way to bring ritual and intention into a particular space, ceremony, or practice, and helps me to navigate the highs and lows of life, show my gratitude, or invite energy that I want to cultivate in my life. www.stoneandviolet.com

 

9. My Zen Home, Dhyana Cushion: I love the support and sustainability the Dhyana Cushion brings to my meditation practice. I can feel comfort and also know that this company’s organic products are easy on the earth. The owners of the company are committed to the practice, and have been seen burning sage to clear the energy before opening their booth at yoga festivals worldwide. www.myzenhome.com

 

We live in a world of abundance and beauty, and it is a practice of gratitude to enjoy all of the physical creations and manifestations of others’ energy. However, remember when purchasing that it is important to enjoy what you already have. Sometimes, the most ecological choice is what you don’t buy, or choosing not to make a purchase. Try to repurpose, reuse, and recycle old or others’ belongings into something you can save from throwing away. Because there is no “away,” and everything we do impacts this earth. Purchase quality products that use resources responsibly and promote freedom and justice for all, and they will support your own personal growth and last for years to come.

 

IMG_0024 (1)Laura is passionate about connection to body, spirit, and the earth. She works with attention to alignment and each individual’s current physical and emotional circumstances (the only possible starting point) to create a practice that is fuelled by deep breathing, a strong connection to core, reverence for ancient wisdom and ceremony, and the use of the practice of yoga to be more alive in each moment. She’s forever grateful to her teachers, formal and otherwise, and has completed a 200 hour training in vinyasa, the Forrest Yoga 200 hour Teacher Training and Advanced Teacher Training with Ana Forrest, a year-long mentorship program with Forrest Yoga Guardian Dr. Heidi Sormaz and holds a BFA from The University of the Arts.
Facebook: Ahrens Yoga 
Instagram: @AhrensYoga 
Filed Under: Intentional Living, Style, Yoga + Spirit Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top 5 Sacred Stones for a Mermaid

July 22, 2014 By Leave a Comment

For thousands of years gemstones have been used in physical, emotional and spiritual healing. We chatted with Tamara Lee, owner of Mermaid Sun Yoga + Pilates in beautiful British Columbia about what gemstones are near and dear to her heart and why… 

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 2.52.52 PMAmazonite: Amazonite’s healing energy is as powerful as the river for which it is named. It is known as the stone of courage and truth. This captivating turquoise green stone soothes the spirit and calms the soul.  Amazonite promotes kindness, alleviates fear and anxiety, and provides balance and harmony. It also soothes the chakras and is particularly rejuvenating to the heart and throat chakras.

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 2.52.18 PMSmokey Quartz: Primarily associated with the root chakra this stone is known for its protective and grounding qualities. Smokey quartz is considered a stone of serenity because of its positivity and ability to overcome negative emotions. It aids in the process of letting go and brings wisdom and luck to everyday life!

Black Onyx: Black Onyx provides a strong stable energy representing self-control, intuition, and protection. This glamorous gemstone absorbs whatever energy you need from the Universe. Black Onyx is associated with the planet Saturn, the element fire, and the Leo zodiac sign. Determination, focus, and direction are traits that can be enhanced with this precious gem.

Screen Shot 2014-07-21 at 2.56.33 PM White Jade: Reach your highest potential with the purest jade stone. White Jade brings focus and concentration back to what truly matters. This stone assists in decision making by filtering distractions to achieve optimum results. White Jade guides energy to the most advantageous outlet. What a gem!

Moonstone: The moonstone is characterized by its enchanting shimmer of light.Its connection to the power of the moon surrounds it with magic and mystique. This gemstone is an amulet of protection for travelers, a gift of love, a channel for prophecy, and a path to inner wisdom. Being a perfect expression of yin energy, the soothing and mysterious energy of the moon, moonstone is the bringer of calm, peace and balance. This stone enhances intuition, promotes inspiration and benefits meditation. The peace and calm that moonstone generates has an other-worldly quality to it; it is infused with an enchanting, soft glow of optimism and creative energy.

mm2.jpgTamara Lee is a yogi, writer & fan of leggings dedicated to inspiring an active lifestyle. Her studio, Mermaid Sun Yoga and Pilates, is based off the beautiful coast of British Columbia and offers modern fitness and flexibility training with a playful lighthearted charm. 

Facebook: Mermaid Sun Yoga & Pilates 

 

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