MINDFULNESS IS THE MEDIUM

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We're curious wellness fans, and we know how crucial managing stress is to our overall well-being so it's times like these we're reminded to recommit ourselves to the routines we know keep us feeling well and good. To celebrate the summer, we wanted to share a less conventional stress management tool that we find can help us reclaim peace of mind and centeredness - crystal healing. 

Crystal healing is an alternative medicine practice that adheres to the belief that semiprecious stones and crystals have natural healing powers. We use the rocks to refocus on our goals and to be more mindful - and also as stunning decor pieces, but I digress. Different stones cater to different intentions, which encourages the type of mental focus that slows down your mind and allows space for a more holistic perspective, and hopefully, approach to your day. 

While Chanelle is our resident crystal expert, we've also learned so much from Moon & Stone - a hybrid meditation/reiki/crystal healing studio that stocks a beautifully curated collection of crystals and even more knowledge about the practice. Courtney and Lauren, the duo behind the new concept studio, understand how impactful the practice can be, even if just to shift one's frame of mind to focus on what is possible. 

"WHEN SHIT GOT REAL, WE NEEDED EFFECTIVE WAYS TO HANDLE ALL THE STRESS AND CRAZY THAT LIFE BRINGS. SO WE RESEARCHED AND EXPLORED, A LOT. WE FOUND NTURAL, EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES TO HELP FIND THE JOY. TO BE ABLE TO SHIFT OUR ENERGY TO CULTIVATE PEACE AND HAPPINESS ON A DAILY BASIS. NOW WE NAVIGATE THE HARDSHIPS OF EVERYDAY LIFE AND ARE STILL ABLE TO SEE ALL THE. LIGHT AROUND US AND IN OTHERS. WE ARE LIFTED OUT OF THE FOG AND HAVE OUR EYES WIDE OPEN TO ALL THE AMAZING MOMENTS THAT LIFE BRINGS."

When it comes to the how-to's, some of the rules to crystal healing are steadfast, while others are more open to interpretation. There is a general focus on the cleanliness of your crystals - not dust debris, but energy. How to clean, you might ask? This Full Moon is the perfect bath - merely leave your crystals on a windowsill to be cleansed by the moonlight. Where you put the crystals however is totally up to you - some people carry them in their purse or on their body, often near their heart, so that the stones are close to them at all times, others keep them in a special place at home, often by their bed, and others will even bathe with them. As long as your heart and mind are open to their energy, crystals may be used in many different ways. 

At the very least, crystals are beautiful reminders to slow down and refocus on your intentions. It's what you make of that mindfulness that is up to you.

FOR CHANELLE, WHOSE MUM IS A HOLISTIC HEALER, CRYSTALS HAVE BEEN A PART OF HER LIFE AS FAR BACK AS SHE CAN REMEMBER. SHE USES THE FULL MOON TO WRITE HER INTENTIONS DOWN WITH CRYSTALS AS HER DE FACTO GUIDES. 

"One practice I never miss is setting my intentions on the new moon. This is a simple practice that aids in setting goals for myself, and crystals can help make this more powerful. To do this, I think about my intentions for the month - love, productivity, work success - I then select the crystal which energy will help with that goal and then sit and write down my list of intentions with the crystals sitting on the piece of paper. After the list is complete, I hold the crystals in my hands, channel the energy and repeat the list out-loud. I then leave the crystal on the piece of paper overnight and put it on my window sill for them to moon bathe. I love this ritual to bring clarity on all my goals and really understand the energy that is needed in order to complete them." 

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE CRYSTALS ARE:

Black Tourmaline is known as the "Invisibility Cloak" crystal. It has the ability to soak up and repel negative energy.

Carnelian gives one the confidence, motivation, and willpower to achieve success in business and personal pursuits. It is a high energy crystal that provides stability and grounding and also energizes.

Rose Quartz is the love stone. It opens the heart, allowing vibrations of love to flow freely and without fear. It attracts new love and promotes healthy, harmonious relationships.

Citrine has a joyful energy as it possesses properties of the sun. It assists in manifesting prosperity, success and abundance.

Crystals throughout this story are from Moon & Stone