Pity Party First, Kick Ass Later

Sister, I know how it is because I've been there. The world is screaming "calm down" but you know that that's not an option. You want to scream, swear, stomp your feet, pout, binge watch netflix with your favorite comfort food, curl up in a ball, cry, and make the world revolve around your pain. Well guess what? You should. 

I am a firm believer that you must pity party first, and kick ass later. 

Ugly Self-Care is a THING! 

To some people, self care means putting on your favorite facial mask with a bath bomb. However to a lot of us, self care means ugly crying and screaming at the "master creator" for what they have done for you. I call this "ugly self-care" but in reality, it has the most beautiful results. Let me tell you why this works: 

• You cannot overcome a victim mindset without first thinking like a victim. 
• You cannot live a happy and productive life with pains and challenges clouding your brain. 
• It is okay to experience emotions; they are natural. 
• If you do not let yourself feel, your body and spirit takes on the burdens of the emotional body.

The Victim Mindset vs. The Hero Mindset

Be the hero in your story and overcome that victim mindset. 

A good story begins with a naive character, the challenge that they endure, and their heroic rise to overcome. A victim mindset is someone who is naive, faces a challenge, and lives in the realm of things like "why me" or "story of my life." They believe that unjust things will always happen to them; thus attracting more negativity into their life. To be a hero, we must first be the victim. Experience victimhood. Figure out your escape. Figure out the obstacles you have to overcome. Turn yourself into a survivor. 

Best Way To Move Clouds Is To First Storm

What happens when the sky is overcast? You pray for it to just rain, thunder, lightning- anything!!! to bring back your beautiful blue sky. Let your body cry it out, let your body scream it out, punch a pillow, do what you need to do to recover. If you keep those pent up emotions inside, your brain will suffer. The Director of the Psychiatry Research Lab at St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center states, "People say they feel better after crying and our data shows this is so." Frey's studies have proven that crying is the body's natural response to any sort of stress, and that many feel comforted and relieved after letting it out. It has been shown that lack of tears can contribute to stress and brain disease down the road.

If you don't let it OUT, your body and aura take on the burdens of keeping it pent up inside

Built up anger, aggression, and stress lingers in the energy body and can cause migraines, tension, and inflammation. It can also contribute to poor gut health like indigestion and constipation. Not to mention your energy suffers greatly. Your aura will be clouded. People will come into contact with you less and less because your energy is no longer compelling. Friends may disappear or treat you differently. Your subtle body will suffer. 

Observe Your Emotions, Then Let Your Emotions Pass

There is a great meditation known as "Leaves on the Stream." In this exercise, you take every thought you have and place it on a leaf floating down the river. This allows you to observe that thought or emotion, and watch it pass. Learning this technique can help you in your day-to-day life by not beating yourself up for experiencing an emotion but also not holding on to that emotion. It helps you separate yourself from that emotion by extending an awareness, and also can help you detach from it to let it float away. Listen below. 

Set this as your phone background for a peaceful reminder whenever you check the time or texts. Leaves on a stream mindfulness exercise will help you observe and let go. 

It is human nature to feel, and dangerous to push our feelings aside. To delve into your emotional responses is the ultimate form of courage and strength. To let the tears pour out, the cries and screams be heard, to let yourself be in a state of darkness. Once you are submerged in the darkness you will be able to find your way to the light easier. If you harbor these emotions within you for too long, they will escalate and worsen. PLEASE allow yourself a pity party for whatever bad news you have experienced... and then conquer from there. 

When Does the Pity Party End? 

Deadlines are so important! This will help prevent you from letting your pity party spiral out of control into a prolonged state of depression and victimhood. Mine is anywhere from 1-3 days then you can begin faking it. You may not be completely healed, but you will feel a lot better. Over time, faking it can help you return to your normal self. It can help patch up the holes that were left open after such a big release of emotion. It can replenish your soul and counteract the difficult emotions that you just experienced. 

What is Your Ugly Self-Care / Pity Party Ritual? 

I LOVE to hear from my readers! Let me know what your go-to ugly self care routine is or how letting it out has helped you feel good enough to conquer your goals and kick ass! 

Why Everyone is Obsessed with This Healing Crystal

There is one healing crystal making its way in not just the spiritual community, but is becoming a trend everywhere. Of all the beautiful healing crystals, why is this one becoming so popular? 

The Glow of Labradorite

Labradorite has an incredible glow. Eskimo lore believes that Labradorite are fallen pieces of aurora borealis. Within first glance of this stone you can see why. This amazing healing stone glows all different colors; from shades of gold to green to blue, sometimes even pink and purple. However, like the night sky, when not met with the certain light these colors are hidden and the stone appears black, gray, or dark blue. 

The Amazing Meaning and Benefits of Labradorite

There are way too many good things to write about this stone so I had to limit myself. One of my first crystals was labradorite, and it will forever be my favorite stone. From eyesight, to the nervous system, to protection, to empathy - this healing stone is definitely one that everyone should add to their collection. It is also one that most people should be carrying around on hand at all times. 

Spiritually Protection & Energy Shield

HSP (or highly sensitive person) and empaths are the first to benefit from a Labradorite stone. If you find you are drained by the energies of others, take on the energies of others, get overly emotionally involved in TV shows, movies, books, media, etc. Then you might need this stone. These are all traits of empaths. Empaths and HSP's often find that those around them love to confide in them, look to them for advice, or all share painful stories. This is because these types of people are highly empathetic. It is an amazing quality - but requires lots of shielding. This stone can help you lend your compassion, while shielding your aura so the energy of others does not drain you. 

The Stone of Spiritual Awakening

There is definitely an energetic shift occurring. Several people that I meet describe this feeling and it is amazing that we can all be a part of it. Labradorite can help align you with the shift that is occurring if you are yearning to experience it. This stone encourages new age thought, heightened sense of spirituality, alignment with the Universe, Divine forces, and can even enhance communication with Spirit Guides. It opens the Third Eye Chakra. This stone can awaken your personal sense of magic and your intuition. 

Improves Relationships with Self & Others

One thing I have always found fascinating is the concept of "mirrors." Since my personal understanding of this concept, I have found that it is easier to accept, learn from, and love others. This concept is that every person you meet is a reflection of yourself. That means that everything you love about a person, is something you love about yourself or something that you share with that person. It also means that every negative judgment you have about another person, is an area in which you could improve. 

Conversely, if you find yourself being way too hard on yourself for something, you might find that other people mirror what it is that you are struggling with - and this may help you accept yourself and free yourself from the burden you put on yourself. 

Understanding "mirrors" can help you repair your ability to see others with a positive light, so you can see yourself in a positive light. Labradorite can help you reflect upon this philosophy. It allows for inner reflection and a vivid connection with this concept. 

People are rocking this stone in some beautifully wild ways!

Seriously I am starting to notice this stone ALL over. Sherwin Williams even has a paint color named "Labradorite." I've noticed people rocking phone cases and tote bags with this stone on it in public. Some of my favorite labradorite items are featured below. (the dress is my fave!) You can also find several one-of-a-kind labradorite necklaces and pendants on my shop. 

Gemstone Attire has some amazing Labradorite gear (along with many other crystals.) I'm talking headbands, dresses, yoga pants, leggings, skirts... OMG! A crystal lovers dream. 

Labradorite countertops as seen on @sapphiresoul_ad on instagram. Making a mental note for my future house.

A wine stopper. A freaking healing crystal wine stopper. I found this charm on Steven D Evans etsy shop

Fiery energies wrapped into wearable art by And Zen Some

Beautiful and rare purple labradorite wrapped by And Zen Some. (Now on sale!!)

Labradorites and another beautiful flashy crystal "Ammolite"

Thanks for reading! Share your incredible labradorite experience. 

Healing Depression With Crystals: Are Your Imbalanced Chakras Causing Your Depression?

Not everybody's experience with depression is the same. There are seven major chakras in the body, and depression can begin in any of them. Sometimes alternative healing methods seem like a last resort. However, these methods of healing were some of the first to exist. Crystals have lasted through ancient civilizations all the way to today's society for a reason. If it seems like there is no hope, don't give up before trying these amazing crystals!

Depression can be caused by an imbalance in the chakras. Healing Crystals and Stones and a touch of spiritual protection can totally help you heal!

 

Solar Plexus Chakra-Based Depression. Try Citrine. 

Are you ready for a complete Solar Plexus Activation? Try a Citrine. 

For those of you wondering what a solar plexus is, it is the third chakra in your body. It sits right above the navel. This is the center of control and power. Often times depression is caused by an imbalanced solar plexus chakra. Signs of your depression stemming from the chakra include feelings of unworthiness, unhappiness, loneliness, anxiety, panic attacks, feeling a loss of control, feeling unmotivated, the inability to think positive, etc. Citrine is a great crystal for clearing and activating this energy center because of its vibrant yellow hue. This stone promotes feelings of joy and gratitude. One amazing thing about this stone is it holds no negative energy. Citrine can also help you manifest a specific intention and increase abundance! So whenever you are ready to take control of your life, feel empowered, experience happiness, and receive nothing but blessings from the universe - give this stone a shot. Other stones you may want to consider trying for your solar plexus chakra are Amber or Topaz.

Still unsure if Citrine is for you? Signs your solar plexus is blocked include: digestive problems/stomach tension, self-limiting thoughts, high anxiety and feelings of no control. 

Heart Chakra-Based Depression. Try Rose Quartz. 

The heart chakra is also a place where your depression could stem from. If this chakra is the root of your depression, it will show in the form of stress, self-loathing, inability to see one's own beauty or the beauty of others, holding grudges, obvious sadness (fits of crying, anger, etc.), or holding on to childhood wounds. Rose Quartz is an amazing healing stone for helping one overcome emotional wounds, forgiving the past, and receiving love in all forms. This is more complex than it seems: emotional wounds include grief, depression, stress, anxiety, self-loathing or low self-esteem. Forgiving the past can mean things that you have done wrong or things others have done wrong to you. Receiving love means the ability to receive love from others close to you, from strangers, from yourself, from the earth, from Spirit, wherever LOVE is around you - you will acknowledge it and accept it. If you are ready to start loving yourself and others, seeing the beauty in the world, living more compassionately, reducing stress, and taking time for self nourishment, Rose Quartz is totally for you! 

More signs this stone is for you: skin conditions/acne, negative self talk, poor hygiene, feelings of jealousy, and feelings of loneliness. 

If Rose Quartz does not seem like it is for you, try Mangano Calcite, or Rhodochrosite.

Third Eye-Based Depression. Try Amethyst. 

Amethyst is connected to the Third Eye Chakra and healing this chakra can help you see things for what they truly are. Sometimes we are exposed to distorted thoughts about ourselves and about the world through the media, childhood, or anywhere. Exposure to this kind of negativity clouds your third eye chakra and makes it hard to see the light that exists in the world. Your depression may also include difficulty sleeping, or the need to sleep all the time, nightmares, nervousness, difficulty making decisions or positive choices, or vigilance. PTSD can be very detrimental to this chakra, leading to serious depression and damage. Restore the energy of this chakra with Amethyst if you are ready to feel awake and have hope again. Amethyst can help you feel connected and in tune with yourself and those around you. This crystal can help you see your power, see your beauty, and recognize your potential. Charoite and Fluorite are also great stones to use for overcoming Third Eye Depression. 

Alternate signs this is the chakra in which your depression stems: You are experiencing insomnia, headaches or migraines, physical pain, you are making poor decisions, addiction, forgetfulness. 

Throat Chakra Based Depression. Try Amazonite.

Sometimes depression can stem from the Throat Chakra. This includes feeling like you are not being heard, not being able to explain yourself, feeling like it would be better to not speak at all, feeling like the people around you are lying to you, feeling like nobody believes you, and more. Sometimes Throat Chakra based depression can involve outbursts of emotions or the inability to express yourself in a positive and productive way. If any of this sounds like something you are experiencing, please remember you are not weird or crazy! Blue Calcite, Turquoise, and Chrysocolla are all great stones to help you gain power in your words and in your circle. These stones can help you feel confident in your words, eloquent, and charismatic. They inspire you to speak up and tell your story no matter what it is. They embody courage, self-esteem, and integrity. These stones can also soothe the emotions, help you process them, help you sort your thoughts; so you can say and feel what needs to be said and felt and still be heard and understood by those around you. When the words flowing out of your mouth sound good and feel good, you feel good on the inside and the positive thoughts begin to flow in. This is very similar to the law of attraction! You can use Blue Kyanite to enhance this aspect. 

Throat Chakra Based depression symptoms can include sore throats, allergies, ringing in ears, feeling like there is something in your throat, and headaches. 

Root Chakra Based Depression. Try Pyrite. 

The Root Chakra is located at the base of your spine. In the Seven Chakra System it is the first chakra. It represents the physical world. If you feel your depression is related to stress, fear, and doubt - chances are this chakra is out of balance. If you are struggling to find peace and feelings of safety at your home, job, family, finances. Often times you may feel intense feelings that your life is chaotic, you may feel like you are just floating away with all the stress. You may feel like you are on autopilot going along with the motions and can't catch a break. This is because you are not grounded. Take some time in nature and wear a Pyrite, Smokey Quartz, or Agate. These crystals can help you become more in tune with your body, take one thing at a time, and feel safe and secure in your physical world. They help you feel more present. 

Signs you need to activate your Root Chakra are if you struggle with addiction, lower back pain, anxiety, career difficulties, feelings of discontent, fatigue, exhaustion. 

Crown Chakra Based Depression. Try Spirit Quartz. 

In some cases, depression can stem from your Crown Chakra. This is very common in HSP's (highly sensitive persons), empaths, psychics, etc who have not yet understood or grasped their gifts. If you feel cut off from the world, people around you, and the universe; if you blame the universe/god/others for your problems; or if you live in a great deal of fear or misunderstanding, or even hopelessness, chances are your crown chakra is blocked. Spirit Quartz, Tibetan Quartz, and Herkimer Diamond are all great stones for attuning your connection to the world, your gifts, and activating your Crown Chakra. Feeling linked with the universe can help restore your sense of faith in the future. You may experience a sense of belonging, togetherness, and love for the world around you and the life you live. 

Other signs your crown chakra is blocked include pain, lack of interested and motivation, feeling "foggy", fatigue, anxiety, judgmental thoughts of others, and clumsiness. 

Sacral Chakra Based Depression. Try Carnelian.

Your Sacral Chakra is the second chakra, located below the belly button. It is the center of where you harness your passion. When depression stems from your Sacral Chakra, you may experience a loss of interest or detachment, difficulty enjoying your life, difficulty embracing who you are, a loss of motivation, or loss of desire. Loss of desire can mean sexually, creatively, work-related, etc. Sacral Chakra stones are great to use to combat this kind of depression so you can regain your passion for living and live life to the fullest. You can regain your energetic levels and clear this chakra with Carnelian, Fluorite, Fire Agate. Carnelian is a great stone for activating the Sacral Chakra with its fiery orange color. It embodies the sexual, creative, and energetic God/Goddess inside all of us. Bring that part of you back to life by wearing or sleeping with this stone. 

Other signs your Sacral Chakra is blocked: feeling unworthy, abnormal menstruation/reproductive issues, urinary issues, fear, feeling stuck or lost, inability to focus.

Healing Chakras Can Bring You Back to Harmony and Happiness.

I hope this information has been helpful. Please remember I am not a doctor and this is not medical advice. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments. Love & Light and good luck using these tools to assist your emotional wellbeing. 

Nourishment

Part two of today's self-nourishment took place in the sun. I brought out some crystals, laid down a blanket, and prepared myself to meditate. Before meditating, I set up this crystal grid. Crystal grids are a powerful way to manifest an intended goal. My goal today was connection. The center of my grid is a large Amethyst cluster. This crystal was the inside of the grid to assist in connecting with my own inner peace. I surrounded the Amethyst crystal with an even number of Amethyst clusters to help me connect with balance. Inside and outside the circle are bright red begonia petals to help me connect with nature. Connecting with nature is very important - it is what grounds us. Around the Amethyst on the outside are long, white Selenite wands. Selenite is around the outside to help connect with the outside world - to allow angelic and divine guidance and protection. I set my intentions with the crystals and meditated my goals of connection upon this beautiful geometric, colorful grid. 

Today was about nourishment: about getting in tune with my mind, body, and spirit to find what I need. I decided to wear the Rose Quartz that you can find in my etsy shop. Rose Quartz is a crystal I believe everybody should carry. It is the stone of love, nourishment, understanding, and forgiveness. This crystal is often called the mothering crystal for its ability to nourish, comfort, and heal the heart. It provides unconditional love. It works to heal the heart chakra - the green vortex of energy located in the chest. When I wear Rose Quartz, I feel any sadness, anger, or worry leave my body to open room for self-love, love from others, and divine love. Wearing Rose Quartz makes my negative thoughts fade away, as those thoughts will only damage heart and spirit. I wear it as armor to protect my heart from the negativity of others. Conversely, I wear it to empathize, to know where the negativity of others stems from so I can understand their pain and help them heal. This crystal guides me into light and into love. I remember creating this piece in particular; love streamed through my toes from the earth, meeting the universal source of energy in my heart that entered through the gateway of my crown chakra. This energy helped me creates such a loving crystal.

Another way I love to nourish my body is to pay attention to what I consume. Lemon & cucumber infused water is my favorite way to rejuvenate and detox. This mixture contains so many good vitamins and minerals, it brings down blood pressure, it curbs appetite, detoxes, etc etc etc. I can't give this mixture enough praise - no matter how crazy I sound. I added some leftover begonia petals from my grid because they were full of the energy from the crystals and looked so cute floating with the other ingredients. I have a lot of stomach problems, but this mixture always relieves my body for the entire day. Not to mention, I feel revitalized and energized after drinking it. Certain foods can pollute our chakras. Eating clean does not just benefit weight - but can help the way our organs function, the way our mind works and thinks, and the way our emotions behave. Things like red meats, alcohol, fats, and any form of processed food could very easily pollute your spiritual body. It is important to absorb the nutrients of food from the Earth like raw fruits and veggies in order to achieve balance and wellness. Your body is your temple - treat it like it is!