Moldavite is out of this world!

Sorry, folks, I figured I would just get the cheesy joke out of the way from the get go! Moldaviteis a form of tektite, meaning it is a natural glass created from a meteor collision, estimated to of occurred between 12-14 million years ago. It can be found in Czech Republic, and is a deep green, wrinkly, rugged, and small in size.

Are you looking for a gentle, mild crystal that will slowly ease you into change? If so, I would suggest looking elsewhere, because Moldavite is not it!

Moldavite carries an intense frequency, and many people experience what is sometimes called a "Moldavite Flush", where they feel an intense shift in energy or heat when they first pick it up. I have personally experienced this when I was first exposed to this incredible stone: A few years ago, my grandmother placed one in my hand, and I experienced a unique energy swell, more of a swirl than I had ever felt in the past. Intrigued but a little unsettled, I was unsure what to do with that experience, so I chalked it up to "I am not ready for Moldavite yet", and waited... And waited... And waited.... Until recently, when I came across that same Moldavite white sorting through my late Grandmother's crystals with family, and intuitively knew now was the time.

Moldavite is known as a immensely powerful stone of transformation, designed for a purpose and will catapult you along your spiritual journey, evolved your personal relationships, elevate your meditation, and stimulate occurrences of coincidence, connectivity, and synchronicity.

It is firstly associated with the Heart Chakra, helping us understand our own needs and emotions, while helping us adjust to the ebb and flow of relationships and accepting of change and growth within them. It brings up what one most needs to recognize, honor, integrate or release, potentially something buried down deep or held on to from other lives. Moldavite is also connected to the Third Eye and Crown Chakras, opening you up to divine information from the universe, especially during meditation. Experiment holding Moldavite while meditating, and see what you can learn!

Due to Moldavite's intense vibration, some people experience a lack of grounding or light-headedness, so I recommended gradually acclimating yourself when wearing it, building up how long you have it on over time.

A large percentage of Moldavite out in the world is fake, so steer clear from iffy colors, insanely cheap prices, and large sizes. As tempting as a large piece may seem, remember when something seems good to be true, it usually is! Additionally, I keep a general rule of not buying any Moldavite from online vendors I am not familiar with, and prefer to purchase in person.

Another small note to remember: when cleansing your Moldavite, do not use the salt water technique as it is too abrasive. I personally like to use moonlight and selenite to cleanse and recharge mine.

So I would love to hear, have you had any experiences with Moldavite?

Growing up in a holistic household, I learned the importance of balancing both Western and Eastern approaches to self-care. In my book, one does not cancel out the other, but rather complement and enhance where the other lacks. So when a dear friend of mine reached out frustrated with the complications of her fibromyalgia and asked for some alternative suggestions, I was more than happy to help.

First, lets start with one of my favorite healing modalities: crystals! Phillip Permutt, author of The Crystal Healer, suggests this combo: abalone shell, amethyst, selenite & rutilated quartz. Hibiscus Moon of the Crystal Academy also suggests honey calcite as well. Find stones to place in the rooms you spend the most time in, but also crystals you can carry with you or wear in jewelry form. Try meditation with your crystals, placing them on pain hot-spots, and visualizing them pulling out the current pain and preventing new. Make sure to cleanse your crystals regularly as well, as needed or with the full moon.

Now lets bring in essential oils to the mix! According to MassageToday, some of the best essential oils are:

For pain relief: spike lavender, sweet marjoram, lavender, petitgrain, Roman and German chamomile, clary sage, lemongrass, helichrysum, peppermint, ginger and black pepper. Spike lavender with peppermint and helichrysum creates an anti-inflammatory synergy.

For stress/anxiety relief: rose otto, frankincense, clary sage, sweet orange, bergamot, grapefruit, ylang ylang, sandalwood, neroli, sweet marjoram, petitgrain, mandarin, lavender, rose geranium, tangerine, jasmine.

For peaceful sleep: lavender, neroli, jasmine, marjoram, Roman chamomile.

For a feeling of harmony and safety: frankincense, lavender, rose, mandarin, neroli, helichrysum.

For headaches: lavender, peppermint, marjoram, Roman chamomile.

For increased circulation: rosemary, ginger, black pepper, peppermint, lemongrass, rose geranium.

I would also look into a few blends by YoungLiving, including PanAway, StressAway, RutaVaLa, Deep Relief, and their Ortho Ease massage oil. Start with one oil, like lavender, and work your way into others. They can be used a variety of ways: Massage into your skin after diluting into a carrier oil like jojoba or coconut oil. Diffuse in a diffuser for a half hour every 4-6 hours, or when desired. Keep a roller of essential oil nearby to inhale for on-the-go aromatherapy. I keep oils in my purse and in my house so I can have them whenever I need!

Another great remedy for fibromyalgia is to consume Omega-3 fats such as flax seeds and MSM. According to UCLA researcher Ronald Lawrence, MD, PHD, "supplementation of MSM often offers a breakthrough in the treatment of fibromyalgia".

Some other ideas:
Soak in the tub! Mix epsom salts and a high-quality lavender essential oil and take a relaxing bath before bedtime.
Stress reduction time! Be it work, life, or home environment, make it a number one priority.
Sugar is off the menu! Caffeine too! Consider a paleo diet or some other inflammation reducing/auto-immune food plan. Join me on a Whole-30 Challenge coming up soon to reboot your diet!
Create a nurturing sleep environment: No screens before bed. Ditch the Facebook, email, or Netflix in favor of a good book, an audio book, or my current favorite: listen to a rerun of an old show with the screen turned off and the volume way low. Black out curtains. Sound machine. Diffuse a calming essential oil.
Meditation: Singing bowls, mantra, visualization, guided meditation... try it all! Find the one that works for you, set aside a time for it each day, and stick with it!
Try a few difference alternative healing practictioners to work with so you can approach it from all angles: massage, accupuncture, vibrational sound therapy, reiki treatments (email me to schedule a distance reiki appointment), chiropractors, etc.
Find someone locally with a Biomat and schedule regular sessions. Or alternatively, save for one of your own (they are pricey but can do incredible healing work).
Give it time, and give yourself credit! Success with Fibromyalgia treatments can be very personal to each individual, so keep trying!

Do you have any other suggestions? What techniques work well for you?

(Boring Disclaimer/Reminder: I am not a doctor, and my advice is not medical. All alternative health should complement instead of replace traditional Western medicine, and should be done so under a medical professionals consultation and care.)

Just For Today: I will not anger. I will not worry. I will do my work honestly. I will be kind to all living things. I will give thanks for my many blessings.
The Reiki Principles

Reiki has been a part of my life since I was a child. Both my mother and my late grandmother achieved 'Reiki Master' status, and I grew up receiving healing sessions for whatever ailments popped up.

Over the last year, I felt an overwhelming pull towards furthering my reiki experience, and decided to follow in their footsteps and receive my reiki training as well. Once I arrived at my level one attunement and class, I knew I had made the right decision. My reiki master is a wonderful guide and teacher, and I soon went on to receive my level two attunement as well.

So, have I confused you yet? Let me back up and in an effort to give you a little more background, lets chat about what reiki is!

Reiki is a healing modality that uses energy for natural healing. To gain a little better understanding, we can break down the word reiki into two parts. First, we have "rei", which can mean divine, higher power, or the universe's flowing love and wisdom. Secondly, we have "ki", which has the same meaning as Qi or Chi (like in Qi-gong) in that it is life-force energy that inhabits all things. Combined, you have a practice that allows you to divinely channel energy to heal.

During your first attunement, you are opened up as a channel for energy so that you may do self-healing. During your second, your channel expands so that you can direct healing energy to others. During your third and final attunement, you become a master so that you may give attunements to others. When I received both my level one and level two, I felt a distinct increase of awareness and intuitive information available, and have felt it was a great step along my spiritual path.

Reiki energy is pulled to where is needs to go, so the only two ingredients you need are a reiki-attuned practitioner and their clients free-will to receive healing. If you come to a healing session, but there is a part of you that doesn't want to be healed, the energy is not going to be able to do its work until you are ready. As a reiki practitioner, you serve as a channel for divine energy, flowing through you out of your hands to whomever you are helping, therefore healing you at the same time. This type of healing work works on the physical, emotional, and spiritual level. You can receive both distance and in person sessions, and they can equally helpful. For distance work, it is best to be in a quiet place whereyou can be relaxed and calm (like right before you go to sleep). In person, you can get a one-on-one discussion with your practitioner, and I personally like to incorporate other elements into the healing process, like guided meditation, crystals, and sound therapy.

I will now begin scheduling reiki healing sessions for others, both in person and distance, and I am so excited! I love being able to assist people on their path towards a healthier and happier life, and am so grateful for tools like reiki that allow me to do it! Additionally, all the crystals and items I offer in my online boutique have all received reiki treatments so that they may be energetically aligned to facilitate your highest good.

Want to book a reiki session? Email me at bluelotusbozeman@gmail.com, and for a limited time, the first 10 people who book will receive one free 30 minute distance reiki treatment!

Ready to be a healer and receive your own reiki training? If you are in Bozeman (or Montana and don't mind a drive), check out Christine Clark's Usui Reiki training classes at www.christinerenee.org. I can't recommend her enough!

Have you had any experiences with reiki or other energy healing?

I am always on the hunt for new essential oil products and brands. Essential oils are a fantastic way to naturally improve our well-being on a mental, emotional, and physical level. 

I most recently discovered 21 Drops, and was immediately intrigued. When asked what set them apart from other essential oil companies, their response was what sealed the deal! 

1. All of the essential oils used in our blends are therapeutic-grade, 100% natural, sourced from artisan distillers, organic or wild-crafted, and GC-MS tested to ensure their upmost purity and effectiveness.
2. We focused on the molecular chemistry, so you can focus on the physical. Our remedies are pre-blended to treat some of the most common conditions, allowing you more time to spend time with your partner or try that new yoga class.
3. All of our essential oils are safely diluted in 100% jojoba carrier oil.
4. Our bright, colorful rollerball packaging makes our blends easy to toss into a purse, place aside your bed or at your desk at work. Basically, they're way more fun and simple to use.  

What's not to love? Unable to narrow it down to just one oil (how can you choose between 21 amazing blends?), the wonderful folks over at 21 Drops were kind enough to send me over the Let's Celebrate Trio to review, and I am in love!

The Let's Celebrate kit includes three 3ml oil blends: Invigorate, Passion, and De-Stress. Each blend is formulated specifically for inhalation and topical application, and every one comes with a fantastic affirmation!

Invigorate (#01) is a combination of black pepper (enlivens & motivates), cedarwood (maximizes endurance), juniper (energizes & invigorates), and rosemary (stimulates the mind). The affirmation that comes with this oil is "I initiate. I act. I deliver." This has been my go-to oil for early mornings and mid-afternoon for when I need a pick-me-up! Caffeine never seems to agree with me (if you ever see me with super shaky hands and looking a little grey, its likely the barista accidentally switched my decaf for something higher octane), so coffee is usually too strong for the usual slow-moving moments. However, one whiff of this blend is enough to get me moving, and once I put a little on my wrists, I am getting things done! I've started keeping this one on my desk so that whenever I feel myself loosing steam, I can have it within reach so I can get back in action! 

Passion (#06) is a combination of cardamom (enlivens & refreshes), jasmine (diminishes fears & inhibitions, rose (invites feelings of love), and sandalwood encourages self-acceptance. The affirmation that comes with the blend is "I am open. I am playful. I am inspired." If sunshine came in the form of an essential oil, this would be it. When wearing Passion, I feel radiant and goddess-like. The floral aspects make it a great date night scent, but I love wearing it anytime I want to feel sunshine-y and special!

De-stress (#11) is a combination of frankincense (quiets the mind), German chamomile (reduces tension), lavender (reduces anxiety), and ylang ylang (helps ease panic attacks). The affirmation is "I accept. I bend. I release." This oil is my new signature scent, hands down. I usually have an affinity for similar blends (as an old flame once proclaimed: "You always smell like tea... It is a good thing, I swear!"), but 21 Drops De-Stress takes the cake. Every time I put on this essential oil, I can feel all of the tension in my body melt away, and I am left relaxed and smiling. 

After the success of these three blends, I cannot wait to try their others! The next ones I have my eye on are #03 Strength, #07 Equalize, #12 Uplift, and #17 Digest, not to mention getting bigger sizes of what I already have!

Have you tried 21 Drops yet? Check them out on their website, and enjoy!

 

Since switching to a (mostly) paleo diet last year, I have been two variation of a paleo pancake recipe for breakfast that I absolutely love. Unlike most recipes that you can find online, this recipe has minimal ingredients and takes just a few minutes to whip up. Plus, these pancakes are little energy pucks fill me up and get me ready to take on the day. Either variation is delicious, and I usually decide between the two based on what ingredients are more readily available!


Super Duper Easy Paleo Pancakes

Using an electric mixer, stir together:

Variation A: 
one egg
one banana (the fresher the banana, the better it will hold together... if you use a ripe banana, add a spoonful of coconut flour to help hold it together)
1/4 cup to 1/2 cup almond flour (different brands will absorb differently)
a dash of cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg
a itty-bitty pinch of clove

Variation B:
three eggs
2 bananas
1/4 cup - 1/2 cup coconut flour (add 1/4 cup, mix, then see if more is needed to thicken)
a dash of cinnamon
a pinch of nutmeg
a itty-bitty pinch of clove 

Heat a nonstick pan to medium high heat. Add a spoonful of coconut oil, and once melted, scoop batter into pan into small pancakes. I have found it easier to flip the pancakes if they aren't much bigger than my spatula. Cook until you can easily slide a spatula underneath and see a nice golden brown, then flip!

To be honest, I typically cook this while multitasking, and don't measure exactly or keep a watchful eye while it cooks. The result is darker, less "cute" pancakes (alright, slightly burnt), but they still taste delicious! (However, if "pretty pancakes" is what your after, try Variation B.)

Once you get the hang of either variation, try mixing it up with added fruit! I love to add blueberries into the pancakes, and next I am going to try a few small cut up pieces of apple.

Try at first not to add additional sugar to this; it has plenty of yummy flavor all on its own! If you want a little extra, try frying a few banana slices in the left over coconut oil and putting those on top. Or keep a tiny dish of pure maple syrup on the side. Also, I like to fry up some turkey bacon as well for a real breakfast feast!

Happy cooking!

“The real payoff of a yoga practice, I came to see, is not a perfect handstand or a deeper forward bend—it is the newly born self that each day steps off the yoga mat and back into life.” 

Rolf Gates

Last fall, I began attending a small weekly yoga class, run by a wonderfully kind and experienced yogini who converted her home into a working yoga studio. After about an hour long class (which ranges from yin to ashtanga style, and always includes laughter and helpful assistance), we settle in for savasana. Once our instructor Chris ensures that we are all comfortable and relaxed (she provides all props, including cozy blankets and hot massage rocks to lay on for sore muscles), she typically reads us an excerpt from an article or book. While completely surrendered in savasana, I felt the words met no resistance and poured directly into my soul. By what I am convinced is some sort of yogini mind-reading magic, she would somehow choose passages that spoke directly to my current situations. I recall one day that the passage was so timely and encouraged me to release my fear, and I found myself needing a few moments extra to wipe away a few tears as well. On the days that I was particularly moved, I would ask where the passage came from. Her answer: Meditations from the Mat.

Meditations from the Mat is a book by Rolf Gates, and I recommend it to anyone with even the slightest interest in yoga. Divided into 365 passages for daily reading, each chapter studies all of the aspects of the 8 limbs of yoga in a very approachable manner, with tips and insights along the way.

I like to have it close to my yoga mat each day, so that once I finish savasana, I can sit with my tea and read a passage. Here is a quote I came across today that I absolutely love:

“Love is not a thought, it is an action. And each loving action that we take infuses us with more energy for loving action in the future.” 

Do you have a favorite yoga book right now? 

Looking around my home, you will notice a common theme... lavender hand soap, lavender bubble bath, lavender room spray, lavender candles, even lavender tea! Needless to say, I am absolutely in love with lavender!

Lavandula angustifolia, aka lavender, is known for its powerful relaxing qualities. Good for both the body and the mind, it should be staple in every household. I have always loved the variety of ways you can use it, and its positive effect on my life. In case you are in need of some inspiration, I compiled a quick list on how to add lavender into your life!

Drink a cup of lavender tea each evening, or whenever you are overwhelmed with stress. If you can, get the highest quality of loose lavender buds, brew it in a tea infuser like this one, add a tiny smidge of honey (if you must), and enjoy it about 20-40 minutes before bedtime. If you're like me, you might fall asleep before you even finish your cup!

Soak in a hot bath with a couple cups of epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil. When my body feels tense, soaking in a lavender bath for at least 20 minutes releases any tension I have, softens the skin, and inhaling the lavender aroma calms my mind as well. When I am done soaking, the lavender scent stays with me long after I dry off.

In the summer, combine a drop of lavender oil with coconut oil, and apply it to sunburns or insect bites. This calms the skin and relieves itching, therefore allowing the skin a better chance to heal.

When doing laundry, insert a satchel of lavender buds to the dryer to result in yummy smelling clothing and sheets. 

Lavender plants are beautiful, smell wonderful, and are pretty hardy, so plant a few bushes in your garden so you always have access to some!

Use an essential oil diffuser to diffuse lavender into your bedroom at night, or to create a relaxing atmosphere in an office or treatment room. 

Put a sprig of dried lavender or a satchel of dried lavender buds in your car to freshen it up instead of using chemical-based air-fresheners.

Put a drop of lavender mixed with a carrier oil (like coconut or jojoba) on the bottom of your feet at night for a deep, restful night's sleep.

I rotate in a coconut oil/lavender oil combination into my skincare routine a few times a week to give my face a break from salicylic acid treatments, while still fighting off acne and clogged pores. I moisturize my face, then use the mixture for the rest of my body as well!

When sick, inhaling the steam of lavender can help fight of bacteria and infections due to its antibiotic and expectorant properties. If you are feeling under the weather and stuffy, fill a bowl full of hot water, add a drop of lavender essential oil, and lean over the bowl with a towel over your head and the bowl (trapping in the steam). Be careful the water is not too hot, as to not burn your face with the steam. 

If you are prone to depression, anxiety, or constant stress, keeping a vial of lavender essential oil nearby can be helpful. When I feel like my mental health could use a tune up, either wearing lavender or just smelling it seems to be the emotional boost I need. (Obviously, if your need of a "mental health tuneup" is severe, consult a professional.) Put a drop or two in your hands, cup them to your face, and breathe in slowly and deeply. 

Well, now that lavender is on my brain, I'm going to go put the kettle on to make a cup of tea!

Do you love lavender as well? What is your favorite use for it?

"I honor the place in your where the entire universe resides... a place of light, of love, of truth, of peace, of wisdom. I honor the place in you where when you are in that place and I am in that place there is only one of us."

Mohandas K. Gandhi

If you've been to a yoga class (or probably even if you haven't), you've heard the term: "Namaste."

What does it mean?

In Sanskrit, the word ‘namah' means bow, ‘as’ means I, and ‘te’ means you, translating into “I bow to you.” Due to a varying language translations, there are many additional interpretations, but every translation contains the same essential intention:

The Divine light in me honors the Divine light in you.

Used by Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Sikhs, and other religions, it is commonly said with a slight bow and hands in prayer position either at the heart or raised to the forehead. It can be a greeting or a closing, or simply a way to acknowledge someone's blessed spirit.

So namaste, my beautiful friends, and may the light, love, beauty, power, gratitude, spirit, and strength in me honor that within you.