I am fascinated by gems and crystals and the powers they behold. You will notice various stones throughout my house and my massage/yoga studio, in all their splendor of colors, shapes, and sizes. Yesterday I spent hours in my hometown of Asheville at a local gem/crystal shop admiring all of their properties and magnificence. There is something magical about these earthly treasures and the energetics behind each and every one of them, beautifully formed, beautifully accessible, and offered from Mother Earth. As the pace of life seems to be gaining momentum once again, I (along with many others) are “back in the saddle” and that means being back with life’s demands. Although, it may probably taking shape in different forums and forms, (more zoom meetings anyone?) The demands are picking up at lightning speed.  The same concerns before the pandemic are encroaching into our lives once again. People are struggling to find balance, stressing over their overbooked schedules and deadlines, and losing sight of the importance of taking time for self-care.

Want to know a secret? Working with a gem, a crystal, or a special rock picked from the river can have profound effects on grounding oneself. It is true, really, try it out and see for yourself, it is deeply personal and healing and can be an easy welcoming way to re-connect with yourself.

Enclosed you will see a few that I am currently working with, but remember there are thousands of varieties and choices!

Green Opal for example is a variety of quartz without a crystal structure and is useful for changing internal negative or self-limiting thought patterns. It is well known as a good energetic cleansing stone and helps release tension. I like to reach for this one when I am feeling some self-doubt, or stuck in my own pity party.

Selenite, which is formed when seawater is isolated and evaporates, the condensed salts gives it its pearl-like luster and is wonderful for aligning and cleansing the energy body. It provides clarity of the mind and expanding awareness of self and the surroundings, clearing and cleansing the energetics along the way.

Rose quartz, one of my all-time favorites purifies and opens the heart to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing, and feelings of peace.  Calming and reassuring, it helps to comfort in times of grief.  Rose quartz dispels negativity and replaces it with loving vibes.  It encourages self-forgiveness and acceptance invoking trust and self-worth. Now, who doesn’t want to have that kind of healing ability by your side?

Even if you’re not totally married to the metaphysical jargon, just remember that in the end, it’s all about inspiring balance and the highest awareness of yourself—and that includes looking at things a little from various healing angles. It’s about having some tools to use that works best for you. If you hold the stone or crystal with all your intention, how could that not be healing? If you feel that the stone represents as it indicates about clearing negative energies when holding it, how do you feel after a few moments?

I have found that throughout my day I will carry one (or many) with me in some form or fashion. Either as a pendant or placing them in my pants pocket, I find them comforting. After working on a massage patient, I will often hold quartz in my hand to help clear my energy and the energy the others may have left behind. Honestly, there is something so centering about just holding a stone or crystal.

So how do you go about finding a crystal? Tap into your intuition and your intention. Do you want to find one that has certain qualities that you are looking for? Then find an authentic store that you can visit. Feel the stone or crystal in your hands. Close your eyes and allow the properties to wash over you. When at the store, were you drawn to a particular stone just as you walked in?  Or research in a book or go online to read about them and select accordingly. I think the personal experience of touching them in a store is one that is hard to be replaced but if that is not an option then online has many options.

Either way, this is a fun, easy, and a sensory-filled way to take care of yourself and to tap into your own oneness. Don’t overthink it, start with the one that feels right to you, make a connection with it, as it can represent what you are looking for, and set your intention of how you will work together! Keep me posted on your findings, send me some beautiful crystal and stone images and any stories that come from your rock hunts and experiences.