by Andrew Pacholyk MS L.Ac
 ~ Peacefulmind.com
We live in a frenetic world.
With the pull of social media, the push of work and responsibilities, or the over-extended commitments we make, we barely have enough time to eat or sleep. We get so caught up in being busy, that we sometimes forget how to be with ourselves. When was the last time you did something for yourself? Do you remember what you did to calm down or relax?
This seems to be an ongoing theme that reoccurs in my practice, almost daily. Patients come in, stressed, frazzled, or sometimes can’t even remember what they just said because their minds are already three tasks ahead…thinking, obsessing, not present in the moment. Sound familiar?
In times like these, its very important, not only for your mind, but your body and spirit as well, to take a break and reconnect. Trust me, the work, the problems, and the commitments will still be there when you come back, only you may find that you look at a task or a situation that warrants you attention with a better outlook. Perhaps you might even deduce the complexities and resolve the issue.
A clear mind is an uncluttered path in which you can rediscover the majesty you’ve masked with indifference and self-doubt.
A University of Toronto research study showed that taking a small break between tasks could decrease burnout, improve your personal happiness, and increase your productivity by 59%. That is significant.
When my patients are faced with this issue, there are several ideas I recommend. A power nap is a great way to reset. Set your phone alarm for 15 or 20 minutes and simply recline in a comfortable position and close your eyes. You may or may not fall asleep, but it’s the act of repose that helps with the “letting go”.
Light a candle. Try deep breathing or meditating on the candlelight. A colleague of mine carries a little jar candle and lighter with her in her purse. She will go into the break room, sit at a table and spark her candle. She simply takes deep breaths and meditates on the candle’s flame for 15 – 20 minutes. This trance-like state brings her focus and attention to the light and allows her to calm her spirit.
Or, take a break with crystals. Throughout history, gemstones have been acclaimed for their beauty, their mystery, and their ability to garner attention. Metaphysical properties have been assigned to crystals over the millennium, giving them the power of awareness, fortitude, and intrigue. Their colors resonate with our mind and spirit while captivating our curiosity. Consider using these top seven stones for calming your spirit.
The process is simple. When you are ready for a break, choose a crystal that “calls to you” or gathers your attention. Consider sitting on the floor with your back against a wall or in a chair facing a table. You can place your crystal on the floor, on the table, or in the palm of your hands.
Meditate and work with the breath to breathe deep and relax. Each one of these stones have been chosen because they are known to calm the spirit, but also note that they have additional properties that can assist you in the process.
Amethyst is the color of twilight. This rich indigo stone soothes the mind and calms the spirit. Amethyst takes you on this transition from the magic time of dusk to a conscious shift into a different place. Crossing this threshold is a lesson in humility. This is the stone of transformation, dream recall, and spirituality. It has been used to promote inner peace and helps us to recognize contentment. Amethyst has been assigned the task of providing common sense and flexibility in decisions.
Rose Quartz is often used as an analogous color to Amethyst. They are adjacent to each other on the color wheel and have the added bonus of caring for the heart. Rose quartz resonates with beauty, self-love, and forgiveness. Work with this stone when you need to trust yourself, be good to yourself, and honor your self-worth. Its soothing influence diffuses negative stimuli and uncomfortable memories. It allows us to be more self-accepting.
Selenite is a stark, white, striated crystal and is a sheer source of calming, spiritual light. It is historically known for accessing our higher consciousness. Because of its striations, like tourmaline, hold the stone vertical as it works along the spinal column, grounding and anchoring our Earth vibration and utilizing Kundalini energy to rise freely up our light body, stimulating each center as it vibrates. This stone is highly recommended for meditation and working on the Sacred spiritual in your life.
Tourmaline is a bold, black, striated crystal that is used for grounding and protection. The most common tourmaline is Schorl (black), which is the Yin pairing to selenite’s Yang energy. This stone repels. Have negativity around you? Meditate with black tourmaline. It is also the best crystal to use against the ill effects of both high and low frequency electromagnetic waves (EMF) radiating from cell-phones, computers, microwaves, power lines, and electric wiring.
Jade, especially green jade, has been revered for centuries. Jade is considered the health, wealth and longevity stone. Traditionally, Jade symbolizes the Five Virtues of Humanity: wisdom, justice, compassion, modesty, and courage. Therefore, it is used for emotional balance, stamina, love, and fidelity. This heart Chakra stone is considered a stone that grants us the humility, generosity, and peace along our journey to finding spirituality. Ancient jade bestows unto us the traits of harmony, courage, wisdom, and, mercy. All ways to recognize a higher power through awareness.
Jasper, especially red jasper, is the complement to green jade. Considered the “supreme nurturer” red jasper is a methodical and meticulous worker of practical, down to earth solutions. Meditate with this stone when you need to strengthen your promoting organizational abilities and boost courage to assertively tackle a variety of problems. This explains why jasper stimulates the imagination and transforms ideas into action. It has the ability to foster and nurture, and its energy is used for grounding and protection.
Rainbow Opalite is considered a stone of hope. It is a symbol for bridging the gap between your ego-self and your true self, or your unconscious. Opals are stones which mirror our emotions. They are a stone of inspiration which enhances the imagination and creativity as well. It helps one release inhibitions and enhances the memory. Opal is said to be a very spiritual stone and can help one bring happiness to dreams. Its rainbow effects in light can ease the process we endure with change.
When you are ready for a break, choose on of your favorite crystals and spend a little time connecting with your higher self. Discover ways back to a more conscious self, and breathe through the stessors of the day with one of Earth’s natural treasures.
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Andrew Pacholyk MS LAc, is a licensed acupuncturist, certified herbalist, and award-winning author of Barefoot: A Surfer’s View of the Universe and Lead Us To A Place: your spiritual journey through life’s seasons. He is the founder and CEO of Peacefulmind.com
