I had a beauty day recently,
and my first stop was the hair salon for a splash of fresh color. I
usually do this on my day off and I elect the entire day to attend to
personal grooming, necessities and errands. The owner of the salon
usually has on a favorite station and it happens to be one that I like,
too. So the experience of sitting and waiting in the chair while he
works becomes an experience in memory recall.
I
love music. It stirs emotion and speaks directly to the spirit in ways
that range from subtle to empowering. It is a colorful array of sound
created through inspiration that we draw upon in our everyday life.
Music can bring us down or pick us up. It can remember scenes of the
past while creating new ones for the future. Often, we move toward music
to embrace awareness and healing.
Sitting
in the salon chair listening to music from my teenage years brought
forth a flood of emotion and nostalgia that ultimately made me smile. I
asked myself the question: what if I created a playlist for the specific
purpose of drawing on memories I wanted to fondly recall? Would it be
beneficial to my body, mind and spirit? I decided to try it and I
garnished surprising results. My mood improved and the time spent in the
salon (which is usually over an hour) felt like it was the shortest
ever. When I returned home I created my own playlist and I recommend
that you give it a try. Here is a way to get started.
Pick a time of your life that holds the fondest memories.
Research the songs from that decade and choose the ones that speak happiest to you.
Create a playlist and loop it to play throughout the day in the order you feel fits how you want to feel.
Journal or log what surfaces for you.
Granted,
you may come away with some sad feelings, but the happy ones will be
the strongest, so make sure to keep your focus on the positive. Try it
for a few days and see how you feel afterward.
Enjoy, and happy time traveling through your playlist!
Originally published on July 9, 2015 on Medium.com
Linda Lauren was interviewed by Buzzfeed about how color can change the energy of a room. On her Island (ETU Abbracciare) you can see her use of soothing colors to create a calm, tranquil meditative oasis.
Click Here to read this fun informative BuzzFeed article.
Photo Credit:Alice Mongkongllite for BuzzFeed / Lauren Zaser for BuzzFeed
Learn about the Crystals and Gemstones we surround ourselves with by watching Psychic Medium Linda Lauren on the BetterTV show and reading her article 'Crystal Awareness'!
Crystal Awareness
Have you ever held a quartz crystal in your hand? Ever feel
the wondrous delight of its gentle hum to your palm or feel its
soothing vibration sear through your fingers, up your arm and tingle
throughout your body? If you have not, then you are in for a treat that
will tenderly awaken your senses and gently amplify your mind, for the
energy one experiences by working with quartz crystals is soul-enriching
and life-enhancing.
Quartz crystals are God’s gift to the earth, and a rare
treasure to those who embrace their light. A crystal connection will
alter your vision and ease you into a greater understanding of your
Self. Crystals are found in watches, clocks, televisions, DVR’s, and
computers, just to name a few of their applications. Quartz consists of
raw piezoelectric energy, and when shaven down to microchip size
produces electricity that operates these necessities in our lives.
Imagine then, the personal power we can claim when we harness that
energy and allow the gentle electrical vibrations of crystals and
gemstones to balance and work with the flow of our own unique energy.
CHOOSING A CRYSTAL:
Quartz crystal points, clusters and polished stones can be found in
most metaphysical shops. I would like to focus on Quartz Crystal Points,
as these will be best to use for the purpose of making it your personal
tool of power and transformation. A crystal point is a single column of
clear quartz with 3 to 7 sides around the face, with a termination at
the end. It is usually clear at the top half, and milky white at the
blunt end. The following methods are acceptable, but remember, you do
not choose your crystal, it actually chooses you!
Close your eyes and take a deep breath. When you open them, allow your eyes to fall on the first crystal you see.
TOUCH:
This is my favorite. A crystal will “call” to you, and when you pick
it up you will feel a gentle vibration in your palm. It may take a few
minutes to adjust. I suggest you take a deep breath, relax and allow the
crystal to “speak” to you by focusing your attention on any vibration
or warmth in the palm of your hand. Size does not matter when choosing a
crystal point, as sometimes even the smallest chip may have more energy
than a large point.
Once you have chosen your crystal, it is important that you
keep it in a pouch of some kind. Silk, cotton, leather, are fabrics
most commonly used. This will protect the point from any jarring or
chipping, as you will be carrying it with you most of the time.
CLEANSING METHODS:
When you get home with your crystal, it is vital that you
cleanse it. During the journey from the crystal mine to the place of
your purchase, your crystal will have gone through many hands and been
in many places. You will want to clear it of the residue from its
journey to insure clarity. There are several schools of thoughts
regarding this subject, and I will pass along a few methods commonly
used. However, keep in mind that there is no right or wrong method to
cleansing. When working with quartz, it is what sense you have regarding
the stone that is important. Intuition plays an important role in
developing crystal awareness.
Sea Salt or Salt Water — If you happen to be fortunate to
live by the ocean, fill a cup with sea water and immerse your crystal in
it for 24 hours, or until you sense it is cleansed. The alternative
would be to fill a cup with a couple of spoons of sea salt and immerse
the stone. (Note: Some people are not fans of this method, as they feel
it alters the vibration of the stone.)
Rinse your crystal under cool tap water and dry with a cotton cloth.
Sage or Incense — Burn some dried sage or your favorite essential oil incense and run the crystal through the smoke.
CHARGING YOUR CRYSTAL:
Once you have cleansed your crystal, it is now time to charge your crystal’s energy. Here are some methods for charging:
The Sun — A crystal truly loves sun. This is my favorite
method because it can be done anywhere. Simply put your crystal on a
window sill, car dashboard, etc., and allow it to be nourished by the
suns rays. The average amount of time is anywhere from 10 minutes to 10
hours. Again, you be the judge by listening to your intuition.
Some people place the crystal point into the soil of a
healthy plant for a few days. Not only does it charge the stone, but it
helps the plant, too.
After a dip in the ocean, allow the stone to sit in the
sand with the sun beating down on it for a super-charge. (Just be
careful you don’t bury the stone and lose it!)
I have a large cluster of clear quartz in my office. I lay my personal crystal points on top of the cluster to insure a charge.
Now we have covered the basics: choosing, cleansing, and
charging a crystal. In order to work with your crystal you will have to
program it. Imagine your clear quartz crystal as a blank tape. You can
“record” your desires, needs and wishes into it. A crystal can hold as
many “programs” as you need to instill. Some programs will become
temporary, until your desire is met or your accomplishment is achieved.
The way to program a crystal is to do the following:
Hold the crystal between your hands in prayer-like position
with the point up. Clear your mind. Now visualize yourself actually in
the situation of your desire. “See” yourself clearly. Then state an
affirmation. For example: If you have the desire for a specific job,
picture yourself as already in the job, happy and content. Then state
something like: “I am working at the perfect job.” The affirmation
insures the thought into the program. If you wish, you can also “tell”;
the crystal verbally what you want in your life. The key is to “see it”
and then “say it.” That’s it. You are now ready for the last and most
important step: Meditation.
MEDITATION
The primary way to work with your crystal to manifest what
you have programmed into it is via meditation. When you wish to
“receive” the benefits of your program, you would hold the crystal in
your left hand. For example, if you are sick and wish it to help heal
you, use the left hand. Put the crystal in your right hand when you want
to “send” your program out into the universe, where action will take
place.
Take your crystal with you to a quiet place, or a favorite
room, and light a candle. Relax a few moments with your crystal. Look at
it. Get to know it. Every crystal is different. Yours might have wisps
inside, or sparkly inclusions of color. Examine it quietly while taking
some deep breaths. Close your eyes and allow the crystal to pulsate in
your palm. Concentrate on the vision of your desire and allow whatever
images to come to you…or to leave you. Do this every day for at least 10
to 15 minutes. Not only will you notice a difference in what is
manifesting in your life, but you will feel happier and your spirit will
be lighter.
It takes about 30 days to bond with a crystal. Keep it
under your pillow every night, shower with it, bathe with it, carry it
in its pouch and take it with you where ever you go. It will soon become
your pocket best friend.
This blog entry is being repeated because
we have just entered a retrograde and I would much rather see everyone
plan ahead day by day, rather than panic and make things worse for
themselves.
From June 7 to July 2, 2014, the
planet Mercury is in retrograde motion. That usually strikes fear in
normally rational individuals because someone told them that we were in
“mercury retrograde” and that somehow is negative.
Mercury is the planet governing communication, transportation and
truth. When it is in “retrograde” it’s movement appears to be streaming
backward in the skies, and that backward intention affects all forms of
communication: whether that be via computer or person to person. Just
because there are more misunderstandings and bad judgment calls made
during Mercury Retrograde periods than any other time, does not mean
that Mercury is singularly responsible. I am beginning to suspect an
uncomfortable pattern. By the very virtue of the Universal Law of
Attraction, many people are actually encouraging the frustration
experienced during this time, rather than working with the blessings and
magic of it.
We don’t have negative planets; we have
negative people who use the planets as a great excuse for negative
thinking, and in some cases, even negative behavior. So let’s clear the
decks and get a better understanding of this phenomena and how best to
flow with it.
Unless it involves something already in the works, avoid signing new
contracts or any other important agreement papers while Mercury is
Retrograde.
Back up your computer files regularly because Mercury wreaks havoc
with any form of technology, whether that is a computer or a toaster
oven.
Avoid travel, and if you can’t, then give yourself a lot of extra
time and confirm your itinerary several times and check all
reservations.
Be extra mindful of your words. Be clear and concise about what you
are conveying and don’t take things to a personal level. Even the most
innocent requests can take on total miscommunication.
The late spiritual writer and teacher,
Vernon Howard said, “What gets your attention gets you!” And that is
very much like the Law of Attraction. If you focus too long on the
negative you will soon find yourself connecting with more of that until
you are drained of positive energy. Don’t do that to yourself and never
allow anyone else to influence you in that way.
Some suggested activities when Mercury is
in Retrograde: editing, revising, reviewing, research, relaxing, and
regrouping. Also, cleaning out clutter, organizing and catching up on
paperwork are highly favored during this time. Above all, remember that
this is a magical time to reconnect with the past while revisiting
abandoned projects and renewing old relationships.
With each New Year we strive to create something new on the
island to attract you to visiting.We value your loyalty and support of Linda Lauren’s Embracing The Metaverse on the island of Etu Abbracciare in Second Life.
Our newest addition is a revamp of the Crystal Cave of Enlightenment!We are particularly
excited about this because it has two floor and many surprise animations and
poses to enjoy meditating, cuddling, worshiping or just passing the time.There are even places to get a fun
psychic reading.
Here are some photos.Please stop by and make sure you join ourgroup pages both online and off so that we can keep in touch
with you!
I think about gratitude
every day of the year. When I am rising to greet the day and retiring
for the evening, I give thanks for the blessings that have been bestowed
upon me, and for the people in my life who bestowed them. My thanks
does not just include family and friends. It encompass the many people I
come in contact, and the things that happen in my life during that year
that elicit my appreciation.
I often read about how grateful people are during the holiday season and with social mediaand the Internet, we are inundated with streams of photos and
information flying by our computer screens that are designed to illicit
our gratitude. But once those streams fly past us, do we remember to be
grateful?
When we show gratitude it’s like money in the bank. It’s is a way of
giving thanks because as the holiday season unfolds, so do our
expressions of gratitude. It is a time when we shine a light on the
people in our immediate circle who love and honor us all year long.
They’ve embraced us and we, in turn, strive to do our best to show our
thanks. A little “thank you” really does go a long way, so why not
stretch it and make it go long and wide? Why not also extend
your appreciation to the people you come in daily contact with who have
been there in different ways, offering something vital just when we
needed it?
Did the grocery clerk smile at you and make you feel good this
morning? Maybe the mailman delivered good news. Perhaps someone held a
door open for you when your arms were burdened with packages. Did you
say thank you to any of them? Are they on your mind this year as you
reflect on your blessings? More importantly, how are you honoring and
showing your thanks? It’s never to late for gratitude, so let me get
started with some ways to accomplish this special kind of remembering.
Write it out! Keep a gratitude journal
and use the method of counting your blessings by writing them down,
etching your appreciation in stone. You can even write the names of some
of those people and events in your journal, thanking them. But be sure
to at least three reasons you are grateful each day. Can’t think of
three? Well, you are breathing, aren’t you? That’s one! You are reading
this positive article. That’s two. You get the idea and soon the number
on your list will grow and change daily.
Be kind! Pass along an act of kindness for every act of kindness you
receive. You would be surprised at how the little things you do can add
up to an abundance of joy to the lives of those you touch, whether they
know you’ve touched them or not. You’ll gather a lot of positive energy
you way for the kindness in the action you take.
Embrace spirit through Prayer! This is another great way to give
thanks. To be prayerful is to be connected with your spiritual
foundation by way of an expressed intention. Send your intentions out
to the universe this way enforces our belief system, no matter what that
is.
Follow the above suggestions as you move through the season and share
in the spirit by adopting the attitude of gratitude and applying some
of the thoughts I’ve shared. I promise you it will make your spirit
bright and your attitude positive.
Summer can usher in a lot of commitments and meditation is a helpful
way to set the tone for the coming months so we enjoy life rather than
deal with stress. For the past four decades, I have been helping people
to live better lives by teaching them techniques to help them handle
stress through correct breathing. Many view meditation as a structured
Eastern practice with rules for how it is done. This is true for people
who practice within that belief system.
But what about the rest of us: the businessperson, parent, mate,
friend, family member, who doesn't follow that philosophy but still
wishes to create the awareness that meditation offers and reduce stress
in their lives? How can they sizzle away stress as the seasons change?
Meditation is about being mindful of your spirit enough to focus
inward for the serenity and guidance you need. It's having a moment to
hear yourself think. We have the answers within us, and with a steady
routine, we can harness a personal power that will remove much of the
emotion that stress can cause. The only steadfast rule is slow
breathing. Proper breathing is an advantage to handling life and health
matters, and is especially helpful for dealing with overall stress. I
have outlined a simple method of breathing to get you started so that
anyone, at any age, can enjoy meditating.
Make an appointment with yourself to go to a space you have
designated where you will not be disturbed. Make those you live with
aware that you are meditating.
Wear clothing that is loose and comfortable, and choose a time of
day/night that is conducive to you being able to observe the silence
within. Play some soft instrumental music to help set the mood.
Start by taking some slow, deep breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth, just as slowly.
Sit quietly and allow yourself to sense your surroundings. Don't
worry about noise or distraction; that will change when you begin a
regular routine.
Follow the inhalation and exhalation of your breathing, using the
timing of your breathing or your heartbeat as a marker to mindfulness.
Meditation time can range from 10 minutes to hours. Choose what you
feel comfortable with. Once you adopt this practice in your life, you
will be embracing a more peaceful existence. More things go right when
we meditate than wrong!
Another
year has opened up, along with another opportunity to grow with the positive
energy available to us.Most of us
remember to take care of the mind and the body, but we often neglect to tend to
the Spirit, and yet it is the spirit that moves our daily lives on interms of positive and negative. I
believe that is because there is confusion as to what the spirit is and what
role it plays in the big picture. Most people understand the Spirit to be
something they can not touch that is often defined through our faith and only
practiced when we visit a house of worship.
Your
Spirit is much more than that. It is the essence of who you are. It defines you
and molds the personality. It is the factor that is responsible for the
emotions you embrace and the moods you have in your life. Whether you respond
or react, which are two very different things,is really up to your spirit. So it's very important that you
understand that that essence feeds your morale. When you are sad, that is the
Spirit feeling sad. That in turn makes you think sad thoughtsand you become depressed. That sadness
overwhelms you and eventually affects your body and it creates a dis-ease. Your
Spirit is the universal life force within you and it is responsible for who you
are and how you live. Keeping your Spirit up is a way to a healthy life. Here
are sometips to start you off:
Minimize your intake of news - be careful how you are
feeding your spirit.Nourish it
with what you need to know rather than gorge on an appetite of what can fast
become an abundant menu of negativity.
Most readers of the SL Enquirer already know that I live and
work the same business in real life as I do in Second Life.I am a fourth generation psychic medium
with a practice of over forty years.My real life (RL) business is called Linda Lauren’s
Embracing the Universe, hence this columns title “Embracing The Metaverse ™,” to
further embrace the virtual community.
Each column will be different and cover an array of topics,
products, people and wisdom to share about Second Life and the possible
connections to real life.Feel
free to email me questions or request possible SL interviews to
Linda@LindaLauren.com
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