Crystal of the Week | Calcite

I love collecting crystals (and stones) and have used them collectively during my meditation practice.  One day, I decided to go shopping for another crystal.  I had no idea what I wanted, however, as soon as I walked into the crystal store I allowed spirit to guide me.  I was attracted to this crystal with a honey, golden, hue called Calcite.  Calcite is a powerful energy amplifier.  It clears negative energy while removing stagnant energy.  I was so happy to be attracted to this crystal because I have felt immobile in the past and needed something to help motivate me and stimulate the creative juices within.

More information about Calcite –

• Can be placed on the Solar Plexus
• Physically, spiritually, and mentally speeds up growth and development – helping you to reach your divine calling
• Ease emotional stress and combating fear
• Although this crystal can help you relax it also stimulates you to move forward
• Helps attune to the higher mental planes
• Stimulates mental energy
• Promotes creativity
• Can help with channeling, astral traveling, intuition and enhance psychic abilities
• On a metaphysical level, it encourages mental awareness, bringing the physical mind and will together to help you connect with your higher-self.

 

Let me know if you had any experiences with Calcite below!

Goddess of Expression

As long as we are still on this Earth, we owe it to ourselves and those who are no longer with us to be GREAT! We owe it to our communities to be financially supportive. We owe it to ourselves and our ancestors to go back to our African spirituality. Yes, we are magical and they fear us. Our spirituality is so powerful even some of us fear to read into it.

What is happening and has been happening to us for years is heartbreaking and depressing. However, I’m using this to push myself even harder. My success in all areas in my life will make a difference.

We all are in this war together and we all have unique strengths to fight it together. I truly believe in us. Believing is what keeps me going. Believing is what keeps my spirit alive. Believing is what makes me think of solutions to beat these savages. Believing is what makes me love us more every single day. Believing is what keeps me sane.

Know Thyself

“The Body is the temple of God within you; therefore it is said, ‘Man: Know Thyself’.” – Egyptian Proverbs

Do you truly know yourself?  Do you truly understand who you are on the inside?  I’m not talking about knowing your favorite color, foods, places to go, etc…  I mean, do you have a deep understanding of your inner-self and knowledge of the presence of your soul?  When one truly knows oneself, I believe it is nearly impossible for anyone to persuade them to do things that contradict who they are.  When you truly understand yourself, you will accept yourself and all of your perfect imperfections.  You will respect and love yourself fully and, in turn, you will understand, accept, respect, and love God.  You will also know God on a deeper level, understanding that just as God is all around you, God is also very much within you.

If you haven’t thought about the aphorism, “Know Thyself”, don’t worry.  Join me by setting aside at least five minutes a day to meditate, pray, chant or be still (whichever works for you). Catch your breath and let go of all stress and anxiety.  Release all of the clutter in your mind and begin to listen to the language of the Universe.  It will take patience and lots of practice.  However, I am positive you will benefit tremendously from it.

If you decide to do this, keep me posted on your journey towards self-awareness and true self-love.  I would love to know how you’re progressing!

With Love,

DS

Stop Worrying

“Worrying is carrying tomorrow’s load with today’s strength- carrying two days at once. It is moving into tomorrow ahead of time. Worrying doesn’t empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.”

– Corrie ten Boom

Living the Vegetarian Life… For 4o Days

I have to admit, I’ve been eating a lot healthier since about November 2012 (the beginning of my fitness journey) and have been more conscious about where I buy my groceries from – especially my meats (chicken, turkey and fish).  I started buying organic or locally and have been making sure my chicken and turkey meat were farmed raised and cage free, and my fish were wild caught.  However, I have always been intrigued about individuals who were able to live a vegan or vegetarian lifestyle.  I always wondered if I was capable of handling it and would I still get all of my nutrients and build muscles on a plant-based diet.  Well, the only way to find out is to experience it for myself. So I stopped wondering and I took on the challenge on February 21^st, 2015.  No meat or foods that contain animal byproducts are allowed to enter my system for 40 days.  I do, however, still consume honey and use honey for most of my beauty regimen.

Now that I have implemented a plant-based diet into my life, I have to make sure I’m receiving all the nutrients I need!  It takes discipline but it’s also not as difficult as it may seem. You can do it too, I promise!  Below are a list of important nutrients we need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to ensure that we continue to build muscle (I definitely could use the extra help with my muscles since I work out and practice yoga).

During these 40 days I will document my progress, my feelings, my hair, my nails, and my body.  I also have chronic anemia and am really interested to see if it will improve or not after this plant-base diet challenge. Hmmm… and, who knows? This could be the start of a new chapter in my life. Stay tuned for updates.  Enjoy!

Protein

(Beans, Nuts, Seeds, Whole Grains, Legume)

 

Healthy Fats

(Avocados, Nuts, Seeds)

Iron

(Iron from animal sources is “heme” iron which is easily absorbed into our body. The iron from vegetables is “non-heme” iron and needs other components to be absorbed properly by our bodies.  Thus, while on a plant-based diet, it is important to consume plenty of Vitamin C to help compensate for this and to assist absorption of the iron into your body).

Carbohydrates/Complex Carbs

(Oatmeal, Brown Rice, Sweet Potatoes, Whole Fruits & Vegetables)

Calcium

B-12

(Neither animals nor plants produce it.  It is found in bacteria that forms in animal feces (which is why most herbivores eat their feces…. ugh, so GROSS). However, B-12 have been added to fortified foods and supplements. Supplements are recommended because as we age we become less able to absorb b12 )

Iodine

Omega 3 Fatty Acid

(Leafy Greens, Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds, Hemp Seeds, Beans, Seaweeds, Winter Squash, Collard Greens, Wild Rice

Zinc & Vitamin D

Photos from:

http://www.riceproteinfacts.com/

http://naturallysavvy.com/

http://www.dhvanishah.com/