You may have heard about metaphysical enthusiasts who use energy pendulums to promote crystal healing, but few people understand how they really work. The truth is; crystals have been used for centuries to help people hone their intuitive skills. In addition to their healing qualities, crystal pendulums have been used to find everything from water to gold; so it’s no wonder that pendulums can also be used to answer life’s most pressing questions.
Archive for the ‘Zen Living’ Category
Crystal Pendulums – Conduits for Spiritual Enlightenment?
Saturday, November 24th, 2012Give Gifts that Make Scents – Like Exotic Incense
Sunday, November 18th, 2012
If you think it’s too early to be talking about holiday gifts, you may want to check your calendar. We are less than one week away from Black Friday, the official start of the holiday season. It may be tempting to run out and get some bargains for everyone on your list, but in my experience it can be difficult to find something for that “person who has everything.” Sure, you could pick up a gift card or a bottle of wine, but not without appearing like you have no imagination. Why not consider something different like exotic incense and incense holders? (more…)
Seeing Red for Health
Sunday, November 11th, 2012
There is a great deal of information available today concerning the health benefits of certain foods. More recently, research is discovering that eating specific foods may support and energize your energy system known as chakras. These promote better health and a sense of well being.
People, animals, things in nature and even inanimate objects have a vibrational energy pattern, each as unique as a snowflake, with no two alike. Each of the seven chakras has a distinct energy pattern reflecting the color of their vibration.
The energy found in foods work together to provide us with the appealing color, the feel of that food in our hands and the alluring smell that often draws us near. Studies have found that foods grown on trees have a different energy than foods grown in the ground. This ultimately creates variations in how our energy systems react to what we eat.
When you are grocery shopping, what is the first thing that draws you to a certain food? It may be the color that catches your eye and you are actually responding to the vibration of that food. What is the next thing you experience? Is it the aroma or picking it up and holding it in your hand? In this routine series of events, you are actually absorbing the vibrational energy of that food, through sight, smell and tactile sensations. These components contribute to the reactions our bodies have when we consume them.
Just as each of the seven chakras has a unique vibration reflecting that color, so do foods. When these foods are consumed, it reflects changes in our energy patterns and sense of well being. The root chakra, a rich and vibrant red is also known as the “grounding” chakra. It is related to our health, physical and material security. It is also tied to our survival instincts, safety and our innate need to exist as an individual. It is the foundation of all chakra energy centers that connects us with our home, family, support system, social network and religious traditions. All other chakras are connected through the Root Chakra, receiving only the energy that can pass through it. This makes it the most important in maintaining balance and alignment.
The foods believed to support the root chakra are beets, red peppers, cranberries, pomegranates, strawberries, tomatoes, apples and cherries. These foods can have a restorative effect on the body and psyche when the root chakra is unbalanced.
When your root chakra is unbalanced or closed, you may feel a lack of confidence, self-esteem and insecurity. Goals seem unachievable, and you may feel fear and self-doubt. In addition to thinking about the vibrational color of foods, begin to think about how they grow and the qualities they represent with respect to the chakra. The beet grows beneath the ground in clusters, safe, secure and supported by the earth. Their texture is firm and strong. These qualities can be absorbed into the body through their vibrational energy when
eaten in their natural state.
When the root chakra is centered and grounded, you feel healthy, alive, safe and secure. You have the ability to move forward in life with confidence and know that life supports you. Your needs are being met and you feel connected to life.
When your root chakra is open, you love life and feel empowered to accomplish anything. If you want to support your root chakra, eat a red apple. Think about how apples are grown and what effect that will have on you. An apple is off the ground, grown high in a tree, with a great peripheral view of the world. They hold steadfast to their branches and fall only when ready. They are firm and sweet, all characteristics supporting a balanced, open root chakra.
As nature’s universal secrets continue to unfold, there is a lot more than nutritional value to consider when selecting your fruits and vegetables at the market. We offer a large selection of books and CDs to help you learn more about the Chakra energy system, how to balance and maintain your energy and living your life to its fullest potential.
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Aroma Salts Spa Sets
Sunday, November 11th, 2012Click on any picture to see additional product information.
With colder weather upon us and the rush of the holidays around the corner, now is the perfect time to pamper yourself and nourish your skin at the same time.
This month’s Zen Deal features the Aroma Salts Spa Collection. A trusted source for exceptional personal care products, Dead Sea Pavilion has developed a unique spa collection. The sets are available in five wonderful and tantalizing fragrances with rejuvenating ingredients to satisfy every skin care need. Each set contains:
AromaSalts – From the Dead Sea in Israel, this salt is renowned for aiding in relaxation and relieving muscle tension. Just add 4-6 tablespoons your bath and enjoy a relaxing soak for 20 minutes.
AromaButter - An 8 ounce jar of aromatic, professional-grade massage cream and all-over body moisturizer made from Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Almond Oil. It is great for repairing skin over-exposed to the elements and super hydrating in dry, cold and hot weather. This is a wonderful hydrating cream after the AromaSalts soak.
AromaScrub – An 8 ounce bottle of AromaScrub leaves skin feeling soft and smooth all over. The Dead Sea Salt and pumice act as natural exfoliants while the aloe extract moisturizes. Apply using circular motions to rejuvenate the skin.
AromaWash – This 8 ounce bottle of incredibly luxurious body wash leaves the skin cleansed and refreshed. The gentle bubbles and aromatic fragrances permeate your senses, stimulate your mind, and refresh your spirit.
Pomegranate Aroma Salts Spa Collection
features the aromatic scent of Pomegranate. Sweet and exotic, you can enjoy the anti-oxidizing power of the fruit on your skin. Naturally detoxifying, it helps in blood circulation, easing back pain and melting away stress.
Lavender Aroma Salts Spa Collection
features the aromatic scent of Lavender. Lavender helps wash away tension, stress and anxiety. Wonderfully calming and relaxing, it is great to use before bedtime.
Green Tea Aroma Salts Spa Collection
features the aromatic scent of Green Tea.
Green tea is the secret of the orient. Cleanse your body and refresh your spirit with the anti-oxidant power of green tea.
Milk Aroma Salts Spa Collection
features the aromatic scent of Milk. Milk is soft, comforting and soothing. Enveloped by the scent of life, your skin will capture the silky tenderness of youth.
Juniper Aroma Salts Spa Collection
features the aromatic scent of Juniper. Juniper renews your inner strength, penetrates your senses, stimulates your mind and empowers your body. This is a lovely gift package, perfect for you or that someone special in your life!
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The Way of the Heart
Saturday, November 10th, 2012
“Home is where heart lies” is the essence of our desire to live in an enduring harmony amidst a world of frequent demands and stress. What started as a journaling exploration seeking truth of the heart soon became an unfolding transformation from ancient times for best-selling author Terah Kathryn Collins. Her journey in rediscovering and sustaining the way of the heart is inspired from The Three Sisters of Tao; Chinese medicine, I Ching and Feng Shui, all three born of Tao, which is translated as “The Way.”
Terah Kathryn Collins founded the Western School of Feng Shui and is the originator of Essential Feng Shui which focuses on its many beneficial applications while honoring the essence of its Eastern heritage.
I-Ching places the heart at the core of the matter. She directs us to enact kindness into every thought, word and action; a universal karmic law that brings blessings into our lives. Calling forth the full expression of your true self, she harmonizes the union of our heart and mind and reveals the unseen world of loving help.
Feng Shui gathers the wisdom of her sisters, Chinese medicine and I-Ching and brings it home to the heart. We are encouraged to create personal sanctuaries that can hold our true self in place. Feng Shui nestles your surroundings with a rhythmic resonance, opening you to the living symphony of sacred space – your home within the greater universe of harmony.
Offering helpful guidance and direction through essential pearls of wisdom, meditations and introspective exercises, this book will create the opportunity to dive into your true self, embrace your creative genius and dance with the Sisters on a path paved with serenity, kindness, pleasure and love; all leading to the way of the heart.
Chopa Zen Home & Gift is proud to offer this book. The retail price is $14.95 and we are offering this book to our loyal E-Newsletter subscribers for just $7.00 during November. It is our gift to you to start your new beginning and getting you started on your transformational journey to the way of the heart. Enter Coupon code Tao10 at check out and the discounted price will be reflected in your shopping cart.
To learn more about Terah Kathryn Collins, visit her at www.3sistersofthetao.com
How to Meditate – Books and CDs for Beginners
Thursday, October 25th, 2012
Have you ever wondered how to meditate? Unless you have actually tried it; you could think it looks easy. Outside of certain circles, we’re all conditioned to believe that successful meditation is a simple, that if we just sit in the right position on meditation cushions or “zafus,” the mind will automatically wander into a semi-conscious state. But beginners soon realize that achieving this focused relaxation is very difficult when the mind is in a heightened state of awareness. With all the constant messages bombarding our brains all day; it’s no wonder we have a difficult time “emptying the mind.” Thankfully, there are hundreds of books to help people you hone your meditation techniques and discover which method works best for you.
Buddhist Mala Beads – Jewelry with Style and Substance
Saturday, October 13th, 2012
Ladies, do you ever find yourself trying on the same necklaces and never really wearing them? It seems like they’re either too dressy, too dated, the wrong color or the wrong length to go with your neckline. When did wearing jewelry become so complicated? Perhaps your problem isn’t your collection of jewelry; it may be that your style has changed over the years. As women mature they become more self-aware, which often means they drop the pretenses of youth. Instead of merely “decorating” oneself with a shimmery accessory, jewelry becomes a new means of substantive self-expression. Could this explain the sudden popularity of Tibetan and Buddhist jewelry?
The Only Jewelry You Really Need – The Japa Mala
Tuesday, August 28th, 2012
This may sound like a bold assertion, but there are actually hundreds of thousands of Buddhists out there who would wholeheartedly agree – the Japa Mala is the most essential piece of jewelry one can wear. Unlike costume or fine jewelry, these unique and decorative garlands are used by Hindus and Buddhists for counting mantras or the name of a deity. Known in the Sanskrit language as “japa,” this practice is typically done while wearing a set of 16, 27, 54 or 108 beads.
The Art of Mastering Happiness
Thursday, August 2nd, 2012
We learn new skills every day, some by choice, some by necessity. Being happy with yourself may be one of the most important skills in life.
Leo Babauta, author of Zen Habits explains that while other skills such as compassion and mindfulness are right up there on the list, happiness will affect everything else in your life. Not being happy with yourself may lead to insecurity, fear, abandonment, and being alone. As you try to compensate for these feelings, you create additional problems.
A big issue for many is being unhappy with our bodies. This can make you envious of others, fear of not being attractive, sabotaging a chance for a relationship, or fear that you will lose your relationship to someone more attractive. That can create jealousy, causing your partner to leave, and now you are alone. Having anxieties can cause you to overeat, shop to feel better, drink too much or isolate yourself, just so you don’t think about this. The lack of confidence may also spill into your work life, preventing you from achieving your goals or that promotion you wanted. Many problems stem from this one problem, and fixing it can change everything.
Many of us have a small amount of time to invest in learning each day. Taking the time to master this skill may be one of the most important skills you can have.
Understanding how and why we became like this is the first step. It could have stemmed from mass media, family, friends and co-workers, childhood events, health problems and negative thinking.
How do you get started with becoming happy with yourself? Practice. The baggage we carry with us has accumulated over a life time and it will take time to refocus those images and thoughts. To get started:
Become aware of your mental movie. We all have that running movie inside our heads. We frequently aren’t even aware it’s playing but throughout the day, we see or hear things that trigger the movie. Being mindful and catching yourself when it starts to play is important because it affects everything you do. Acknowledge that this movie isn’t who you are, that it isn’t true and that it can be changed.
Make a new movie. Replace the old movie that is worn out! The new movie will be based on reality, not fears or preconceived notions from the past. It should be focused on the fact that you are a kind, loving, beautiful passionate person. It may not be what you think about yourself, but make the movie like this anyway. When negative images start coming up, cut them out and tell them they have no place in your production. Replace them with better images.
Consciously play the new movie. When you become aware of the old movie starting, shut it off and play the new movie. Putting up reminders so you don’t forget and practicing will make you more mindful and better at catching the old film early.
Learn mental judo. There will be triggers that will try to attack your new movie. When you see them coming, learn to lean to one side and let them whiz by. Give them a small shove with a thought like, “That comment is not about me, it’s about you.” Then play your new movie.
You are already perfect – you just need to acknowledge it. You don’t need anything to solve this problem. You already have it. Practice like it’s the most important thing in your life, because in many ways, it is.
‘You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserve your love and affection.’ ~Buddha
What Really Happens in a Crystal Healing?
Saturday, July 28th, 2012
If you’ve spent any time in New Age circles, you probably know a few people who sing the praises of crystal healing. But as much as I’ve tried to embrace the metaphysical world I’ve always had a hard time accepting the innate power of rocks and minerals. Perhaps being a rock collector as a child gave me a scientific air of skepticism, but I appreciate rocks for their physical qualities and have never felt any different after spending hours in their presence. It wasn’t until I learned more about the energy within certain crystals that I began to understand the principles of a crystal healing.
If you visit a crystal therapist, your goal will be to use crystals to bring your mind, body and spirit into a healthy balance. Most people are also seeking therapy for a specific health issue, so the therapist will make notes about your goals for the first session. He or she will want to know what kind of medical treatment you’ve had for the illness or if you are seeking a purely holistic cure. Holistic medicine looks at the entire person, not just the physical symptoms, so the therapist will want to hear about any significant life events that may have impacted your happiness. Even past illnesses and other lifestyle issues may have relevance in your treatment.
