Zen and Japanese Home and Garden

In the second part of our series on the health benefits of certain foods, we are devoting December to Orange, the color of the second chakra.

All things in nature; people, plants, animals and even inanimate objects have a unique vibration or energy pattern. The same is true for our energy system, known as the seven chakras. The frequency of a vibration reflects a distinct color that carries specific characteristics which can contribute to our well being.

What foods come to mind when you think orange? Oranges are probably the most common, and there are also mangos, cantaloupes, carrots, pumpkins, peppers and apricots. The peak season for oranges starts in December and you will see many varieties appear in your local markets. Pick one up and hold it in your hand, and smell the fruit. What thoughts and feelings transpire? Much of the structure and formation of an orange can be attributed to how it relates to the energy and characteristics of the second or sacral chakra.

The skin of the orange is firm, thick and dimpled; qualities often compared to having a healthy emotional detachment. Think about the saying, having a thick skin when it comes to dealing with life’s daily challenges. Underneath the rind, the white fibrous pith holds the fruit segments securely in place. This symbolizes the multiplicity and abundance organized within the wholeness of one. Each orange segment contains seeds which represents the innate creativity within us. Oranges are grown by grafting a seed with a rootstock to create the specific variety desired. Just as the strength and stability of the graft must take hold to be productive, so must the root chakra be strong and healthy to support the sacral chakra for creativity to be realized.

Sacral chakra energy is bold and determined. It is oriented in survival instincts and balanced with resilience and creative energy. When open and balanced, the energy center helps us work through all types of life challenges. The second chakra oversees our ability to make good choices for ourselves over less desirable ones. A person with a balanced energy center will be eager to experience life, adapting easily to change as it occurs and feeling safe in the process. They will have a hobby or job that promotes and fulfills their creative desires and are often seen as entrepreneurial.

The mango by comparison, has a rich and firm flesh with a thin skin that can be difficult to separate. This correlates to the characteristic of a creative person who has a high degree of sensitivity and a deep connection to their emotions.

Mango trees can live for hundreds of years and have a deep root system representing a healthy, grounded stability within our own energy system. The flowers of the mango tree are prolific, growing in large bunches. With only the strong surviving to become fruit, mangos grow close to one another, yet develop individually. Similar in characteristics, the primary purpose of the sacral chakra involves emotional control, relationship development and creative expression. The key components are the evolution from the “roots” of your group and family identity (the root chakra) into your own identity and being able to provide for yourself. People who are highly creative often entertain several ideas at once, but only select a few for development, similar to how mango flowers mature into fruit.

Both creative and procreative energy housed in the sacral chakra are vital to our overall health and sense of well being. Uninhibited creative energy allows us to carve out our own identity, distinguishing us as unique, productive members of society. It fosters success in building friendships and allows us to raise and nurture our children. We are able to fully express our emotions, feel confident in who we are and happy in our life choices.

Oranges and mangos have qualities of abundance and are good foods to eat to support your sacral chakra. If you are feeling depleted emotionally, eat an orange and note its thick skin. This may help you to feel strong and emotionally stable. If you are feeling vulnerable and emotionally sensitive, the thin skinned mango is not the fruit to consume at this time. Mangos are a good choice when you have a balanced emotional state and need support to strengthen desires for creativity and abundance.

All energy flows upward from the root chakra. When compromised, other chakras may become unbalanced due to the restriction of energy flow. If the second chakra is unbalanced, a person may feel that life has become a daily grind without pleasure or joy. There is no spontaneity or desire to pursue a creative project and decision making becomes difficult. There is often an inability to express thoughts and feelings. There may be a tendency towards poor decisions including addictions.

Carrots and orange peppers can be beneficial for supporting energy, both possessing centering and grounding characteristics. Think about how carrots grow, deep underground, safe, secure and supported by the earth. They grow straight and tall and have a firm and crisp flesh. Orange peppers have a firm but flexible structure. The inside has white fibrous ribs supporting the clusters of seeds. They are waiting to be filled much like someone who is grounded but desiring change; but not yet making room in their life for the new pattern to emerge. These qualities can be absorbed into the body through their vibrational energy when eaten in their natural state.

Intuitively, your body knows what it needs at any given time. The next time you crave a fruit or vegetable, take time to think about the physical characteristics the item has, and how they may relate to physical, emotional or spiritual issues you may be experiencing.

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.

Click on any picture to see additional product information.

If you’re like many Americans, you might associate Japanese Lanterns with those little plastic colored lights your parents bought for the backyard in the 70s.  While these cheap lanterns were a nice way to decorate for a party, they weren’t the same hanging lights used in Japan.  Paper lanterns are the most common Japanese decorations for a party, wedding, or special occasion, and they are made in a variety of shapes and sizes.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.











Click on any picture to see additional product information.

Click 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 Collectionfeatures 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 Collectionfeatures 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!