Stone Medicine
Balance
All life requires balance. Physical balance allows things to remain still or move with intention. Chemical balance is needed for living things to remain healthy and alive. When things lose these kinds of balance, it’s easy to notice because you can see things fall over or shrivel up. I’d like to discuss another kind of balance, one that causes changes that are subtler, but just as profound. This is energetic balance, also known as Life Balance. This is balance between putting energy out and taking it in. It involves many aspects of our lives, including family, health, work, play, spiritual practices and hobbies.
I polled many men and women in my life and received interesting responses. I learned that most men felt their lives had good balance. Some felt this required diligence to maintain, some found it came naturally. However, most women said their lives were not in balance. Though I have some theories to explain this dichotomy, I’ll restrict myself to pointing it out without offering an opinion. Another interesting result: most people who had good physical health had good Life Balance. Could it be that physical struggle affects our energetic balance and vice versa? One thing is clear: Life Balance and physical health are intertwined.
I find it intriguing that Balance doesn’t always mean equal. For example, say you decide to focus your life on four main areas: family, health, work and play. You probably won’t decide to spend 25% of your life in each category. One may dominate, another may have a very small role. But all are necessary for Balance. Each person makes her own decision about what percentage of focus each aspect of their life should receive. When this decision is in harmony with your needs, you have Balance.
Through my meditations and research I have had some insights I’d like to share with you. First, the most necessary skill in evaluating your Life Balance and making changes is self-awareness, a strong sense of Self. Having a strong sense of Self lets you see more clearly what gives you energy and strength and what makes you feel tired and drained. You are the only one who can decide how to balance your life—no one can do this for you and you can’t decide for anyone else. Asking others for help and bouncing ideas off them is fine, but only you can say how you need to spend your life to feel whole and balanced. Most Jaspers and Agates help cultivate this kind of self-awareness. Meditation or prayer can also help.
Second, once you identify things that drain your energy, you must then determine how to make a change. One might say: “work is draining” or “being around my family is so tiring.” But quitting work or getting adopted by a more reasonable family isn’t likely an option. Instead, it’s more realistic and effective to change how we mentally and physically approach our jobs or families. If you have a job that zaps your energy, start with checking your work area to be sure you’re positioned ergonomically. Consider putting a plant on your desk. And know that workplace stress or environment protection can be assisted with Fluorite or Turquoise. Physical changes like these can affect your energy level. If your family drains you, perhaps you can limit your access to them, or suggest things you can do together that might stimulate more healthy interactions.
Once you identify what you need for Life Balance and put a change into place, it’s important to maintain the change with strong boundaries. Remember why you chose to make the change. Create a boundary so that no one can push back and you can’t easily go backward yourself. I have problems maintaining personal discipline, so creating a strong boundary that I adhere to is as important as creating a strong boundary that someone else won’t infringe on. Red Jasper is an excellent stone for establishing energetic boundaries.
Achieving and maintaining Life Balance it is not easy. Assistance is available from meditation, counseling, and reading. And stone medicine is a valuable tool for helping us find and keep Balance in our lives. Stones can help with many aspects of Balance, from healthy boundaries to meditation. I happy to answer any questions you have if you care to learn more. Whatever road you choose, take good care of you by finding your Life Balance.
Blessing and Peace
Renee Bastet
Stone Priestess
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Stone
of the Month |
Green Jasper
Self Exploration
Green Jasper is a striated stone with milky white and green tones. This stone is found all over the world and is wonderful for physical and emotional balance.
This stone is grounding while allowing change to flow with ease. It facilitates mobility with a strong foundation. Connecting to the earth in such an easy effortless manner can help with many difficult and emotional situations.
Green Jasper releases obsessions and addictions because it enhances awareness of our bodies and how we take care of ourselves. It helps balance the parts of your life that have become unhealthy or painful for yourself and others.
I work with this stone with the heart chakra and in the elements of Earth and Water. Physically this stone is great for skin disorders, bloating, inflammation and digestion. It’s a purifier of toxins.
Enjoy Green Jasper in Earth and
Water.
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Class Schedule
Full Moon Moonstone Meditation
Friday-8/15
Time: 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Location: San Francisco
Cost: $35-$55
Awaken magic and mysticism in your soul - magnetize the healing power of lunar cycles with moonstone. The clairvoyant and intuitive potency of this stone is unleashed during the full moon, connecting us strongly to our higher power. Related to East and the Air element, moonstone has been called the breath of life.
This class explores the dynamic medicine of full moon through moonstone and element work. Harness the lightness, compassion, love, communication, and freedom of this stone to take the reins of your life. Includes meditation and dream journeys; great for all levels. Email to sign up. Space is limited.
Event of the Month
Bollywood workshop with Queen Harish
Saturday, 7/26
Tickets.
Clandestine is honored to present Queen Harish in an exclusive workshop featuring the "mujra" style of dance, as seen in Bollywood movies such as Devdas and Umrao Jain. Mujra dance, once an Indian court dance, is a variation on Kathak dance, infused with fast spinning, swift movements, facial expressions, and graceful Persian-influenced hand gestures. The dance form evokes the classical feel of the black and white films produced at the beginning of the Bollywood film era. No experience in Kathak or Indian dance necessary. The workshop will be a fun and lighthearted way to enjoy the dance form. Email Clandestine with any questions
Friends and Resources of Bastet Jewelry:
Awakening Self
Elka Vera
Clandestine Belly Dance
Love Bug Clothing
Red Lotus Bellydancing
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
Dori Midnight
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