Ancient History: The Magic of Essential Oils

Aromatherapy is one of the oldest healing practices around, bringing comfort and healing for over 5,000 years.  The Bible alone contains 188 references to essential oils! While uses and origins vary greatly, I think our ancient Egyptian ancestors deserve a shout-out of their own on the topic.

The Egyptians have been using aromatic oils from as early as 4500 B.C.. This magical culture played a huge role in the innovation of herbal medicine. Egyptians were renowned for their knowledge of cosmetology, healing ointments and aromatic oils. Their most famous elixir “Kyphi” was an herbal blend of 16 ingredients that could be used as incense, perfume or medicine – talk about versatile!

The Egyptians used balsams, perfumed oils, scented barks, resins, spices and aromatic vinegars in everyday life. Oils and pastes from plants were transformed into pills, powders, suppositories, medicinal cakes and ointments. 　These potions were considered sacred; in fact, only priests (who also happened to be doctors) were allowed to use aromatic oils, because they were considered necessary to be at one with the Gods.　Specific blends were dedicated to each deity, and their statues were anointed with these oils by their followers. Pharaohs were given special blends for different intentions, such as meditation, love or war.

But perhaps their most famous contribution is their use of aromatic oils and resins for mummification. Embalmers would artfully prepare the deceased for their voyage through the afterlife, using Frankincense, Myrrh, Cinnamon, Sandalwood, and Cedarwood. The anti-microbial properties of these oils helped to protect the body from decay, and offered support on their spiritual journey. These resins and oils were considered very valuable during this time, and were sometimes exchanged for gold.

We owe so much of what we know about Aromatherapy today to our ancestors; their ingenuity, curiosity, and documentation have shaped holistic healing as we know it. As we continue our quest for radiant health in the 21st century, there is much to be gained by using the tools Mother Earth has provided. Our ancestors gathered flowers and herbs to create medicines, cosmetics, perfumes, and tools for emotional and spiritual clarity. Then, through advancements of modern medicine, chemical drugs were introduced. The concentration and strength of these medicines created quite the allure, though we’ve learned the hard way over time that synthetic drugs come with a price; creating side effects and new ailments of their own, and focusing primarily on symptoms, as opposed to the whole person. Today, we begin to embrace this concept yet again, as millions turn to Aromatherapy to help re-establish the mind-body-spirit connection in our fast paced world. With that said, there certainly is a time and place for modern medicine, and we are extremely fortunate to be living in an age where we can take advantage of both!

What are your favorite essential oils to use?

 

With Much Love,

Andrea

It’s Go Time, Ladies: Step Into Your Life Purpose

The Haven Shoppe has been celebrating the woman’s soul since 2015 – one whole year!! Enjoy and share this anniversary video, dedicated to your inner Goddess!!

It’s Go Time, Ladies: Step Into Your Life Purpose

To be a woman is an amazing gift. For starters, nobody gets a life without going through one of us, right? We’re the gateway between Heaven and Earth! That alone makes us pretty incredible.

I think a lot of women lose sight of how important they are; how valuable their work is as they go through daily life. But the truth is, we’ve all been perfectly scattered across this world to shine light and love into the darkest places; and each of us is guided to do that in a unique way. So since you may not hear it enough, let this message serve as a reminder that you are needed. And even though you may not feel it, you are a world changer.

This is a call for you to reconnect with the Goddess energy inside you who knows her worth, and her mission. The rest of us are counting on you to find your joy in life, because when you do what you love, your life purpose unfolds in ways that benefit us all. It’s time to check your fears at the door, and start a movement toward your most authentic self.

So belt out your truth, without apology. Indulge your curiosities, honor your gifts, and hone your skills, because that is going to lead you down the path you’re destined for, and awaken parts of yourself you may not have even known were there. And when sleeping women wake, mountains move.
 

Are You Thinking Yourself Sick? The Seven Emotions of Chinese Medicine

I’m so excited to delve into this topic with you, as it’s been at the forefront of my mind for quite some time. We spend lots of time focused on releasing negative emotions for the sake of experiencing peace. But we rarely consider the impacts emotions have on our physical bodies.

According to Chinese Medicine, there are seven basic emotions, each tying to a different aspect of our physiology. Here, we’ll be looking at the organs impacted by each of these seven emotions, and the physical maladies they’re believed to cause when not kept in check.

Joy – As you may have guessed, this emotion has direct ties to the physical heart. While it may seem counter intuitive to relate a joyful heart to illness, Traditional Chinese Medicine focuses on the issues that arise when we experience long-standing,  extreme versions of each emotion. With that said, have you ever become sick as a dog, right in the throes of a joyous event, such as a wedding,  vacation, or move to a new home? It’s no coincidence that the immune system becomes compromised during these times. Now recall how it feels to fall in love. While this is one of the most beautiful experiences of being alive, heart palpitations, insomnia, restlessness, and forgetfulness come with the territory. Imagine the toll it would take to be stuck in that emotional train wreck for months, or even years. The extreme end of the joy scale involves chronic over-excitability, and even mania, which  can lead to heart disease over time. The reminder here is to keep your feet firmly planted on the ground, with the heart open. When emotions flow through you freely, the heart serves as a secure home base for mind and spirit.

Anger – Excessive repression of this emotion hits your liver hard. This precious organ filters the blood, creates bile, and breaks down toxins. It’s also responsible for regulating blood pressure and creating cholesterol. Those with long term anger issues often experience shortness of breath, increased PMS symptoms, headaches, eye conditions, tendonitis, and worst case, stroke. Resentment (anger’s ugly cousin) takes up residence in the gall bladder, and is even believed to cause nose bleeds, due to the rising energy within the subtle body.  So next time you find yourself unable to let go of your anger, imagine it’s doing all the liver damage as a drunken night out, without any of the fun shenanigans that go along with it. Do you really value holding a grudge over the health of your own body?  Certainly not. Love yourself enough to find forgiveness!

Anxiety – I have personal experience with this emotion, and can attest to the havoc it wreaks on the body. The lungs and large intestine are impacted the most, with an overall weakening of the immune system. Those with chronic anxiety can experience trouble breathing, frequent colds and viruses, the sweats, shortness of breath, not to mention a host of digestive issues. In short, you can take action toward releasing anxiety through meditation, exercise, healthy eating, and positive thinking, or you can spend your days on the toilet with your inhaler – your choice.

Worry – Where are my over-thinkers? Take a moment to apologize to your spleen, I’ll wait. The spleen is a key player for the immune system, pumping out white blood cells to fend off viruses and keep you healthy. Worry energy takes its toll here, as well as the heart, which can result in poor appetite, anxiety and depression, insomnia, and weakened muscles. Chronic obsessing also impacts the digestive system in a huge way, contributing to conditions such as IBS, constipation, and bloating.  There is truth behind the old expression of being “worried sick”. Keep obsessive tendencies at bay with deep breathing exercises, yoga and calming affirmations, such as “all is well”. Eat small, frequent meals with high nutritional content to keep the spleen happy.

Grief – The shock alone of losing a loved one rattles the entire body. Loss of appetite, as well as urinary and digestive issues can also arise. The immune system becomes immediately compromised. When prolonged, the lungs begin to suffer, which can lead to asthma, chronic cough, bronchitis, and shortness of breath. This emotion is a special one, because I’m not sure we ever really stop grieving those who are closest to our hearts. But we can learn to celebrate the lives of our loved ones in healthy ways.

Fear – When someone is subjected to a major trauma, or experiences repeated episodes in which they feel unsafe, the kidneys can be affected. Responsible for growth and development of the body, kidney issues can manifest in the form of poor memory, back pain, dry mouth, premature greying or hair loss, hearing loss, UTIs, and even osteoporosis. To prevent these issues, do forgiveness work to help release negative emotions and memories blocking the flow of energy through your system. Devote time to activities that make you feel peaceful and content. Meditation, belly breathing, and drinking lots of water will support kidney function.

Shock (Fright) – The element of unexpectedness differentiates fright/shock from the aforementioned emotion of fear. On a small scale, fright is what happens when something or someone startles the bejesus out of you.  We’ve all experienced this, and know the heart and adrenals take an immediate wolloping. When shock occurs,  energy becomes scattered, which leads to confusion, heart palpitations, and the initiation of flight or flight. It can even impact the kidneys (most readily observed when one spontaneously empties their bladder in a highly threatening situation). Repeated exposure to frightful situations can cause insomnia, heart conditions, and adrenal burnout.  To sooth the body and mind, create a sacred space that you can retreat to at any time. It should be filled with items, colors, and scents that make you feel peaceful and safe. Listen to calming music, enjoy a massage, or try acupuncture or a reiki treatment to help restore balance.

In a nutshell, it is completely healthy and normal to experience a wide range of emotions. The key is to acknowledge them as they surface, examine them, and then let them go. Issues arise when we A) cling to an emotion for too long, or B) suppress an emotion because we’re afraid to experience it. It’s easy to lose sight of how profoundly these actions impact our physical bodies; but the truth is, taking care of your emotional health is just as important as a nutritious diet and exercise. Tune into your body’s signals and don’t forget to THANK it for all the hard work it does behind the scenes to keep you healthy!

With Much Love,

Andrea

 

 

 

 

10 Ways to Develop Your Intuition

If you’re reading this article, you have natural intuitive abilities. How do I know this? I used my ninja-like extrasensory perception to peer into the future and saw you coming. No, just kidding. The fact is, if you’re reading this article, it means you’re a living human, which means you scored intuitive abilities as part of your basic life package. You, like everyone else, have the potential to tap into your sixth sense, and use it as a guide throughout life. Like any other muscle, your intuition needs to be flexed in order to gain strength. There are several ways to do this, and I’ve listed my top 10 here, in no particular order. Let’s get started.

1. Recognize! The single, most important aspect of increasing your intuition is to acknowledge the guidance you’re already receiving, no matter how small. Even when our instincts are dead on, we’re still tempted to rationalize away our inner knowing as a lucky guess. Doing this stunts progress. The more you pattern your brain to recognize the signs, synchronicities, and feelings that you receive, the more quickly and readily they’ll come.
2. Eat Foods to Support a Healthy 3rd Eye – Your endocrine system includes the pineal gland, which sits right at the center of the brain, behind the forehead/third eye. Think of it as an antennae for psychic vibes. Citrus fruits, peppers, yams, wheatgrass, beets, almonds and walnuts will help to charge it up.
3. Meditate – For a moment, bring your awareness to the voice in your head that narrates your day; the one reminding you of all your errands, recapping a recent conversation, or playing that song you can’t get out of your head. Now imagine your intuition as the soft voice of your soul, whispering to you from deep inside your heart. How the heck are you ever going to make out what it’s saying with that voice yapping away in your head all the time? Slapping a muzzle on your mental chatterbox will help grow your intuitive abilities by leaps and bounds.
4. Use Essential Oils – Therapeutic grade essential oils can go a long way in calming mental chatter, easing tension, and bringing you back to a centered state of mind. Use The Haven Shoppe’s ‘Crystal Visions’ 3rd eye opening spray, or massage a single drop of lavender or frankincense oil right onto your forehead or heart. Try this before meditation to promote relaxation.
5. Drink More Water – Our brains are electrical machines and they function better when we’re well hydrated (not to mention your brain is home to several of the glands that make up your endocrine system – see #2). It’s amazing how much clarity you’ll gain when you drink enough water. As a general guide, shoot for half your body weight in ounces of water, each day.
6. Consult Oracle Cards – I use oracle cards to post your daily readings on Facebook and Instagram. Oracle cards are great because unlike Tarot cards, you don’t have to be a skilled reader; just shuffle the deck, and by the law of attraction you’ll choose the perfect card, every time. There are several decks available on Amazon.com (Doreen Virtue is my favorite). If you live in the Syracuse area, Healing Inspirations in the Village of Liverpool has a great selection of oracle cards for under 15 bucks.
7. Journal – Write down every hunch, feeling, sign, and dream you have. This gives you physical confirmation of just how much guidance you receive, especially on days when you’re feeling disconnected or doubtful of your progress. Journaling also provides you a safe place to tinker with your predictions. This is not the next book Nostradamus prophecies – nobody’s going to see it but you, so write freely and often! Don’t worry about whether you’re ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. Intuitive guidance is often symbolic, and it’s up to you to interpret your unique way of receiving; writing your encounters down will help you do this.
8. Do Physical Exercises for Brain Balance – Any exercises where you cross from one side of your body to the other will help to balance the left and right sides of the brain. For example, raise your right knee and touch it with your left hand. Place your foot back on the ground, then raise your left knee, and touch it with your right hand. Repeat this exercise for 60 seconds or so.  This simple exercise helps to get your right and left brain into alignment, which is so helpful for tapping into your sixth sense.
9. Check Your Gut – We’re conditioned to think our way through all situations, and ignore the signals our own bodies send us. Try this exercise next time you’re unsure of how to handle a particular situation: sit quietly with eyes closed, and imagine you’ve already made your decision and acted on it. How does this register physically? Do  you feel tense and uptight, or peaceful and at ease? Did you feel any shooting pains, twitches or discomfort? Has your facial expression changed? Practice tuning into your body’s subtle signs on a regular basis, and follow its guidance.
10. Play Games – Grab a few index cards. Draw a circle on one, a square on the second, and a triangle on the third. Shuffle them up and lay them out in front of you, face down. Try to ‘guess’ which shape is on each card. You can also play this game with a partner to work on your telepathy; have the other person choose a card, look at the shape and think of it, without telling you what it is. Can you pick up on what they’re sending you? If you have trouble with this, drink some water, do your brain balancing exercises and try again.

As always, let me know how you do!

With Much Love,

Andrea

What’s Your Spirit Animal?

Dating back to ancient times, cultures all over the world have believed each of us is accompanied by spirit animals, who guide us through our human experience. These special celestial helpers phase in and out of our lives based on our needs; loyally walking, swimming and flying beside us, lending us their skills and unique energy.  Our connection to the animal kingdom is so important, not only in spirituality, but in every day life. Their simplicity, freedom, and trust in their own instincts make animals powerful archetypes for us all.

The short meditation below will reveal the spirit animal that is most prevalent for you right now. Knowing your spirit animal will help you to harness its power. I suggest you read this through entirely before getting started. You don’t have to memorize it by any means! And remember, there is no such thing as a failed meditation, so if you end up veering away from the script a bit, no worries. Don’t be concerned that you won’t get any results – you most certainly will!

First, find a place where you won’t be disturbed for about 10 minutes or so, even if it’s in bed just before going to sleep. Consider this time a gift to yourself; put your worries of the day on pause. Sit or lay comfortably, with eyes closed. Take a few deep breaths to relax, then return to a natural breathing rhythm. Focus on your breathing until you feel settled and calm.

When you feel ready, imagine you are standing on a beautiful pathway surrounded by trees, flowers and grass. Feel the cool earth under your feet, and the warm sun shining down on your body. The air smells fresh and clear.  You are feeling very relaxed and safe. As you begin to walk down this path, you see it leads to a more heavily wooded area, with a beautiful garden archway marking the entrance. This archway may be golden, iron, white, or perhaps it’s completely covered in foliage. This is your own, personal entrance into the spirit animal realm. Whatever comes into your mind’s eye is perfect.

Continue to walk toward the archway, becoming more deeply relaxed with every step. When you reach the entrance, you see it opens up to a small clearing, with a place for you to sit, right in the middle; you may see a chair, swing, or a blanket on the grass. Walk to the center of the clearing and sit comfortably. You still feel the warm sun, hear the sounds of nature and feel completely at ease. Notice the breathtaking landscape that surrounds you. You may see flowers, trees, streams, perhaps there are mountains in the distance.

You are now ready to call on your spirit animal. Politely ask your spirit animal to reveal itself to you. Happy to meet with you, your animal partner will begin to make its way toward you, emerging from the woods, sky or water. Who approaches? What areas of your life is s/he helping you with? What traits is s/he here to teach you? Does s/he have a name? Ask any other questions that come to mind.

When your visit is over, thank your spirit animal for meeting with you.  Stand, and walk out of the clearing, through the archway, and back onto the path from which you came. Slowly open your eyes, and consider journaling your experience.

Now that you’ve identified your spirit animal, feel free to call on it whenever you’re in need of its magic! You may even begin to notice them more often in physical form, or in pictures. Know that whenever you see one, this is your spirit animal’s way of sending you a special sign! If you’d like to learn more about your spirit animal, simply do a Google search or pick up an animal totem book for more information on its unique gifts.

And last but not least…leave me a comment with your spirit animal!!

With Much Love,

Andrea

‘OM’ for the Holidays – Stress Relief through Chakra Balancing

Along with peppermint lattes and snowmen, the holiday season also ushers in a fair amount of stress. For that reason, I’ve decided to dedicate this month’s post to the chakras, the seven energy centers of the body that make up the beautiful, unique colors of your aura. All emotions and experiences, both positive and negative, are stored in these energy centers. Below, you’ll be introduced to the chakras, specific ways to clear them, and the Body & Soul Mist created specifically to support each one. A balanced, free flow of energy through the subtle body reduces stress and helps to restore the mind-body-spirit balance.

ROOT CHAKRA – Body & Soul Mist: You’re Grounded

Color: Red

Location: Base of spine/tailbone

The Root chakra, located at the base of the spine, is associated to an individual’s feelings of physical security. As our survival center, it holds energies associated to how safe we feel in the world, and our sense of belonging among fellow humans. Our earliest experiences of how our basic human needs were fulfilled are stored here. Someone with a balanced Root chakra can be described as ‘having their feet on the ground’ or ‘down to earth’, versus ‘having their head in the clouds’, or ‘spaced out’.

Tip: Physical exercise, and activities that connect you to nature can help bring the Root chakra into balance. Even simply standing outside barefoot or lying in the grass can really bolster a connection to the Earth, which will soothe and balance this energy center.

SACRAL CHAKRA – Body & Soul Mist: Pleasure Principle

Color: Orange

Location: Lower Abdomen

Located in the pelvic area just below the navel, the Sacral chakra is the center for passion and pleasure. While the Root chakra focuses on how you as an individual fit into your tribe, the Sacral focuses on partnerships: our ability to trust, express emotion, and enjoy the pleasures of life. It’s also the seat of creativity, since everything we create is driven by passion: think about being ‘on fire’ about a particular project, idea, or cause. When the Sacral chakra is in balance, you express yourself with ease, embrace life and are comfortable with your sexuality.

Tip: To open this energy center, try hip-opening stretches, dancing, or any activity that allows you to move in a fluid motion; this is a great excuse to bust out that hula hoop or wear something that makes you feel sexy.

SOLAR PLEXUS CHAKRA – Body & Soul Mist: Power Pose

Color: Yellow

Location: Just above navel

As the power center, the Solar Plexus chakra governs our feelings of personal power and self esteem. While the first two chakras deal with our relationships with others, the Solar Plexus focuses on the ego, and how we define ourselves. Many people hold lots of stress here. Indicators of a balanced Solar Plexus chakra include confidence, a healthy sense of humor, self discipline, ability to take on challenges, and being uninhibited by what others may think.

Tip: When this energy center needs a boost,  try soaking up some rays, and doing yoga warrior poses, or any exercise that helps strengthen the core. Tackle a small, attainable project when a clear end goal, like organizing a junk drawer; something that’ll give you a sense of accomplishment. Find situations in which you can assert yourself, and make yourself heard. Make an effort to stay hydrated and eat healthy foods that agree with you, as folks working through issues in this energy center often experience IBS and other digestive issues.

HEART CHAKRA – Body & Soul Mist: Feel the Love

Color: Green, Pink

Location: Center of chest

The heart chakra is our love center, and it’s special because it marks the mid point between the lower chakras that focus on basic needs, and the higher chakras where we begin to establish spiritual connections. Emotional trauma and heartbreaks are recorded here, which makes this chakra especially deserving of attention for clearing and healing. When this energy center is in balance, we are capable of forgiveness and compassion toward ourselves, as well as others. Jealousy takes a back seat and we reach out with sincerity.

Tip: To support the healing of the heart chakra, wear emerald or jade jewelry. Ask the deity of your choice or your Higher Self to help you to forgive and release all negative emotions that no longer serve you. Add rose oil to a relaxing bath, and light pink or green candles. You may also practice the yoga fish pose, and deep breathing exercises; however you feel guided to honor your feelings while treating yourself gently, with loving compassion.

THROAT CHAKRA – Body & Soul Mist: Speak Your Truth

Color: Blue

Location: Throat

As the communication center, a well balanced throat chakra allows us to speak and hear the truth. Those having a sluggish throat chakra may have difficulty articulating their thoughts and feelings verbally, or may be excessively shy. Do you naturally lower your chin toward your chest, covering the throat area while speaking? Your words deserve to be heard, so practice holding your head high, and projecting your voice. Alternatively, if you encounter someone who talks way too much, or is constantly speaking dramatically or in a dominating tone, their throat chakra might need to be dialed down a pinch.

Tip: To help achieve balance in this energy center, try gently rolling the head to the front, right, back, and left to stretch and massage the neck muscles. Roaring lion pose is an excellent way to release tension in the face, throat and neck (you’ll look a little crazy, but it works – Google it). You may also try singing, wearing blue, or carrying a piece of turquoise in your pocket. Dab on some Ylang Ylang essential oil to promote overall balance; use geranium to foster intimate communication.

THIRD EYE CHAKRA  – Body & Soul Mist: Crystal Visions

Color: Indigo

Location: Center of forehead

This is your psychic hub, the center for clear vision and consciousness. Visionaries, artists, musicians, writers, and charismatic sales people are all examples of an open third eye. This chakra allows you to tap into Divine source, and trust your ‘hunches’. When the 3rd eye is in balance, you go with your gut, think clearly, understand the big picture, and are readily inspired with new ideas, and execute on them. You may also experience phenomena where you see, hear, and feel things that can’t be logically explained.

Tip: To help open the third eye, try yoga poses that prepare you for the headstand, keeping your concentration on the center of the forehead. Try a third eye meditation, either on your own, or choose from the many guided meditations available for free on YouTube. You may also diffuse lavender or frankincense, or wear the color purple.

CROWN CHAKRA – Body & Soul Mist: Heaven’s Door

Color: Violet, White

Location: Top of head

The crown chakra is our connection to spirituality. The main theme here is oneness: the realization that we have a spiritual connection, not only to a life force greater than ourselves, but to each other, the animals, trees, oceans, and every other living thing on this planet. Understanding and honoring this connection is said to be the key to a happy, joyful life. When the crown chakra is in balance, you can easily empathize with others, and are able to experience peace and happiness within yourself, as opposed to depending on external factors. It is said that the soul enters the body through the crown chakra at birth, and exits here at death.

Tip:To open this energy center, practice visualizing a radiant white or violet light filling the top of your head. Participate in activities you find inspirational, and take a few moments on a regular basis to honor the Divine in your own way, whether it’s through prayer, meditation, or spending quiet time in nature.

I hope you’ve found these tips helpful – enjoy a peaceful and joy filled holiday season!

Confessions of a Reformed Label Shopper

Once upon a time, in my mid twenties, I was less interested in self actualization and more concerned with self image. One autumn day during that time, I received a  gift certificate for a trendy, outrageously expensive boutique, and decided to do a little shopping.

As I entered the shoppe, a gorgeous associate approached wearing a very unique sweater. She showed me to a small shelf, displaying only one of each size of the item she modeled. I picked one up, checked the price tag and thought: well, my gift certificate should cover the tax. But I didn’t care; I had to have it. And I certainly wasn’t going to put it back because it was too expensive! I slapped down my credit card faster than you can say ‘consumerism’ and floated out of there with my new purchase, expertly wrapped in beautiful black tissue paper, nestled in a sleek, handled bag.

That evening at home, I pulled the delicately wrapped bundle from the shopping bag. I peeled away the tissue wrapping with so much care and anticipation you’d think I was Charlie Bucket looking for a golden ticket. There, sitting on the floor of my closet, away from the price tags, ‘cool girl’ sales associates, and allure of the downtown bustle, I had a profound realization: this was the ugliest f*cking sweater on the face of our planet! And I mean ugly. It was so ugly that I’m not even going to describe it to you because I want you to imagine your own personal fashion nightmare. If I had to categorize it, I’d put it in the ‘colorblind hobo’ department. Ugly!

In the days that followed, I was determined to make myself like the ugly sweater, refusing to admit I’d been blinded by my ego. I also refused to return it; that would be too humiliating. Each time I tried it on, all five senses were somehow offended. With every futile attempt to wear it, I’d inevitably peel the sweater off and cast it onto the couch as I headed out the door (in doing so I learned that my cat even refused to curl up on it…did I say ugly?). Whenever I pawed through my closet and caught a glimpse of it, I cringed with the guilt of having spent so much money on such a ridiculous item. I admitted defeat about a year later and finally donated it.

The reason I’m sharing this seemingly irrelevant, incredibly embarrassing story with you, is because it taught me some valuable lessons that took several years to integrate into my life. My hope is that sharing these lessons will save you some time (and money!). Looking back on that twenty-something girl in the store that day, I see that her life revolved around the superficial. Her primary concerns were decorating her home, expanding her wardrobe, and obtaining the latest electronic devices. I see two underlying causes for this misguided focus.

First, it’s just plain easy to get caught up in the physical aspects of life that don’t really matter; it’s the world we live in. We’re all influenced to an extent by images we see in the media, and the people around us. Yet we don’t all let it rule our world like I did. I really gave away my personal power to others around me, whom I perceived as superior in some way (prettier, richer, smarter); I allowed them to dictate what to buy, how to dress, and the persona I emitted.

Second, in looking back at my younger self, I see a lost, insecure girl with no spiritual practice; undoubtedly a result of limiting beliefs formed during past relationships. So in addition to her impressive collection of material things, she was also stocked up on fear, anxiety, constant stomach upset, and an inferiority complex – not to mention a maxed out credit card.

Little did I know, once you start living the life your soul intended, true happiness becomes inevitable. Over the years I began to take an interest in returning to my authentic self. I began meditating regularly. It didn’t take long before my priorities began to shift, which ushered in some wonderful, unexpected perks: anxiety and insecurity were replaced by feelings of worthiness and clarity. My nervous stomach became a memory. The obsession with designer clothing subsided naturally; this wasn’t something I set out to fix, or even noticed as an issue at the time. It was just a natural side effect of realigning with my true self. Most days I feel peaceful and grounded. Yes I still enjoy nice things and I always will, that’s just part of being me. The difference is that I’m no longer hiding behind those things, depending on them to define my value.

The message I hope you receive is that you are a divinely perfect just as you are. There is no sense in comparing yourself to others in regards to how much stuff you have or how you look, because that undermines your self-worth (not to mention they’re probably doing the same thing). I know it sounds clique but true happiness cannot be bought. It does not come from an overpriced downtown boutique, it cannot be purchased at a discount on Black Friday. It must come from within. In the end, when life is over and you’re being dressed for your funeral, nobody’s going to be checking the tags.

With Much Love,

Andrea

4 Steps to Connecting with Your Spirit Team

In the spirit of Halloween, I thought it would be fun to write a little “how-to” piece on connecting to the other side. In addition to crossed over loved ones (including the 4 legged variety) who watch over us from Heaven, each of us also has a team of helpers, consisting of angels and spirit guides, which I will refer to as our spirit team. These benevolent guardians walk beside us always, assigned to our cases for the full length of our stay here on Earth. Connecting to our spirit teams and learning to recognize their subtle guidance can bring clarity and comfort into our lives. By following the steps below, you can blow the dust off your 6th sense, and get back in touch with these celestial helpers.

Step 1: Identify your ‘Clair’ We all come into this world with the innate ability to see, hear, feel and know things that aren’t perceptible through the 5 senses. You may even recall having paranormal experiences in your childhood. Unfortunately, if you ever tried relaying those experiences to a well meaning adult, you were most likely patted on the head, and told it was just your imagination or a dream.  In western society, we tend to disregard our natural connection to the other side; instead of developing our cosmic communication skills, we pull the proverbial shade on our window into the spirit world. By the time adulthood sets in, we become so absorbed in daily life that we’ve all but pulled the shade, drawn the curtains and boarded that baby up. Sadly, this magical part of ourselves often becomes a discarded fragment of our youth, along with the headless barbies and broken crayons.

The first step in prying those boards off your window into the spirit world is to identify how you connect to it most naturally. There are 3 basic ways to receive messages from spirit: clairvoyance, clairaudience, and clairsentience.

Clairvoyance, or clear seeing, means you have visions, sometimes with your actual eyeballs, but more-so in your mind’s eye. You may see scenes play out like you’re watching clips of a movie, or perhaps colors or written words pop into your head.

Clairaudience, or clear hearing, means just that – you hear words or phrases in your mind. Your sprit team will send loving, to-the-point messages to nudge you in the right direction (if you are hearing voices telling you to do bad things, you are NOT connecting with your spirit team – get that checked).

Clairsentience, or clear knowing, is often referred to as gut instinct. This happens when you “just have a feeling” about a person or situation, or you inexplicably change routes on your drive home, and learn later you avoided a major traffic jam.

Did you pick one? If you feel like you don’t have any of them, just choose the one you’d like to develop.

Step 2: Raise Those Vibes Your vibration is basically your mental frequency; if you’ve ever seen Mediums work, that’s exactly where the phrase comes from: they raise their vibration and the souls of the deceased lower theirs so they can meet in the middle and communicate through the ‘clairs’ explained in step 1.

There are several ways to raise your vibration. First and foremost, meditate regularly. Clearing the mind will go a super long way in increasing your receptivity to divine guidance. Now before you panic, it’s not necessary to take a vow of silence and stand on your head for 8 hours a day. Sitting in silence for 5 minutes and focusing on your breath, or staring at a candle flame is a perfectly respectable meditation practice. You may find it challenging at first, but know this: there are no failed meditations! Even if you manage to clear your mind for the time it takes to breathe deeply 3 times, you’ll benefit greatly in body, mind and spirit.

Other ways to raise your vibes include lighting candles, and eating healthy, unprocessed foods like fresh produce, lean meats and organic grains. You can also use crystals and essential oils to pump up the volume. The Haven Shoppe’s Crystal Visions Body & Soul Mist is an excellent little helper, created with the specific intent to raise your vibes and get you tuned in (wink, wink!).

Step 3: Ask OK, you’re totally prepped at this point. You’ve identified your clair, and vibes are high. This step may seem overly simple but it’s probably the most important. If you really want to start becoming aware of the messages your spirit team is sending you, ask for their help in doing so. Request that they send you clear and unmistakable guidance. A fun way to get started is to ask them to send you a sign in the form of a specific object – like a feather or dollar bill; something tangible to validate that you’re truly connecting. Have yourself a spiritual scavenger hunt.

Step 4: Mind Your Manners When you begin to receive messages from your spirit team – and you will – acknowledge them! Its so easy to rationalize away the subtle signs, even when we’ve specifically asked for them. This majorly stunts progress. So even if part of you is skeptical, acknowledge the ‘alleged’ sign anyway, express gratitude, and then ask for another, if you need confirmation. You can ask for signs all day – there’s no limit; these fabulous beings literally have all the time in the world (and then some). The more you appreciate and acknowledge their messages, the more they’ll throw at you.

Try these tips and leave a comment to let me know how you do! I’d love to  hear your about your experiences.

With Much Love,

Andrea

Bella

This is Bella. I had the immense honor of gifting her with a Reiki session just days ago, as she prepared for her soul’s journey home. Throughout our visit, I sensed she was far more concerned for her loving human than for herself. Despite her physical condition, her soul emitted an energy of acceptance, resolve, and deep peace. There were no traces of fear, self pity or regret.

Animals live in the moment and love unconditionally with all of their being, hearts wide open. Through Bella, I learned this wide openness is what allows animals to be so at ease with death. They are fully attuned to the ancient wisdom within them; strongly connected to the divine. Ironically, it is this same great, wide open love that makes their loss so incredibly difficult for the humans they leave behind.

Today, I am going to make an attempt to live and love the way Bella did: vulnerable, authentic and wide open. Imagine how beautiful this world would be if we all aspired to be a bit more like our four legged teachers.

Rest easy, sweet girl. Thank you for the lessons. May you be healed, wholed, and running toward your next great adventure.

With Much Love,

Andrea

The Fear Factor – Embracing Success

When I launched The Haven Shoppe in March 2015, I executed on my short term plan, and knew what my long term goals were. When activities plateaued and I settled into my routine of daily Facebook posts, monthly blogging, and managing sales of my Body & Soul mists, I found myself wondering about next steps. I spoke with my dear friend Sarah, who suggested I look for some business coaching: “set the intention to find a business coach to help you with next steps. Once you do, your vibration will attract the right person to you”.

Less than three weeks later, a friend of my sister (who just happens to be Editor in Chief of a local Women’s magazine) left me a voicemail out of the blue. She had seen my Body & Soul Mist display in our local Tru Bliss Wellness Spa, and wanted to talk. When I arrived home from work that evening, I quickly changed, tossed a veggie burger into a pan and dialed Mary’s number. I assumed she just had general questions on the Crystal Visions mist she’d purchased, so I was caught completely off guard when she instead, launched into a whirlwind of promotion strategies, potential buyers, and marketing ideas that made my head spin. “I didn’t know you wanted to get your products into stores! If you’re going to do it, you need to go all the way; and I’m going to help you”.  Mary proceeded to task me with a list of action items that would prepare me to approach  her seemingly endless list of local business contacts. “You need to offer a wholesale and retail pricing option. Do you have sample sets? What’s your profit margin?”. One hour and about 40 post-it notes later, I hung up the phone. I pulled my (now burned) dinner off the stove and felt a wave of emotions wash over me. First excitement and gratitude; I was re-energized and motivated! My prayers for business guidance had been answered, as if by magic. I now had a clear path forward. Yay!

But then, something less warm and fuzzy began to set in. Yes, the typical fears of disappointment and rejection swirled in the back of my mind, but that wasn’t was really making me squirm; I’m used to working through the fear of failure. This was something different, new. I was afraid of success. What if these local businesses actually said yes to carrying my line? What if it’s so successful that I can’t keep up? I’m not ready…

OK, time-out. Talk about being one’s own worst enemy. In hindsight I clearly see what I was doing, and it boils down to subconsciously sabotaging myself because it felt safer. So after visualizing, planning, and taking positive action steps toward manifesting my dreams over the past year, I decided to crap all over those dreams with imaginary worst case scenarios. Charming.  Nevertheless, the fears are real. So what to do when the very thing you’ve always wanted becomes the thing you fear the most?

First, breathe. Breathe deeply and focus your mind there. This is one of the very few ways I’ve been successful in getting my ego to shut the hell up. Sometimes I imagine my ego as a squawking bird, screeching her head off, throwing seeds, pooping, and molting all over my otherwise tranquil mind. I’ll actually envision throwing a sheet over her cage to quiet her down, as we used to do with my sister’s old cockatoo, Chloe. I’ll lift her sheet when I’m ready to type up proposals and crunch numbers – the ego is great for practical functions – she has no business, however, tearing through my newfound excitement with her earth shattering screeches to warn me of danger. Do whatever works for you, but it’s an absolute must to get that ego in check, or it’ll totally pull you off track and suck the joy right out of your experience.

Fake out your brain by translating your symptoms of fear into those of excitement. Your heart may be pounding, your palms sweating and your stomach fluttering. But these are the same feelings you get when you’re super excited about something too – tell your brain what it’s feeling is anticipation and enthusiasm (which, after all, had been my first reaction, and the first reaction is usually the most appropriate). If the opportunity you’ve been working toward is presenting itself in magical ways, you’re more than likely ready for it – don’t overthink!

Focus on service. When we live our passion, others are inspired and uplifted. So whatever it is you’re being called to do, don’t let your own insecurities get in the way of delivering your amazing talents and gifts to the world. Nobody wins when you play it small! Taking steps in the direction of your dreams is much like the slow climb of a rollercoaster before the big drop. Yes you’re scared out of your wits and possibly questioning your own sanity, wondering what on earth possessed you to get yourself into this situation to begin with.  But experiencing the rush of that the big drop is the allure! It’s the reason you paid for your ticket, stood in line, and risked losing your lunch. So buckle up, enjoy the ride, and take pride in knowing that you’re actually going for it, because that’s what matters most; the results are secondary.

With Much Love,

Andrea