December 2014 – Cult Intuition

Life is a struggle.

Modern tech pushes our minds to the brim with so much to keep us running – cell phones, friends, shopping, bills, work, personal projects, o-m-g it goes on and on. Even when I’m sleeping, I’ll jolt awake at 3AM to write down an idea I had during a dream.

When I felt like I hit my breaking point this time last year, I found an article on mindful meditation. My first thought was, “I already know what that is, it’s baby stuff I can clear my mind this won’t help.” And I put the article away. I’m stubborn haha. It wasn’t until I joined a yoga group that I felt the impact that five minutes of meditation has on your mind. So…

What is meditation?

Meditation is focused thought on the present and deep breathing. It starts the processes of refreshing your mind so that it’ll reload faster. It does for your brain what emptying your livingroom before cleaning it does. It makes more sense to empty the room first or you won’t eliminate all the clutter. Same goes for your mind. You have to focus and put your thoughts away.

The benefits of meditation are supported by modern research.

In a recent study by the University of Siena and Harvard Medical School, scientists sought to gain empirical evidence that meditation improves brain function. The experiment went a little like this:

48 participants were divided into two groups- one that practiced meditation through training for 8 weeks and one that didn’t.

All of the participants took some tests and MRI exams before and after the training. These tests measured for anxiety, depression, mindfulness, excessive worrying, and emotional connectedness. The MRI tests also measured brain mass in different areas of the brain.

The results showed that decreased levels of worrying, anxiety and depression in the group who practiced mediation. Participants reported feeling happier and more relaxed. The MRI results also showed increased densities of gray matter in the brains of the meditative participants. The control group, who did no training, showed no differences before and after the 8-weeks. While we’re not 100% sure what to make of this, I believe meditation is a wonderful practice to pick up to improve your life.

This study only covered 8-weeks; imagine the goodness a lifetime could do…

Our minds can become our own biggest cages. Life shucks stuff in our path and if you don’t have a strong support group, you’ll fall down and have trouble getting back up. It’s true that the way you handle stress goes a long way to show how you’ll handle true success.

By approaching life with an open and nonjudgemental attitude, you can handle the bumps with finesse. After I meditate, I feel more energetic and I have the motivation to finish what I set out to do. I don’t feel so limited inside of myself. I’m still working on my social anxiety + the deep-breathing techniques I’ve learned help lessen my attacks. I feel like I can influence my anxiety to make myself less awkward and more relatable ;] If you feel like you have trouble connecting with other people or you feel like it is a struggle to relax, you probably need to meditate because your mind is overloaded. What do you have to lose?

If you’re looking on how to meditate, check out the articles I’ve found helpful:

An in-depth guide on how to start meditating.

Meditation for Busy People

I hope this helps. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

xoxo

Passion

Hello loves, I’m enjoying the moderate chilly weather on the West Coast with maple infused hot cocoa and coal leatherette shorts. You have to pretend it’s winter over here to get the holiday appeal. Christmas is coming up fast! I’ve spent the last few weeks scouring Etsy for the best things to give to my loved ones.

There is nothing like a gift that channels energy and the imagination. I look for things that exude the essence of the occult and bring a sense of forbidden desire. When I’m buying a gift for a friend, I focus on how they’ve made me feel, their energy and spirit, and then purchase a gift that I think resonates with that vibe. I want to share these gift ideas, along with a few of my favorite shops that sell them.

Holiday Gift Guide for Magical Girls

1. Original Prints

A print can bring together a whole room and define the feeling of a space. I think art is the most important thing that you can give someone.

Mandala Goddess Print from the shop Ayla with Love, $10

The natural beauty of a pose with a lunar cycle in a beautiful mandala. Ayla hand draws mystic symbols and strong women, focused on the universal truths in kindness and peace.

2. Crystal Jewelry

Crystals bring forth the feeling of emotion, love and connection. I usually use a stone guide to pick a stone that channels the vibe I’m looking for. When I’ve found the type I want, I look for jewelry on etsy that uses the stone in a style I like.

Opalite Crystal Ponte with Moon Charm by Lotus Fairy, $16

Lotus Fairy has a huge selection of beautiful crystals at amazing prices. If you buy more than one, you get a deal on shipping.

3. Comfy Scarves

While the weather is cold, give your loved one something that will give them warm thoughts about you. A scarf will do this for you and more! On Etsy you can find more than just basic knitted scarves and pick one with an artistic flair.

Night Owl Art Scarf from the shop Shovava, $68

This scarf will perfectly wrap up your young witchy friend and keep them safe in the winter. I love how it turns the wearer into an owl.

4. Nail Decals

Most of my friends paint their nails by themselves. As nail decals become more common, I find that surpising a friend with a set of nail stickers can be a huge hit. Etsy has the best selection of original nail decals; you can find any design you’re looking for. Music friend? Get them some A$AP decals. Fashion friend? Get her a set of Chanel logos for her nails. They’ll thank you!

Sweet Treat Nail Decals from the shop DopeDigits, $8

These are some of my favorite decals. I love the iconic donut symbol and ice cream! Sweets are best on your hands not in your tummy.

5. Air Plants

The gift of life keeps on giving. I got my first air plant this year and he hangs around my apartment. Air plants are like cactuses because they don’t require much more then sunlight and the occasional spritz of water and minerals.

Air Plant in Double Diamonds from the shop handmadesammade, $45

The geometric shapes that house air plants merge science + beauty + nature to give you a plant that will inspire your thoughts while it hangs out. Nature is life, life is math, math is nature.

6. Graphic Tee

You can find rare vintage graphic tees on etsy. When I can’t think of what to get someone, I think of their favorite show from when they were young and buy a tee or hoodie. It shows you were really thinking about them.

Twin Peaks Pullover from the shop BurgerandFriends, $24

Twin Peaks was the original Pretty Little Liars back in the day. This hoodie by BurgerandFriends celebrates the vintage teen drama in a pullover.

7. Vintage Cards

Instead of buying fun junk, give your loved one the gift of your own words. You can buy pretty stationary from Etsy and craft your own message by expressing your gratitude for people who support you.

Shoot for the Moon from the shop AmandaMichael, $2.50

This adorable card comes with an encouraging statement for your loved one. You never know how your words could impact someones life. Spread love!

When you buy from Etsy you’re supporting a network of creators who have made their dreams a reality. It’s special when someone has spent hours working on a beautiful gift for you to share with someone else.