Crystals and Crystal Energy: Interview With Sara Bryki

Today I am interviewing the lovely Sara Bryki.  It is through Sara that I have gathered some of the information in my recently published book, “My Spirit, My Journey-A Beginners Guide: How To Discover, Decide, And Delight In Your Spiritual Journey”.

What is crystal energy?

Each stone/crystal has an inherent energy to them.  While stones/crystals of the same type will have similar properties, they each have their own 'feel' to them and will resonate differently for each person.  For example, someone could hold an amethyst and it could feel warm or like it is vibrating, yet pick up another amethyst and not feel anything.  

How did you first get attracted to crystals?

I have been attracted to rocks/stones/gemstones since I was a child.  However, it wasn't until a trip to Hawaii in 2008 that I realized a deeper connection to them.  I met a lightworker who kind of nudged me awake and since then, I have been acutely aware of the energies of stones.    

What kinds of things can crystals do for us?

Oh, how much time do you have?!  They can do everything from support us with calming energy to helping us expose our innermost, deepest feelings.  They can help bring us focus, regulate our auric energy, aid in sleep, guide us while doing dream work, help us to be grounded, connected to Spirit/Source and so much more!  They are here to teach us and support us on our individual paths.   

How does a person know which crystals they should be working with?

There are a few ways this can be done.  First, take notice of the stones/crystals you are drawn to.  Explore how to you feel when you look at it and when you hold it.  When you find one that has drawn you in, research the properties of that stone/crystal.  What is it reported to be able to do on a physical, mental and spiritual level?  Does the description resonate with you?

Another way is to consult a crystal therapist who can help to guide you to stones/crystals that will benefit you.  

How should crystals be cared for?

There are different methods for different stones.  Amethyst geodes are great for clearing/charging quartz.  For those that can get wet (and don't dissolve), I like to use running water and intention to clear stones.  Clearing them in a running river is fantastic, but most of us don't have the luxury of having one close by.  Running tap water works just as well.  Hold the stone under the water with the intention to clear it of any residual outside energy that may be in it.  Picture it being rinsed out and returning to Source.  You will 'feel' when it is cleared and can stop.  There are some stones (selenite for example) that will dissolve when wet so make sure to double check.  

Some stones (such as Rose Quartz, clear quartz, citrine) that can be charged by sunlight to give them a boost.  Moonstone does well in moonlight as does selenite.  Amethyst can fade in sunlight so be aware of that if you want to keep the bright purple color.  

Thank you so much, Sara, for sharing this with us!

Decision To Change

What happens when you think of changing something?  For lots of folks, change is resisted unless they are the initiator of the change.  We are comfortable in our routines, our homes, our lives.  Yet often, we wish for something "better".

What stops us from doing what we know will make things better? I believe the biggest thing that stops us is fear.  What are we afraid of?  The unknown?  Ourselves?  What someone else may think?  When it really comes down to it, YOU are the one who has to live in your body, with yourself, 24/7.  YOU are the one who feels your feelings, whether you express them outwardly or not. YOU are the one who know what really deep down inside will make you happy.  Why would you want to live your life unhappy when you have all you need inside you to live a happy life?  Fear. The unknown is scary, but my gosh, look at people who have stepped into the unknown, bowled over the fear, and are now much happier for it!  You probably know at least a couple people who have worked through something they were afraid of doing and are now SO glad they did it.

How do you make a decision to change?  You just do it. Make the decision.  As soon as you do, you'll probably feel some relief that you MADE the decision, and at the same time will be flooded with "yeah buts".
Yeah, but if I change, they won't like me anymore.
Yeah but if I change, someone else may have to do more work.
Yeah, but if I change, they will be angry with me.

Think about this.  What would REALLY make you happy?  There is no law that says you have to be miserable so that someone else can be happy.  It's nice to think of others, but remember, you are not at your best for them unless you are at peace with yourself.  Start by making "small" decisions-things that are on a smaller scale, but still as they change will make you happier.  As you make each small change, you'll notice your confidence building and you'll become a little more daring and adventurous in making change.  I do recommend a book by Susan Jeffers, called "Feel the Fear And Do It Anyway".

I have made many decisions to change over the past several years that were scary at the time, but once I was on the other side of that decision, was so glad I made up my mind to do it.  As they say, the one thing that's constant is change.  There are things I am in the process of changing now that are super scary to me!  I am keeping the faith that once I'm on the other side of the changes that are happening now, I will be feeling much happier and peaceful.

If you feel so inclined, comment about your experience with a change you've made that you were afraid of, but you powered through!
I also have a forum on my website Attract Your Desires that you're welcome to post in about many subjects!

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What's happening with me this week?
This past weekend I went to a Holistic Healing Expo.  We only get them twice a year here, so I make sure to go-I love it!  I had a reading from a very powerful reader I know.  She confirmed some things my intuition had already told me-things I am trying to change and am afraid to do!  I know (and she confirmed) that once I can get this change completed, I will be so much happier!  I am certainly taking my own advice and taking small steps through this.

Meditate On This!

Do you meditate?  I used to be so faithful about it, didn't miss a day.  Then "something came up" for about 5 months (eeek!), and I could really tell that I hadn't been meditating, I just didn't have the peace inside that I'd become accustomed to.  So for about the last week & a half, I've gotten back to meditating, and it is wonderful!! I'd forgotten just how beautiful the experience can be, and even got some information about chakras during one of the recent meditations.  I was just absorbing the info, and then it hit me-HEY!!! I'm getting information!!  I just love that feeling :-)

If you haven't meditated before, or if you need to get back into it like I did, here's some great information i got from the newest Hay House author, Tara Stiles.
Below are Tara’s “Three Tips To Begin Your Meditation Practice”

Tip 1: Don’t Worry about Clearing Your Mind. 
It’s easy to fall into the belief that the goal of meditation is to have a crystal clear mind so you can see all the secrets of the universe.  

Don’t worry: plenty of cool experiences are going to happen to you. There is no need to get wrapped up in getting to everything right away. The mind wanders; that’s just what it does. Every time your thoughts carry you off on a journey, just bring your attention back to your breath, back to feeling. That’s the practice.

The goal is to notice when your mind wanders. When you notice, you have a choice. You can go along for the ride, or you can guide your attention right back inward. You will do this over and over again. Just see things as they happen. Guide your attention back to breathing and feeling. That’s your practice. Make the goal the process, not the destination.

Tip 2: Write It Down.If you’re anything like me, when you have a lightbulb moment, you don’t want to forget it. Exciting thoughts and spontaneous ideas will come to you during meditation. They may be great plans about your business, a creative combination to try out in the kitchen, or your next home project. When these brilliant nuggets pop into your mind, you can either keep diving down the idea train or try to store the ideas in your brain and get frustrated that you had a great idea while you should be meditating. This happened to me time after time and I finally found a solution. Keep a notebook handy for all those mid-meditation, mind-blowing moments. When a genius idea pops into your mind mid-meditation, take a moment and write it down. Now it’s down on paper, and you can come back to it and master plan later. For the next few moments, come right back to your breath. Your lightbulb ideas are now preserved and your sacred meditation time in intact. Win-win.

Tip 3: Keep It Regular. 
Just like yoga, we can talk about the benefits and understand how great life will be with all this practice, but it only works if you actually do it. And the same rules go here: five minutes is better than nothing, and five minutes a day, every day, adds up to a whole lot. Try it out for one week and you’ll feel a big difference. First thing in the morning is a great time to set the habit. 

You don’t even have to leave your bed for this one. Simply sit up, get comfortable, and pay attention to your breath for five minutes. If your thoughts start to take you away from your breath, see if you can guide your attention right back. If your thoughts start to drift again, guide yourself back again. After your five minutes, go about your day as usual and notice if you feel any different.

Warning: you might start to see yourself differently, with more compassion; and you might start to see more possibilities in your life. You might even have the desire to help others who could use your support. Get ready for some great stuff to transform you from the inside out.

These tips are from Tara's new book, Make Your Own Rules Diet.

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What's going on with me this week?

Yesterday I went to my first Reiki circle.  It was super cool, and I will definitely go again!  Also there was a workshop I went to called "Intending Into Being" that was put on by a local friend, and that, too, was wonderful!  

Oh!  I FINALLY started a Facebook page now, so if you'd like to follow, it is:
Attract Your Desires

Hope to see you there!!