Just Breathe Yoga

[zenwords]

[esotericaroma]

Tibetan Quartz is found at altitudes of over 15,000 feet in the Ganesh Himal Mountain range that borders Tibet and Nepal. This remote location is only accessible on foot during the warmer months so these crystals are collected by hand and brought down from the mountain in sacks. They often contain inclusions of hematite, carbon or water (enhydros).

These crystals have a very high vibration which is said to resonate to the sound of OM. They have traditionally been used for spiritual protection and raising human consciousness. These stones act as a psychic cleanser, clearing debris from the aura and allowing more full spectrum light to fill our physical and energetic bodies. They help to rapidly expand our consciousness in order to release emotional attachments and commune with higher planes.

Tibetan Quartz is also used to access ancient wisdom of cultures of the East, bringing knowledge and information concerning healing and spirituality to the user.

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Finest quality Spiritual and Metaphysical provisions - crystals, incense, herbs, oils, smudging supplies, candles, jewelry, resin incense and accessories for your Sacred Practice.

[mywildattic]

𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕰𝖑𝖊𝖒𝖊𝖓𝖙𝖘

The Elements are the forces of Nature and life, and are incorporated into ritual and magick. Every aspect of existence is bound up in Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. And the fifth element which is Spirit (or also deemed Aether), which is present in each of the other four. Each of the four classical Elements is associated with one of the four cardinal directions; North, East, South, and West.

There are also energetic associations, that add great depth to interpretations of how people with different zodiac signs interact with each other, for each sign is associated with an Element, and each Element is different.

𝐄 𝐀 𝐑 𝐓 𝐇

↟Direction: north

↟Energy: ♀

↟Rules: grounding, strength, healing, nature, stability, foundations, empathy, fertility, death, rebirth, and wisdom.

↟Season//time: winter//midnight

↟Zodiac: Taurus, Virgo, and Capricorn.

↟Ruling Planets: Venus, and Saturn.

↟Colours: green, brown, black, white, and gold.

↟Plants: cedar, cypress, honeysuckle, ivy, magnolia, grains, primrose, oak, sage, and nuts.

↟Crystals: emerald, tourmaline, quartz, granite, dedrock, peridot, onyx, jasper, and amethyst.

↟Tools: pentacle, salt, crystals, dirt, herbs, wood, plants, and flowers.

↟Virtues: patience, truth, dependable, thorough, focused.

𝐀 𝐈 𝐑

↟Direction: east

↟Energy: ♂

↟Rules: mind, clarity, knowledge, logic, abstract, wind, consciousness, intuition, and memory.

↟Season//time: spring//dawn

↟Zodiac: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius.

↟Ruling planets: Mercury, Jupiter, Uranus.

↟Colours: yellow, gold, white, and light blue.

↟Plants: acacia, anis, aspen, clover, frankincense, lavender, lemongrass, pine, and vervain.

↟Crystals: topaz, amber, citrine, jasper, and agate.

↟Tools: feather, wand, staff, incense, pen, broom, and bell.

↟Virtues: intelligent, practical, optimistic.

𝐅 𝐈 𝐑 𝐄

↟Direction: south

↟Energy: ♂

↟Rules: energy, will, destruction, courage, strength, self-knowledge, power, passion, sexuality, self-healing, divinity, light, and flame.

↟Season//time: summer//noon

↟Zodiac: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius.

↟Ruling planets: Sun, and Mars.

↟Colours: red, orange, gold, and white.

↟Plants: allspice, basil, cinnamon, garlic, juniper, hibiscus, nettle, onion, poppies, peppers, and thistles.

↟Crystals: ruby, garnet, red jasper, bloodstone, quartz, tiger's eye, and agate.

↟Tools: candle, lamp, athame, dagger, and burned herbs.

↟Virtues: courage, enthusiasm, willpower.

𝐖 𝐀 𝐓 𝐄 𝐑

↟Direction: west

↟Energy: ♀

↟Rules: emotion, intuition, psychic, love, deep feelings, the unconscious mind, fertility, tides, reflection, lunar energy, and healing.

↟Season//time: autumn//twilight

↟Zodiac: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces.

↟Ruling planets: Moon, Neptune, and Pluto.

↟Colours: blue, aqua, silver, and green.

↟Plants: aloe, apple, chamomile, ferns, gardenia, jasmine, lemon, lily, lotus, moss, seaweed, rose, thyme, and willow.

↟Crystals: amethyst, aquamarine, beryl, blue tourmaline, lapis lazuli, opal, pearl, and sodalite.

↟Tools: seashells, ocean water, seaweed, moss, stones, chalice, and cauldron.

↟Virtues: love, compassion, receptivity, and flexibility.

[dharmarainbow]

“All the Yoga practices are just undoing, unwinding, loosening up again, and relaxing. Until you unwind, you will be swinging like the pendulum from excited mind to depressed mind, back and forth again and again. Once you begin to loosen up again, the swinging becomes less and less. At a certain point you are totally unwound. Then you simply find your neutrality, your center of gravity, and rest.”

— Sri Swami Satchidananda

[by-the-paths-of-leshak-deactiva]

A Practical Guide to Herbology

Lesson One: Medicinal Teas

When I was first starting out with herbology, I was living in a small village in Croatia with a total population of less than 100 people. We depended on homemade teas, salves and medicines to heal us since the nearest hospital was two hours away. We treated ourselves with the power of herbs, gifted to us by the Earth.

These days, we can purchase all the tools we need to grow both common and exotic plants. Dried herbs are also another good option, especially for those that cannot grow their own. And with these tools, we can craft our own medicines. 

For the first lesson, I’m going to focus on something simple: the art of crafting medicinal tea. 

Creating Tea Blends

When starting out with creating medicinal teas, it’s important to understand how each ingredient interacts with our bodies. Be sure that you’re not allergic to any of your herbs and that they won’t interact poorly with any prescribed medications that you’re on. For example, those who are diabetic should not take angelica root; folks who are allergic to ragweed should avoid chamomile. 

Here’s a list of common herbs and their functions for the purposes of crafting medicinal teas:

Angelica Root: Soothes colds and flu, reduces phlegm and fever. (Do not use if you are diabetic)

Basil: Eases headaches, indigestion, muscle spasms, insomnia; reduces stress and tension

Blackberry Leaves or Roots: Reduces diarrhea

Catnip: Soothes teething pain, colic, diarrhea, indigestion, anxiety, insomnia. (May cause drowsiness. Avoid if on Lithium or sedatives)

Calendula (marigold): Reduces fevers, soothes indigestion, gastrointestinal cramps, flu; antiseptic. (May cause drowsiness. Avoid if on sedatives)

Cayenne Pepper: Soothes coughs, colds, arthritis (topical), nerve pain, fever, flu; expectorant. (Avoid taking with medications that contain Theophylline).

Chamomile: Reduces insomnia, anxiety, stress, fever, indigestion; aids with sleep and pain relief. (May decrease effectiveness of birth control pills and some cancer medications, may increase the effects of warfarin; avoid if you are taking medications for your liver)

Cinnamon Bark: Soothes sore throats and coughs; anti-inflammatory (Avoid taking with diabetes medications)

Dandelion Root: Detoxifying, aids digestion, relieves constipation, laxative. (Avoid if on antibiotics, lithium or water pills)

Dandelion Leaf: Mild diuretic, potassium-rich (Avoid if on medication for liver)

Elderberries: Wards off colds and flu

Ginger: Eases morning sickness, nausea, colic, indigestion, diarrhea, fever, sore throats. (Avoid taking with medications that slow blood clotting)

Ginkgo: Relieves anxiety, vertigo, tinnitus; improves circulation, helps concentration; helps PMS. (Avoid taking with ibuprofen or with medications that slow blood clotting; numerous medications have interactions with ginkgo so speak to your specialist before use)

Ginseng: Aphrodisiac, mild stimulant, boosts immune system. (Do not take with medications that slow blood clotting, and avoid taking with diabetes medications or with MAO inhibitors)

Goldenrod: Relieves gout and cramps

Lavender: Reduces anxiety, headaches, tension, stress, indigestion, IBS; antibacterial; antiseptic; disinfectant (May cause drowsiness; avoid if on sedatives)

Lemon balm: Relieves anxiety, cold sores, colic, insomnia, restlessness, indigestion; boosts memory (May cause drowsiness, avoid taking with sedatives)

Nettle: Reduces hay fever and arthritis; diuretic. (Avoid taking with diabetes medications, medications for high BP, sedatives, medications that slow blood clotting, and lithium)

Peppermint: Relieves nausea, anxiety, indigestion, IBS, colic, diarrhea, fever, coughs, colds; anesthetic (Avoid if you have acid-reflux disease; avoid taking with cyclosporine; avoid if on liver medications)

Pine Needles: Expectorant; antiseptic; relieves coughs, colds, fever and congestion

Rosemary: Improves focus, memory, concentration, BP, circulation; antiseptic; antidepressant; eases indigestion

Thyme: Antibacterial, antiseptic, eases coughs and colds, expectorant (Do not take with medications that slow blood clotting)

Recipes

For those starting out, here are a few recipes for common ailments. As you start making your own teas, you’ll learn which blends of herbs work best for your body. Keep track of which ingredients and combinations are successful - with each steep, you get closer and closer to crafting your perfect personalized medicine cabinet.

Anxiety Relief - ½ tsp chamomile - ½ tsp lemon balm Cold Relief - ½ tsp elderberry flower - ½ tsp thyme Mood Booster - ½ tsp lavender - ½ tsp catnip - ½ tsp rosemary Cramp Relief - ½ tsp basil - ½ tsp calendula (marigold) - ½ tsp goldenrod Indigestion Relief - ½ tsp ginger - ½ tsp lemon balm - ½ tsp peppermint Expectorant - ½ tsp pine needles - ½ tsp nettle leaf - ½ tsp angelica root Insomnia - ½ tsp chamomile - ½ tsp catnip - ½ tsp lavender Sore Throat Relief - ½ tsp cinnamon (or half a stick) - ½ tsp ginger - 1 tbsp honey Fever Break - ¼ tsp cayenne pepper - ½ tsp angelica root Flu Relief - ½ tsp calendula (marigold) - ½ tsp lemon balm

—————————————————————————–

Photographs are under the Creative Commons License. Content is from my grimoire and is embedded with information from a variety of sources over the years. 

Updated 7 March 2018 with relevant warnings and to be consistent with other posts in this series.

Warnings:  All plant material should be sourced appropriately and responsibly for your own safety and well-being. Be certain that you are purchasing food-grade ingredients from a reliable retailer or supplier. Along these lines, not all dried herbs are meant for consumption so please be on the lookout for “external use only” labels - you do not want those products for this.

Do your own research regarding medicinal plants and usage, especially if you are sensitive or have allergies of any kind. If you are on medication(s), consult a doctor before use.

Finally, medicinal teas are a health supplement and not a substitution for professional medical and psychiatric aid. If you are experiencing any prolonged health and/or mental health issues, SEE A DOCTOR.

[esotericaroma]

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”

— Thích Nhất Hạnh (via coffeeandmeditation)

[fuckyeahyoga]

“When you believe something is hard, the universe demonstrates the difficulty. When you believe something is easy, the universe demonstrates the ease.”

—  Esther Abraham Hicks

[esotericaroma]

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”

— Thích Nhất Hạnh (via coffeeandmeditation)

[wizdomly]

Get more Good Vibes here Tumblr  | Instagram: @m_eye_nd @roohdaar & @Wizdomly | Google+ | Pinterest  Add us on Snapchat : wizdomly

[wizdomly]

Get more Good Vibes here Tumblr  | Instagram: @m_eye_nd @roohdaar & @Wizdomly | Google+ | Pinterest  Add us on Snapchat : wizdomly

[esotericaroma]

“Meditation is one of the greatest arts in life, perhaps the greatest, and one cannot possibly learn it from anybody else. That is the beauty of it. It has no technique and therefore no authority. When you learn about yourself, watch yourself, watch the way you walk, how you eat, what you say, the gossip, the hate, the jealousy – if you are aware of all of that in yourself, without any choice, that is part of meditation.”

— Jiddu Krishnamurti (via coffeeandmeditation)

[justbreatheyogi]

You are a goddess ✨You are worthy of living your best life, whatever that looks like for you! Take time for yourself today and do something you love and enjoy because you deserve it! Let go of self defeating thoughts and start believing in yourself and that the universe is conspiring in your favor 💫 . . . #positivevibes #youareworthy #yogajourney #goddesspose #bepresent #believeinyourself #liveyourbestlife #beachyoga #yogaeverydamnday #enjoytheride #saltyair #justbreathe (at Gulfport, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BpMzrcKAZtC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=u4vft9jwc1y

[justbreatheyogi]

Sending you all the most positive vibes ✨ Hope you do something this weekend completely for yourself! Wether that’s soaking in a relaxing bath, getting a pedicure, going on a hike, taking a step towards your dreams and goals, or just taking 5 minutes to take a few deep breaths. It’s important to take time for yourself and recharge! You are worthy, remember that🌻 . . . #stpeteyoga #taketimeforyourself #recharge #loveyourself #yogastretch #beachyoga #yogaeverywhere #selfcare #yogajourney #gulfportfl #sunsetyoga #youareworthit #positivevibes #justbreathe (at Saint Petersburg, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BoB9DSfFpss/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=d9rd8vxp3pgr

[justbreatheyogi]

Take time for yourself today and to set your intentions during this new moon 🌚 . You may have a new routine you’d like to implement, a goal you’d like to take a step towards, or a new healthy habit you’d like to start. Focus on that today and feel yourself already accomplishing it. Believe in yourself and take action, however big or small towards that goal over the next couple of weeks ✨ You have the power within you! . . . #newmoon #settingintentions #virgo #believeinyourself #yogajourney #youarepowerful #twists #yogapractice #yogaposes #tampayogi #crystals #newmoonrituals #stpeteyoga #bepresent #justbreathe (at Saint Petersburg, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/BnhsLQ_lhoC/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1juahc6fz1j5c

[justbreatheyogi]

Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage. If you want to conquer fear, do not sit home and think about it. Go out and get busy. - Dale Carnegie . . Happy Friday friends! I’ve found myself frozen with fear, scared to make the “wrong”move and making a million different plans. Where did that get me, well nowhere because I took no action. I let fear consume me. I finally started to just do something, take a step, reach out, say yes! I’m learning that the only way to make anything happen or get any closer to your dreams is to start taking action. You never know what will come of it and even if it doesn’t turn out the way you want, you’ll have learned what not to do. . . . So I challenge you, take action towards something you want this weekend. However big or small the step is, just do it! You’ll open yourself to endless possibilities ✨ #takeaction #challengeyourself #yogajourney #railroadyoga #havefun #bebrave #trustyourself #youarecapableofanything #yogaeverywhere #yboryoga #tampayogi #lovethislife #positivevibes #justbreathe (at Ybor City) https://www.instagram.com/p/BncWazVlNll/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=s4l6moqwo5zt

[justbreatheyogi]

I embrace uncertainty! . My mantra for this week. I realized my need for certainty has been holding me back. I’ve been too scared to make the “wrong” move or next step due to the fear of not knowing how it’s going to turn out. Nothing in this life is guaranteed or certain. You can plan all day and night but when it comes down to it you just can’t predict with 100% accuracy what the outcome will be. Life loves to remind us of that all time with the curve balls we are thrown. So the best thing to do is just do it and welcome in the uncertainty. It may work and it may not but you’ll still learn something from it. If you stay too scared to take any action then nothing will ever happen, good or bad and you will not grow. . So try that this week, welcome in the uncertainty and go with the flow. Give yourself 5 seconds to make a decision and then take action, see what happens! I bet you’ll surprise yourself and some wonderful things will happen 😌 . . #yogajourney #embraceuncertainty #gowiththeflow #positivevibes #yogaeverywhere #moveyourbody #grow #mantra #goodtimes #familyyoga #doyourthing #shinebright #justbreathe https://www.instagram.com/p/BnPBscSFRxS/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1e02mti6pvk2p

[justbreatheyogi]

Finding balance is challenging, both in yoga and in life 🤸‍♀️ You may fall many times but what’s important is that you stand back up, brush yourself off, and keep trying. Each time learning, growing, and building strength until one day it happens. You find that sweet spot of balance... and when you do relish in it, for it may change tomorrow and that’s ok too 😌 . . . A huge thank you to @skywaywraps for this awesome boat wrap, I’m absolutely loving both the color and design 😍 #balance #riseup #challengeyourself #saltlife #boatwrap #yogajourney #handstands #beachyoga #alwayslearning #bepresent #justbreathe