CategoriesAromatherapy Energy Clearing & Feng Shui Tips & Advice
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Aromatherapy

Welcome to this fortnights blog. Today we are taking a look at aromatherapy. Aromatherapy has ancient origins and can be traced back to several ancient civilizations. The practice of using aromatic plants and their extracts for healing purposes can be found in the traditions of ancient Egypt, China, India, and Greece. The Egyptians were known for their use of aromatic substances in religious rituals and embalming practices. In India, the use of plant essences and aromatic oils is deeply rooted in Ayurveda. The Greek physician Hippocrates also utilised aromatic plants for their therapeutic properties. The term “aromatherapy” was coined in the 20th century by René-Maurice Gattefossé, a French chemist, who extensively studied the medicinal effects of essential oils. Since then,aromatherapy has gained popularity as a complementary therapy worldwide.

Benefits of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic healing practice that utilises the aromatic properties of essential oils to promote physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Some of the benefits of aromatherapy include:

     

      • Stress relief: Certain essential oils, such as lavender, chamomile, and ylang-ylang, have calming properties that can help reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation.

      • Mood enhancement: Aromatherapy can uplift mood and improve emotional well-being. Citrus oils like lemon and bergamot are known for their energizing and mood-boosting effects. A favourite of ours at Quest is May Chang.

      • Improved sleep: Essential oils like lavender and chamomile can help promote better sleep by inducing a sense of relaxation and easing insomnia symptoms.

      • Pain relief: Some essential oils possess analgesic properties and can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Peppermint and eucalyptus oils are often used for relieving headaches and muscle aches.

      • Enhanced cognitive function: Certain scents, such as rosemary and lemon, are believed to enhance concentration, memory, and mental clarity.

      • Respiratory support: Essential oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, and peppermint can provide relief from respiratory issues, congestion, and promote easier breathing.

      • Skin care: Many essential oils have beneficial effects on the skin. Tea tree oil, lavender, and frankincense are often used for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and healing properties.

    It’s important to note that while aromatherapy can offer various benefits, individual experiences may vary, and it’s essential to use essential oils safely and consult a qualified professional for guidance if required.

    How to Enjoy Aromatherapy

    There are so many wonderful ways to enjoy the benefits of aromatherapy in your own home. One of the simplest ways is to dilute a few drops of your chosen oil into a diffuser, which creates a beautiful scented mist and can a powerful way to lift your mood. You could also try adding a few drops of your chosen oil to a warm bath to create a relaxing and aromatic experience – perfect for releasing daily stresses. If you enjoy massage, why not try adding a few drops with a carrier oil. Just remember to perform a patch test first.

    If you aren’t sure about using essential oils, there other things you can try. For example, incense, scented candles and reed diffusers all make excellent alternatives. Don’t be afraid to explore all options until you find the one that is right for you.

    We’ve Got You Covered

    At Quest, we have so many wonderful aromatherapy options for you. In store we have a wide selection of essential oils (our own brand and Star Child), diffusers (electronic and tealight burners), scented candles, incense and incense burners. So, if you’ve been thinking about exploring aromatherapy, look no further. Below is just a small selection of items we have available. As always, remember, if you aren’t local to Epsom, we can still offer advice over the phone on 01372 878606.

    We’ve got online meditations, workshops and in-person courses running. Please contact us on 01372 878606 if you’d like to book or require any further information.

    If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

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    CategoriesCrystals Educational Tips & Advice
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    Healing Benefits of Copper: Harnessing the Power of a Timeless Metal

    Today we are taking a look at copper and its healing properties. Copper is a versatile and timeless metal that has been revered for its healing properties for centuries. Known for its distinctive reddish-brown hue, copper is not only aesthetically pleasing but also offers a range of therapeutic benefits. In our blog this week, we will explore the healing potential of copper and its ability to promote physical well-being, relieve pain, and support overall health.

    Copper has been used in healing for centuries by various cultures around the world. Here are a few of the reasons why:

    • Pain relief: Copper is often used as a natural remedy for pain management. It is believed that wearing copper jewellery or using copper-infused products can help alleviate pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness. The presence of copper close to the skin is thought to help reduce inflammation and improve blood circulation, thus providing relief.
    • Anti-inflammatory effects: Copper is believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought that copper ions released when in contact with the skin can help reduce inflammation and swelling. This makes copper a potential option for managing conditions like rheumatism and arthritis, where inflammation plays a significant role.
    • Energy balancing: In alternative healing practices such as Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, copper is associated with balancing the body’s energy systems. It is believed that wearing or using copper objects can help restore energy flow and promote overall well-being. Copper is thought to interact with the body’s energy fields and facilitate a harmonious balance.
    • Antimicrobial properties: Copper has been known for its antimicrobial properties for centuries. It possesses the ability to kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This makes copper useful in preventing infections and promoting wound healing. Copper-infused bandages or surfaces are increasingly being used in healthcare settings to reduce the risk of healthcare-associated infections.
    • Emotional well-being: Copper is associated with emotional healing and is believed to have a calming effect on the mind. Copper jewellery or objects are often worn or used in meditation practices to promote relaxation, reduce stress, and enhance emotional balance.

    It is important to note that while these healing properties of copper have been observed anecdotally and in traditional practices, scientific research is still ongoing to validate these claims. Copper should not be seen as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. If you are considering using copper for healing purposes, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an experienced practitioner to understand its potential benefits and any associated risks.

    In conclusion, copper offers a range of healing benefits that have been recognised and utilised for centuries. From reducing inflammation and promoting wound healing to supporting brain health and enhancing energy flow, copper’s therapeutic properties make it a valuable ally in promoting physical well-being and overall health. Whether worn as jewellery, or integrated into everyday products, copper allows individuals to harness the power of this remarkable metal and experience its healing potential.

    We’ve got you covered…

    Whether you are looking for copper bangles, or something a little more unique, like our Meru Pyramids, then look no further. In store, we also have a number of natural copper pieces available for purchase. If you are interested in the natural copper, please give us a call on 01372 878606.

    If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

    Subscribe to our newsletter!

    CategoriesEducational Energy Clearing & Feng Shui Tips & Advice
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    Benefits of Sound Healing

    Healing

    Sound Healing may be very ‘on trend’ at the moment in the wellness and well-being circuit, but it’s by no means new. Using sound as a medium for healing is something that has been around for thousands of centuries. It helps to move us from a place of imbalance to balance, by realigning the body’s vibration. Scientific evidence has shown that sound therapy goes far beyond playing our favourite ‘feel good’ tracks. The vibrations created by the use of sound can have significant benefits on our physical health. Just take a look at the list below to see what conditions can be improved by their use.

        • Sleep Disorders

        • Aniexty

        • Depression

        • Stress Management

        • PTSD

        • Depression

        • Pain Management

        • Mood Swings

        • Aches and Pains

        • Lowers Blood Pressure

      Energy Clearing

      As well as the multiple health benefits, did you know you can use sound for energy clearing too? Yes, that’s right! Whether you choose to use a singing bowl, tingshas, bells or simple clapping, sound can help you to clear away stagnant or negative energies from your home or workspace. So how do you do it? Take a look at our top tips below:

          • Open windows to invite in fresh chi (life force energy)

          • Start at your front door and move in a clockwise direction around the home/space

          • Use a sharp sound like Tibetan bells, Tingshas or clapping to break up the unwanted energy

          • Follow with a softer sound from singing bowls or calming music

          • As you play imagine a bright healing, sparkling light filling the space

          • Remember to set a new intention for the space too – this is a very important step!

        Once complete, your space should feel elevated and uplifting!

        Other Uses

        So what else can you use sound for? Well, it’s a great way to start or end a therapy or treatment session, as it aids deep relaxation and cleanses the aura. It’s also a marvelous tool to add to your daily mediation practice, as it helps to clear and balance the mind, body and soul.

        We’ve Got You Covered

        As always, here at Spiritual Quest, we’ve got you covered with our amazing range of sound products. We have everything from Tibetan singing bowls, continuous sound tingshas, bells, crystal singing bowls and even a wide range of calming music CD’s. Many of these products have just arrived following Carolina’s aka The Soul Coach’s recent travels to India. 

        If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

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        CategoriesEducational Spirituality Tips & Advice
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        Forest Bathing

        In light of the beautiful new Spring energy we now have around us, we thought ‘forest bathing’ would be the ideal topic for this fortnight’s blog. Forest bathing originated in Japan in the 1980’s and is referred to there as ‘shinrin-yoku’ (shinrin meaning forest and yoku meaning bath/bathing). So what is it? Well, it’s the practice of slowing down by fully immersing yourself in nature. We all know that spending time out in nature is good for the soul, but studies into forest bathing have shown how spending two hours ‘mindfully’ in a forest can have immense benefits on our health. If you take a look at the list below you’ll see just how beneficial it is.

           

            • Decreases blood pressure

            • Lowers the stress hormone cortisol

            • Promotes relaxation

            • Enhances mindfulness

            • Improves mental health, attention and mood

            • Boosts creativity

            • Strengthens immunity

            • Promotes good sleep

          As we walk slowly through the forest, seeing, listening, smelling, tasting and touching, we bring our rhythms into step with nature.

          Dr Qing Li

          How to Forest Bathe

          Forest bathing is a fully immersive experience. One that invigorates all your senses and allows you to consciously connect to nature. To get the maximum benefits, it’s important that you switch off from technology. So turning off your phone and popping it in your bag or pocket is a must!

          As you walk through the forest, allow your senses to guide you. What can you see? Notice the different colours and shapes around you. What can you hear? Tune into the birdsong, the rustling of leaves and the gentle creak of the branches overhead. What can you feel? Run your hands over the trunks of the trees, leaves and twigs and notice the different textures. What can you smell? It might be the sweetness of the rain, or the earthy smells of the ground, or even the delicate perfume of spring blossoms. Don’t forget to take a break! Find a bench or a fallen tree to sit on, and reflect on how the forest makes you feel. Really notice it in the very core of your being. At this point, taking some long deep breaths, will send a message to your body that it safe. Notice how relaxed this instantly makes you feel. Really embrace the stillness of this moment and you might be surprised by the amount of wildlife you notice whilst you take this time for yourself.

          And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.

          John Muir

          Finally, don’t worry if you don’t have 2 hours to spare, you can start with a time you feel comfortable with and build it up. Remember, anytime spent in nature will have positive benefits. If you aren’t local to a forest or woodland, you can do the same in a park or even your garden. It’s all about taking the time to really connect and experience all nature has to offer.

          We’ve Got You Covered

          Here at Spiritual Quest, we always have you covered. Whether it’s handpicked products or inspiring workshops. Take a look at these carefully selected products and upcoming workshops. Remember, if you can’t find what you are looking for, give us a call or pop in and we’ll be more than happy to help.

          If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

          Subscribe to our newsletter!

          CategoriesSpirituality Tips & Advice
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          Self-Care

          At Spiritual Quest we believe it’s important to take time to check in with ourselves. We understand that life can be busy and things can get in the way, so here is a gentle reminder from us to you, to take a little time today and reflect on your self-care. You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ many a time. Think about it…from the moment we wake, we are continuously giving our energy to family, friends, work and life in general. If we don’t take time to replenish ourselves we can effectively ‘burn out’. The good news is that there are lots of things you can do to improve your self-care and overall well-being.

          The Seven Pillars of Self-Care

          We think the simplest way to look at self-care is to imagine seven pillars: emotional, mental, physical, spiritual, environmental, recreational and social. Each of these representing a different aspect of your life that needs to be nurtured. Let’s explore these a little more…

          Emotional – Relates to your ability to acknowledge, process and reflect on your feelings, or matters of the heart. By strengthening your emotional pillar you begin to understand yourself better; giving you the strength to deal with set backs or challenges, as well as developing healthy emotional responses.

          Mental – Mindset is everything! Creating a positive mindset through mindfulness techniques can have a significant impact on our stress levels. It can also increase our creativity and knowledge.

          Physical – Probably the one that most people think of when they hear ‘self-care’. This pillar covers everything from exercise, nutrition, hygiene and sleep.

          Spiritual – Something that we at Spiritual Quest are huge advocates of…your spiritual growth. It’s the practices that allow us to nourish our soul; giving us purpose, direction and bringing meaning to our lives.

          Environmental – Our living and working environments can have a huge impact on our head-space. Take a look at your environment. How do they look or feel? If they are cluttered, there’s a good chance that’s how you’ll feel too. Take time to clear these spaces and it’ll help bring you the clarity you need.

          Recreational – As we age, we often forget about the little things that used to bring so much joy. Taking time to nurture your inner child with hobbies and activities that re-energise, will help you escape from day to day stresses and allow you to enjoy the simple pleasures in life once more.

          Finally, Social – Our connections with others are so important for our self-care. Building positive, meaningful relationships with people who ‘get you’, can have an overwhelming impact on your life. Surround yourself, as much as you can, with people who bring you a sense of self-acceptance and belonging.

          Take a moment to reflect on the points raised above. Think about what your current self-care practice looks like and what pillars you think could do with a little nurturing. Next, we’ll talk you through some very simple ways you can improve your self-care regime.

          How to improve your self-care regime

          There are so many wonderful things you can do to support and strengthen your pillars of self-care. It’s about finding the things you enjoy and those you know you’ll be able to easily incorporate into your life. Below is just a small selection of the things we like to do at Spiritual Quest to support our self-care.

             

              • Daily meditation

              • Connecting with nature by going for a walk, or spending time in the garden/park

              • Gentle exercise – Qi Gong, yoga, swimming and hitting the gym are favourites here

              • Journalling

              • Listening to music

              • Bathing with Himalayan bath salts

              • Spend time on hobbies and interests

              • Spending time with family and friends

              • Connecting to higher powers through spiritual and/or religious practice

              • Clearing the clutter – Let the spring clean commence

              • Eating regular nutritious meals and drinking plenty of water

              • Rest and getting a good amount of sleep

              • Disconnecting from technology and social media for a little time each day

            We’ve got you covered

            Here at Spiritual Quest we have everything you need to enhance your self-care practice from amazing well-being products to courses and workshops designed to inspire you to lead a more meaningful life. Take a look at these wonderful products and workshops we have coming up. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Pop in, browse online or give us a call on 01372 878 606 and we’ll be happy to help you.

            If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

            Subscribe to our newsletter!

            CategoriesTips & Advice
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            New Year, New Resolutions

            With the New Year comes new resolutions. It’s a time where we look back on the previous year, think about what’s happened and create new goals that we want to reach. Whatever you’re feelings are towards resolutions, it’s actually a really beneficial practice and can change our lives for the better. Maybe you want to exercise more, start meditating, set up a new business, read more books. The list is endless! But people (myself included) tend to give up on resolutions fairly quickly!

            I think we set resolutions that are so different from our current lifestyle that we get overwhelmed, over committed and give up easily. And this is okay, as long as your happy. But chances are, you’ve set these New Year resolutions because you want to achieve something. And we can obtain anything we set our minds on, we just need to work towards it slowly rather than headfirst.

            I suggest you don’t make New Year’s Resolutions, but ‘Life Resolutions’ or even ‘Daily Resolutions’ instead. This is because you can change your life anytime you want. Although the energy around the New Year is perfect for setting your intentions, you can start on any day you want. It doesn’t have to be a Monday, it doesn’t have to be on the 1st. It can be any week, any day, any hour! By doing this, you are far more likely to stick at your intentions and can work towards the ultimate goal.

            There’s always a powerful energy around the new year, and whilst you don’t you need to set your goals straight away, it is a good time to reflect on the last year. Think about everything that’s happened: what have you learnt? What have you let go? What have you discovered about yourself? What do you want in life? What do you not want in life? Really think about all these aspects in detail. They’ll give you all the information you’ll need when you’re ready to set your intentions.

            When you’re ready, set your intentions – whether they are yearly/monthly/weekly/daily. For example:

            For the next hour I WILL stay off Facebook and answer work emails.
            For the next day I WILL meditate for 10 minutes.
            For the next week I WILL spend at least two hours a day with my family.
            For the next month I WILL exercise each week.
            For the next year I WILL live more in the present moment.

            By creating resolutions like the above, it will be easier to see your progress and you’ll get a boost every time you achieve it. This will then motivate you to carry on, and create new resolutions once you’ve completed them. Even by writing ‘I will’ is going to have a big impact on your outlook of your resolutions as you’re not putting any doubt into your mind that you won’t be able to achieve it.

            Another way to stick with resolutions is to visualise what you want to achieve and how this will feel. For example, your resolution may be to find a new job. Take some time to really think about what this means. See it in your mind and make it as colourful as possible. What will changing your job feel like? What environment will you be working in? What will you physically be doing? Use all your senses. The clearer the visualisation, the quicker the manifestation. This will encourage you to stick with your resolutions as you’ve seen it, felt it, smelt it, heard it.  If you feel yourself straying from your resolution, visualise it again. Remind yourself what it feels like.
             
            Try these techniques instead and see how much quicker you reach your goals!

            If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

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            CategoriesCrystals Tips & Advice
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            Gua Sha Beauty

            Gua Sha is an ancient Chinese practice for energy flow and blood circulation. According to traditional Chinese medicine, Chi is the energy that flows through the body and that for a more balanced well-being, your chi energy needs to flow freely. If your chi energy is stagnant it could be the cause for inflammation which can also lead to chronic pain. It is thought that rubbing the skin’s surface breaks up this energy and allows it to flow freely which reduces inflammation and promotes healing.

            The Gua Sha is a smooth edged flat tool that you rub your face and body with – you can also use a facial roller. It has the ability to break down muscular tension as well as move chi energy. Traditionally rubbing the face or body would be done vigorously, it may be slightly painful at first but with practice it become less uncomfortable because you reduce the inflammation, easing the tension and puffiness. The Gua Sha can also help promote lymphatic drainage – in the body our lymphatic system circulates lymph fluid when we move and contract our muscles, as we don’t really use our facial muscles much the Gua Sha can promote lymphatic drainage which will give your face a more toned and sculpted appearance.

            How to use a Gua Sha or facial roller:

            When using a Gua Sha or facial roller it is important to make sure you have facial/body oil on or a serum as it needs to glide over your skin and not cause friction. Start off by cleansing your face and applying oil/serum, keep the Gua Sha flat and glide it in an upwards and outwards direction only, you can start off pressing lightly and get more firmer the more you do it, when doing it under your eyes make sure you only ever press lightly. Take a look below for directions on using a Gua Sha on face and body.

            Where to find a Gua Sha or facial roller?

            We sell a Rose Quartz and Quartz Gua Sha and a beautiful facial roller with little flowers embedded in the handle as well as a mini Jade roller. Order online or come visit us in store!

            If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

            Subscribe to our newsletter!

            CategoriesCrystals Energy Clearing & Feng Shui Tips & Advice
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            Crystals and Their Energy in Your Home

            Did you know crystals can be used to improve and enhance the energy in your home by placing different crystals in different areas of your home? Read below to find out!

            Cleansing the energy and welcoming in positive energy:

            It is best to place crystals in your hallway to cleanse the energy in your home. Household members and guests pass through your hallway whether downstairs or upstairs, hallways connect to every room as does the energy passing through. This will have an affect on yourself and anyone else in your home. Creating a positive vibe in your hallways can cleanse any negative energy and make it a more positive vibe which will make you and others feel great! You can place crystals on your sideboard, table or you can get some floating shelves and place them on there as well!

            Best crystals for the hallway:

            • Shungite: This is used for protection of electromagnetic fields and negative energies making it a great stone to place in your hallway to keep you protected by this.
            • Clear Quartz: This is the master healing crystal which helps with all forms of healing. It brings harmony and love, as well as balancing and enhancing positive energy that goes through your hallways into other rooms.

            Brining an abundance of joy and love into your living room:

            We spend some relaxation time in our living rooms with family and guests, so why not bring an abundance of joy and love into the room making it a happy positive vibe whilst you chat or relax! Placing some crystals on the window sill can give the living room a pretty aesthetic whilst also enhancing the energy in the room. Also by placing them on the window sill is great as when it is a full moon as they can be cleansed by the full moon energies.

            Best crystals for the living room:

            Citrine: This is used for bringing an abundance of positivity, optimism and inspiration, a very cheerful crystal holding the power of the sun. This makes it great to have in the living room where you socialize with others or relaxing.

            Rose Quartz: This is the crystal of love. It’s calming energy attracts love, harmony and peace making it a lovely crystal to add into your living room where you can spend time on your own or with loved ones.

            Brining peace and calming energy into your bedroom for a good nights sleep:

            A good night’s sleep is vital for every human being to survive. Given that an average a person sleeps for 8 hours in a day, we spend about one third of our lives sleeping! Why not make your bedroom a tranquil place, even if your not sleeping its nice to have a safe space in your home where you can meditate or read a book and feel at peace. You can place crystals on your shelves or bedside table to bring the energy into the space.

            Best crystals for the bedroom:

            Selenite: This is a high vibrational crystal which is great for cleansing your space, it brings a calm and peaceful energy, which makes it a must have crystal in the bedroom. It also elevates your spirit and provides clarity which can help you access your intuition making this crystal also great for meditation.

            Amethyst: This crystal is well known for its peaceful and calming energy, it can help reduce stress and anxiety and the symptoms that accompany it, namely headaches and fatigues. It also aids in cell regeneration (supporting your bones and joints) and is reputed to improve your skin. Whilst we sleep our cells repair themselves so having Amethyst to help aid in the repairing stage is great!

            We sell the 6 must have crystals for your home on our website and in store as well as other crystal sets that can be added to your home as well such as crystal sets for sleep, anxiety and happiness. We also sell the Feng Shui book which is good for learning how to place furniture in a certain way can help the energy pass through more easily. Go and have a listen to The Soul Coaches podcast on Spotify where Carolina talks all about the energy in the home and Feng Shui, in episodes 1 to 5.

            If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

            Subscribe to our newsletter!

            CategoriesEducational Spirituality Tips & Advice
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            Changing your Thoughts and Reality

            Many of us forget that we are in fact in control of our thoughts and reality. Let’s talk about how we can take control of our thoughts and reality and show up as the best version of ourselves.

            Our thoughts affect our reality, it triggers an emotion which triggers a body reaction that makes us act in a certain way. This creates a mental pattern which we end up sub consciously repeating which in return alters our reality.

            Our thoughts about ourself and how we perceive the world are based around our core beliefs. Core beliefs are deeply rooted under the surface of everything. Acknowledging our core beliefs is the first step so we can work on changing them which will help the process of changing your thoughts.

            The pattern:

            Core belief (The way we view ourselves/world based on experiences) – “I am not worthy of love, my father wasn’t in my life, he didn’t care about me and I never received his love”

            Activating event (Something happens which is problematic for us) – A partner ends the relationship with you.

            Thoughts (How we interpret the event. This will be effected by the situation we are in, our core beliefs, and previous experiences of similar situations) – “I am not good enough for love, what is wrong with me? Why can people not love me. I am not worthy of love”

            Emotions (What we feel following the event. This will be effected by our interpretation. We may feel a range of emotions) – “I feel sadness, I feel angry, I feel confused, I feel fearful”

            Behaviour (Taking into consideration all of the above, we act on the event) – An insecure attachment style is formed which affects the behaviour, you may behave clingy and needy in a relationship, and behave in a selfish, manipulative way when you become vulnerable or shy away completely from relationships.

            How can we change this mental pattern?

            To change this pattern we must go inwards so we can dive deep into our core beliefs and face them. Write a list out of all the things you believe to be true about yourself and the world. It’s important to remember when you do this exercise to be completely honest with yourself.

            Our core beliefs can be changed, if you write on your list “I am not worthy of a happy and healthy relationship” write the opposite next to it “I am worthy of a happy and healthy relationship” the key to this exercise is to use the opposite statement as an affirmation always speak in the present tense “I AM”. Repeat these affirmations to your self everyday the more you say this you will start to believe it. It may be hard at first but when you start to really feel it you will condition it as a core belief.

            When an activating event happens and it triggers thoughts, you may feel more comfortable to fall back into old thoughts patterns but you need to challenge these thoughts, you can do this by keeping a thought record. I personally like to act as if I take my thoughts into a court. See an example below for how I process my negative thoughts:

            Put your thought into the dock (What is the negative thought bothering me?) –

            Defence (What evidence do I have to suggest this thought is true? What solid facts do I have to bring forward to convince the jury this is accurate?) –

            Prosecution (What evidence do I have to suggest this thought is false? What solid facts do I have to bring forward to the jury to discredit this thought?) –

            Jury (A jury’s job is to weigh up the evidence for and against the thought, they have to set aside feelings and make a balanced judgement based on the evidence presented)

            Verdict (Given with all the evidence presented what do you think of the original thought now? What is a balanced and realistic way of looking at the thought now? Sum up your new way of thinking) –

            What’s next?

            Now you have started to affirm your new core beliefs about yourself and challenging any negative thoughts you will be starting to feel more positive and balanced in life. You are learning to be more self aware, you are getting to know yourself better, and you have more of an idea of what you want in life. When you feel good about yourself and your way of thinking is more balanced it becomes easier to manifest your desires because you are now feeling you are worthy of everything you desire in life.

            Write out what you desire in your life, write in the present tense as if you already have it. (“I am grateful for the healthy, loving relationships I have in my life”) think about how you would feel if you had your desire in your life, if you desired a healthy, loving relationship, you would feel happiness, joy, excitement etc. Focus on thoughts that make you feel like this this and you will start to attract this into your life!

            We have some books on how our thoughts and words affect the experiences we have in our daily lives, and how we can use affirmations to attract our desired life. We also have a Self – Healing crystal set to help you on your healing journey.

            If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

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            CategoriesSpirituality Tips & Advice
            By

            Trusting Your Intuition

            What exactly your intuition, how can you recognise it and trust it? Sometimes our intuition and anxieties and fears can get mixed up, so lets look at the difference between the two.

            Intuition is where you have that inner voice telling you something that you just know is right, there is no doubts or fear – you just simply know from within. You don’t have any feelings with your intuition, you are just neutral. Anxiety and fears trigger feelings that comes from a place of past trauma – its your defence mechanism. We think with our head which then triggers the feelings of worry/fear. Sometimes we believe this is our intuition telling us something because it is so strong. Your intuition will always be crystal clear, however we can choose to ignore our intuition which will then end up causing stress and turmoil because you then try to squash it with your ego because it wants to control the outcome of a situation to protect you. Think of your intuition as your higher self, it only has your best interest that sometimes means stepping out of your comfort zone, but you need to trust that your intuition is aligning you with your purpose.

            Learning to be more mindful can help you tap into your intuition and not let anxiety and fear get the better of you. Try meditating and quieting your mind from external noise, and go inwards. Ask yourself “what do I need to know right now”. Images or a voice might come to you. Or if you are asking a yes or no question pay attention to your body language, if you are closed off such as arms crossed head bowed, that could mean no. Arms open, head high, smiling could mean yes. You will know what is right because it will be your intuition telling you! Everything happens with practice so keep practicing!

            If it is your anxiety and fear putting you into protective mode, ask your higher self to help guide you to understand why you’re feeling fearful and anxious and pay attention to what comes to mind. What body sensations are happening, if any, and where in your body are you feeling this? It is a good idea to journal so you can evaluate your thoughts and feelings. Remember thoughts can trigger feelings, but thoughts can also be changed therefore you can change the way you feel. YOU are in control!

            Meditation and journaling can help you become more self aware, and if you are more self aware you will start recognising what your intuition is and what your anxieties and fears are. There is some useful books we sell online and in the shop that can help you learn to be more mindful as well as meditation incense to fill your space with a peaceful aroma. If you struggle with meditating we also have a guided meditation CD Carolina, The Soul Coach!

            There are also lots of crystals that help with intuition, especially those linked to your third eye chakra. Try carrying or meditating with crystals such as Lapis Lazuli or Labradorite as these will help you connect with your intuition. We have a crystal set for intuition as well!

            If you like what you’ve read and would love more magic in your daily life, sign up to our newsletter, pop into store or visit us online at  www.spiritualquest.co.uk – Quest is a close, family run business that has been open for over 17 years – we have cultivated a shop & wellbeing centre filled with beautiful crystals, magical energies & lots of love and laughter!

            Subscribe to our newsletter!