tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60683383831326180692023-11-16T01:47:12.214-05:00Jewels of SaraswatiThoughts unraveling....<br>
Yoga, meditation, yoga fashion, handmade.Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-17741702619003618542013-04-05T13:33:00.000-04:002013-04-05T13:33:10.331-04:00Jewelry Peeps Listen Up. These Ladies Changed My World!For those following their dreams and working hard to sell their jewelry it can be full of struggle, joy, doubt, fear, wonder, and many challenges. <br />
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I felt I needed to share this with those who feel like they don't have a community, aren't making enough profit for themselves, or don't know what the next step is for them and their jewelry endeavors.<br />
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Just breathe..... I want to tell you about <a href="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/jewelry-biz-blueprint/?ap_id=laurenz" target="_blank">Flourish and Thrive Academy</a>. These have been the most
inspiring ladies that I have had the pleasure of working with.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nMLhiRNsSTa9MBsqqIOoLQoHeDlvJV0d0iuJgeQQhajsWDekLRVtPzOs9CRQKC7codF3w_aKwtzy-Vm3Y0jr20MhXI1aWTs8NgacCSL8cDZnjL_YyvRzQPatUWx6p4t88PvCj3MdO6k/s1600/CIMG8755.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3nMLhiRNsSTa9MBsqqIOoLQoHeDlvJV0d0iuJgeQQhajsWDekLRVtPzOs9CRQKC7codF3w_aKwtzy-Vm3Y0jr20MhXI1aWTs8NgacCSL8cDZnjL_YyvRzQPatUWx6p4t88PvCj3MdO6k/s400/CIMG8755.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The whole mala making and jewelry thing just seemed to blossom organically for me. Only until recently did this become something real and tangible....something that made my heart thump when I thought about all I could do. Something that allowed me to be artistic and authentic <i>and </i>create a profit. <br />
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But I realized I needed help. I was stuck swimming in my own set of limitations. I was so full of joy as I created, but I wanted to create something that would sustain me and my family. I wanted to move forward and to focus on what truly brought me happiness, to simplify and streamline, to have a supportive community where I could be open about my struggles and ask questions but I had no idea how or where to get this or even if it existed.<br />
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This is where<a href="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/jewelry-biz-blueprint/?ap_id=laurenz" target="_blank"> Flourish and Thrive Academy</a> came in. Tracy and Robin helped me in so many areas, including areas outside my business. (And the fact
that they were both serious Yoginis made it clear that I needed to hear
their message!) <br />
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I signed up for their <a href="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/jewelry-biz-blueprint/?ap_id=laurenz" target="_blank">free trainings </a>(I never signed up for any trainings before) and listened in on their free calls. From the very first email I was hooked. Being a native New Yorker I have to admit I am skeptical about these things. But once I heard how genuine these women were, how much knowledge they had to share about their own business and how eager they were to truly put all that good energy out there and create a community, it felt like everything came together for me. So much that I signed up to be an affiliate. Something I never thought I would be doing at any point in my life. But man, these ladies truly rocked my world. I can't say enough about how generous and knowledgeable they are. Good karma is swirling around these women! <br />
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They showed me how to optimize my site, connect more with my clients, and create amazing newsletters. I learned how to create collections that would sell and stay true to my art and my vision. They also demystified pricing for me (a real biggie for me personally!) and helped me focus and identify my dream client to create abundance and more sales. There were videos, worksheets, 2 hour calls each week and an awesome online community that supported me and helped me through my struggles.<br />
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This isn't an overnight thing. But since taking their course two months ago I have launched brand new collections in higher price ranges. My most expensive pieces have sold already and I have more newsletter sign ups each week than I have had in months. I feel like I am being even truer to my voice and my passions. My income is steadily increasing and I am feel so much smarter about how I am conducting my business. And I am not scared of calling it a business! I have also begun the amazing journey of casting my pieces for mass production, something I had no clue about before. I would never have tried this without their support. I am literally jumping out of my skin with excitement when I think about my new projects, and I feel really confident about how to promote them and get noticed.<br />
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You can easily sign up for their free trainings by clicking below. Some serious knowledge and love will be sent to your inbox. And after getting the free trainings do come back and tell me what you thought of them!<br />
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They have inspired and helped me in so many ways, I hope they do the same for you! <br />
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<a href="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/insider-tips-tricks/?ap_id=laurenz" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://www.flourishthriveacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Email-Logo-200px.jpg" /></a> <br />
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Love and Light,<br />
Lauren<br />
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<br />Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-224647424743335542012-04-08T20:14:00.000-04:002012-04-08T20:14:51.438-04:00Jewels of Saraswati Gifts Drew Barrymore!Some of you may have heard the big news......I will be sending one of my newest designs to Drew Barrymore in association with The Artisan Group!<br />
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This is a wonderful opportunity for exposure for a small shop like mine and I was very excited to be chosen to create something unique for her. Although I am not big on celebrities, there is something sweet and fun about Drew to me. She appears a little more down to earth and I have heard several stories of her traveling to India and taking up Yoga. Drew's style seems to be boho chic, fun, and especially now with a new little soul on the way, I thought she would enjoy a necklace with calming and spiritual elements.<br />
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After some thought I created a necklace that may be used as a mala if desired. It is 54 beads of rudraksha with citrine spaced in between. I used beautiful honey to light colored citrine rondelles, faceted green aventurine briolettes and an extra large faceted nugget of amethyst.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJzQPcmQBJc/T4ImTKA-kOI/AAAAAAAAAXo/tkGM9ERNpdg/s1600/CIMG6295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJzQPcmQBJc/T4ImTKA-kOI/AAAAAAAAAXo/tkGM9ERNpdg/s400/CIMG6295.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
It is packed in a beautiful Namaste mala pouch that is hand-sewn and hand-stamped by one of my favorite shops, <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blissfulturtle" target="_blank">The Blissful Turtle</a>. I only recently sent it to its first location where it will be packed in a bag of items by other talented members of The Artisan Group and then delivered directly to Drew. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89bTHRurQRA/T4IniWglUTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/z50kNvGiBwg/s1600/CIMG6291.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-89bTHRurQRA/T4IniWglUTI/AAAAAAAAAXw/z50kNvGiBwg/s400/CIMG6291.JPG" width="345" /></a></div><br />
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So make sure to keep your eyes peeled! Perhaps one day you will see a photo of Drew on the street wearing this! .....Or maybe her assistant. :) Either way I have had so much fun making this necklace and have been very much inspired by amethyst. Expect to see more similar items in the shop in the coming months.<br />
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After such a great response from this mala necklace, I created another with identical materials for the shop shown in the photo below. You can <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95872957/drew-barrymore-mala-necklace-of-faceted" target="_blank">click here</a> to learn more about this special necklace.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/95872957/drew-barrymore-mala-necklace-of-faceted" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WaegTl7XHyQ/T4IoPeKaBXI/AAAAAAAAAX4/OaMzv92QXPk/s400/CIMG6308.JPG" width="310" /></a></div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-42314508197824264162012-03-04T20:25:00.002-05:002012-03-05T09:07:43.592-05:00Hand Mala Giveaway with Blissful Turtle Mala BagsHappy March! Although there is snow on the ground where I live, I am eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spring. It is a time where everything is born anew....where everything blossoms, emerges and color finally arrives. In the meantime, I wanted to offer a special giveaway with the theme of Spring!<br />
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There will be two winners this time! Thanks to Sheri of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blissfulturtle" target="_blank">Blissful Turtle,</a> who makes beautiful mala and prayer bags that are hand-sewn and stamped.<br />
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The <b>1st winner</b> will receive this knotted magnesite hand mala and Blissful Turtle Namaste bag. This mala has 27 beads of white and blue magnesite with a lovely carved wood guru bead and pewter bead caps. Magnesite is a wonderful creamy white stone with brown veining associated with stress release, calm and creativity. It is paired with a mala pouch made of soft cotton and has a muted red stamping of Namaste with two hands in Anjali mudra on each side.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psYe7TkpNCY/T1GFMPXGp6I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/_qBImb_SmIg/s1600/CIMG6140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psYe7TkpNCY/T1GFMPXGp6I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/_qBImb_SmIg/s400/CIMG6140.JPG" width="363" /></a></div><br />
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The <b>2nd winner</b> will receive this wonderful orange stamped pouch with the "Om" symbol on one side and "Shanti Shanti Shanti" on the other.<br />
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Entry is simple! Please make sure to do all the steps and have a way for me to contact you. <br />
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<b>To Enter:</b><br />
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<b>1. Tell me in a comment on this post what you love about Spring! It can be anything- the colors, the warmth, the fragrance....</b><br />
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<b>2. Join me on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jewelsofsaraswati" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/BlissfulTurtle/108440475902955?sk=wall" target="_blank">Blissful Turtle's page</a>.</b><br />
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<b>3. Share this giveaway on your facebook wall so your friends have a chance too!</b><br />
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<b>*4. For extra entries (not required), tweet about this giveaway. Make sure to mention <a href="http://www.twitter.com/saraswatijewels" target="_blank">@saraswatijewels </a>and include a link. One tweet per day please! Each tweet will count as an extra entry. :)</b><br />
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Giveaway ends March 20th. Good luck to all!Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-37677372549328168192012-02-24T10:38:00.000-05:002012-02-24T10:38:23.479-05:00Seeds of Devotion - The RudrakshaIt is said that Lord Shiva meditated for hundreds of years for the welfare of all sentient beings. When he finally opened his eyes, before him was the suffering of humanity. His compassionate and loving tears fell to the earth and from them grew the rudraksha trees. This is said to be one of the beautiful legends of the rudraksha. <br />
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Rudraksha beads have been used for hundreds of years for japa meditation, to protect, to heal and to focus. I have worked with these beads often (one of my personal malas is rudraksha) and realized I knew very little about them. As questions kept arising both within myself and the inquires of others, I was inspired to post some interesting facts about these beautiful and sacred beads.<br />
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Did you know:<br />
<ul><li>Before rudraksha are dried they actually look blue and are sometimes referred to as blueberry beads. </li>
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<ul><li>The rudraksha tree can grow to 200 feet tall. The tree blooms small sweet smelling flowers in the rainy season.</li>
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<ul><li>Rudraksha are said to increase Shakti or divine energy to the wearer. This is why they are used often in creating malas.</li>
<li> Some claim that rudraksha have electro-magnetic properties that can aid in healing, anti-aging and curing ailments. </li>
<li>Rudraksha is said to help align chakras, aid in the quest for spiritual fulfillment and protection.</li>
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Whether you wear them for these properties or for their unique beauty, rudraksha can be worn by anyone at any time with joy!<br />
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Do you own any rudraksha jewelry or malas? I would love to hear how you utilize and enjoy them.<br />
<ul> </ul>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-43084726334498027502012-02-06T10:30:00.000-05:002012-02-06T10:30:01.672-05:00Rewrite Your Storyline - Inspiration from Wah!Wah! the great spirited Yogini with the voice of honey gives a little meditation to help you rewrite your storyline for the new year.<br />
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Heal.<br />
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Re-examine. <br />
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Resolve. :)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/K78XI53Eg94" width="420"></iframe><br />
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If you are unfamiliar with Wah!'s beautiful music, get ready to be inspired <a href="http://www.wahmusic.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-14024851702318638322012-01-30T10:26:00.000-05:002012-01-30T10:26:19.006-05:00Get Fired Up - Mala Bracelet GiveawayThe response to the newest collection of mala bracelets has been wonderful, so I created a special little mala to give away this month!<br />
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It is created with 27 beads of mixed faceted fiery red agate and wood with a rudraksha guru bead and Om charm. Red agate is a stimulating stone that can enhance strength, vitality as well an induce calm. And who couldn't use a little of that for the new year? :)<br />
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<b>To Enter (please complete all to be qualified and make sure there is a way I can reach you!):</b><br />
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1. Comment on this blog post. Tell me what gets you "fired up" to be your best self each day. Your dog? Your significant other? Your Guru? Your morning coffee?<br />
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2. Connect with me and like the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jewelsofsaraswati" target="_blank">Jewels Of Saraswati</a> page. (And while you are there do say hello!)<br />
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3. Click the social media icons on this blog and share the love so your friends can have a chance at winning too!<br />
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This giveaway ends 2/19/12.<br />
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Love and Light!<br />
Lauren (Saraswati)Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com42tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-70305866745476420122012-01-24T20:30:00.009-05:002012-01-24T21:26:47.231-05:00The Handmade Yogini - Yoga With HeartFebruary is almost here and although I believe love should be celebrated each and every day, I am surely not against a little extra on Valentine's Day!<br />
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Here are some lovingly handmade items to open, inspire and warm your heart.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/91156603/namaste-ceramic-heart" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.305299806.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/86146065/greenluv-racerback-burnout-cotton-tank?ga_search_query=heart&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5895705" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.286289659.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/78019222/handmade-anusara-inspired-yoga-strap" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.257841786.jpg" width="306" /></a></div><br />
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Shop: <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/DesertMoonlight?ref=seller_info">DesertMoonlight</a>, <span class="shopname wrap shopname-changed"></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GoddessEarthJewels?ref=seller_info">GoddessEarthJewels</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Storeyshop?ref=seller_info">Storeyshop</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/KarenFincannon?ref=seller_info">KarenFincannon</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LycheeGrove?ref=seller_info">LycheeGrove</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ktothebdotcom?ref=seller_info">ktothebdotcom </a>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-45277682270818396752012-01-15T21:28:00.006-05:002012-01-20T21:40:29.303-05:00In The Spirit of Collaboration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZwiOkH4W8Ax9CtWtPnKhImEXQri9zJVtJbRB9OcStF_Oniz9x3PnHEe3s21lNQJrS0dHqDi-dMAEOx3sCI4-fsfx6ua_K8nagdE0wX7LSboIrG7M7iWi2TfbKK0TLODzPqZc0fm0faM/s1600/CIMG5773.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjZwiOkH4W8Ax9CtWtPnKhImEXQri9zJVtJbRB9OcStF_Oniz9x3PnHEe3s21lNQJrS0dHqDi-dMAEOx3sCI4-fsfx6ua_K8nagdE0wX7LSboIrG7M7iWi2TfbKK0TLODzPqZc0fm0faM/s320/CIMG5773.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The beauty of living on this Earth is knowing that we are all connected, that with many minds and many hearts the are a plethora of paths to reach our goals. In my opinion, it is even more fun when you have friends to inspire you along the way! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">An idea was running through my mind for a while......Wouldn't it be wonderful to ask others to be involved with some of my mala or jewelry designs? Wouldn't it be beautiful to see where they found inspiration whether it was through color, through feel, or through material? And so I put the question out into the Twitterverse!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christinasellyoga.com/home.html" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.christinasellyoga.com/typo3temp/pics/67dd7bf5ec.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.christinasellyoga.com/home.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Yogini Christina Sell</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> was lucky enough to have a quick response from the amazing yogini, Christina Sell. Christina is an extremely active and revered yogini based in Texas. She is the director and co-founder of the School of Yoga, presents workshops all over the nation, has two renowned books to her name, and is the 2012 Art of Asana columnist for Yoga International Magazine. I am honored she had the time to send me the emails she did about this little mala! </span><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90335546/school-of-yoga-mala-bracelet-design" target="_blank">design</a> we came up with. She mentioned the School of Yoga being sun-oriented and inspired by the Gayattri Mantra so sunny yellow calcite seemed perfect to use in this case. We added rudraksha guru and a copper Om charm and I strung it on stretch cord so that it will be versatile to fit most wrists. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Christina recommended the Gayatri Mantra for this sun-inspired mala:<br />
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AUM BHOOR BHUWAH SWAHA,<br />
TAT SAVITUR VARENYAM<br />
BHARGO DEVASAYA DHEEMAHI<br />
DHIYO YO NAHA PRACHODAYAT.<br />
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Summary of the Gayatri Mantra<br />
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Gayatri Mantra (the mother of the vedas), the foremost mantra in hinduism and hindu beliefs, inspires wisdom. Its meaning is that "May the Almighty God illuminate our intellect to lead us along the righteous path". The mantra is also a prayer to the "giver of light and life" - the sun (savitur).<br />
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Oh God! Thou art the Giver of Life,<br />
Remover of pain and sorrow,<br />
The Bestower of happiness,<br />
Oh! Creator of the Universe,<br />
May we receive thy supreme sin-destroying light,<br />
May Thou guide our intellect in the right direction.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90335546/school-of-yoga-mala-bracelet-design" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNWDkzUJKAxxqqp7lusBokxIPZDAWBx61OBBRD3rmt8A0CXT2zx6mu2hQ5o8qtGUkYvM8QEh9wiApHwC2S8tsNdUhzF0XHTO6liX_lh5ProTDdSxxtiJbGbTyvATSPZSvCdsYl37JzBN0/s320/CIMG5769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/90335546/school-of-yoga-mala-bracelet-design" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: x-small;">School of Yoga Mala Bracelet</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope you enjoy it! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What stones inspire you? If you were to create a mala, how would you design it? And who knows? Maybe we will come up with a design together. :)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are more collaborations to come.....</span>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-27865243594746067422012-01-08T20:49:00.000-05:002012-01-08T20:49:04.318-05:00Transformation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.230569828.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.230569828.jpg" width="253" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Original Artwork by: <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/bluecicada?ref=seller_info">bluecicada </a></span></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am a believer that transformation can happen at any place in time, not just at the beginning of each year. We are filled with infinite potential......unlimited........always.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So as one who appears staunchly against "resolutions", I seem to have a good many intentions whirling through my mind for the coming year! All of you have been so awesome to share with me your plans for the future in the latest <a href="http://jewelsofsaraswati.blogspot.com/2012/01/beautiful-intentions-zafu-giveaway.html" target="_blank">giveaway post</a> and I am now very inspired to share with you some of mine. This year already feels quite significant to me in terms of transformation and I am wholeheartedly working towards these small, but important goals. I am not worried about being successful or not. I am endeavoring to be kind to myself and do the very best I can. I know with each intention, if offered with sincerity and an open heart, will move me forward. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My intentions:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. <b>More lovingkindess.</b> I am going to look more strangers in the eye when I am interacting with them. I am going to find beauty and humanity in each person I come across. It is easy to overlook people at the checkout, on the street, at the bank, in so many daily situations. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. <b>Journal writing</b>. I used to write profusely in a journal everyday for many years. It has been some time since then, but having the goal of writing everyday, or at least a few times a week will give me needed time to reflect and to articulate my goals both physical and spiritual.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. <b>Simplify</b>. Simplify every aspect of my life. If I have it and don't need it -give it away. (If I think I need it- remind myself I don't!) Organize. See what is truly essential and surround myself with the uplifting and inspiring. Endeavor to do one task at a time and give it my fullest attention. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">4. <b>Use my words carefully. </b>Understanding that each word can manifest. Each word sends an energy into the world whether positive or negative. I would like to cultivate more awareness for this and see how many things will change!<b><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">5.<b> One spiritual reading a day.</b> Anything for the soul, once a day. It can be as brief as a poem by Rumi or as full as a book about the Saints of India. I want to keep inspiring myself to remain on a joyful and loving path even for a few minutes each day.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What are your intentions for the new year?</div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-3744000879297710592012-01-01T12:12:00.000-05:002012-01-01T12:12:22.152-05:00Beautiful Intentions - Zafu Giveaway<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This is my favorite time of year! We consciously make an effort to take more time for reflection, to spend more time with loved ones and create positive intentions for the upcoming year. To start it off with a little inspiration towards our goals, I thought it would be lovely to have a giveaway!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It all started with an elephant.... </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My dear facebook yogini friend Angela of <a href="http://www.innerspaceyoga.net/" target="_blank">Inner Space Yoga</a> had inquired about creating a custom elephant necklace recently, which then sparked the idea to ask her if she would like to participate in a giveaway. I was thrilled when she agreed that she would! You see, I have been adoring her zafus, eye pillows and bolsters for many many months now. So with elephants on the brain, she diligently went to work to create this gorgeous handmade zafu just for this event. If you missed the last blog post all about Angela and Inner Space Yoga, you can read it <a href="http://jewelsofsaraswati.blogspot.com/2011/12/giving-props-yoga-props-that-is.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For those who are not familiar with what a zafu is, it is a cushion designed specifically for seated meditation. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Angela told me a bit about the fabric (</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">called "Karavan"</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">) and design. It was created by a designer named Valori Wells, for Free Spirit Fabrics. Angela tells me she chose this fabric because it reminded her of the brightly decorated buses, delivery trucks, and autorickshaws in India. And they sometimes decorate elephants there, as well. It's a very happy fabric! The base fabric is a very soft deep navy blue brushed twill. The zafu is filled with buckwheat hulls, and there's a zipper under the carrying strap so the buckwheat hulls can be emptied out to adjust the height for sitting.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6PeGBklJkusonmPONv0CkO_erNdWsuDOHcsV0UA1I_0c5T_QWuo3n2Jise4Y7shr5P44CvlJUhiNnbCK-tJy6JjibBB0SLq_BJ0nHQpZnrJHUXfHvCf_dGiJbFVLZaC8m46mkqLn6jE/s1600/CIMG5708.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif6PeGBklJkusonmPONv0CkO_erNdWsuDOHcsV0UA1I_0c5T_QWuo3n2Jise4Y7shr5P44CvlJUhiNnbCK-tJy6JjibBB0SLq_BJ0nHQpZnrJHUXfHvCf_dGiJbFVLZaC8m46mkqLn6jE/s400/CIMG5708.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOVGyA0gGd2OKrFG8HaBnqg-eMUS0_RGDF_pghhPrFAVeW7jiL-1da6VM-A1idjx6cerWxMTArXWtLsKaa5cxr0JvBp6c8ZPlO308SHUpGHRGNcGK1BgM26_qB_6sFKDWUd_CyEiJWUg/s1600/CIMG5710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOVGyA0gGd2OKrFG8HaBnqg-eMUS0_RGDF_pghhPrFAVeW7jiL-1da6VM-A1idjx6cerWxMTArXWtLsKaa5cxr0JvBp6c8ZPlO308SHUpGHRGNcGK1BgM26_qB_6sFKDWUd_CyEiJWUg/s400/CIMG5710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>To enter to win this unique zafu (make sure to do all three!):</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">1. Head over to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InnerSpaceYoga" target="_blank">Inner Space Yoga on Facebook</a> and click like. Angela is a beautiful and colorful yogini with so much to share! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">2. If you aren't connected with me on facebook<b>,</b> I would love to meet you! Click like on the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jewelsofsaraswati" target="_blank">Jewels Of Saraswati page. </a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">3. Leave a comment on this blog post about what your <b>beautiful intentions </b>(or resolutions) are for the coming year. It can be to sit for more formal meditation or simply to practice more lovingkindess.....no intention is too big or too small. Just make sure to leave an email or info so that I can contact you.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">*The winner will be announced on the Jewels Of Saraswati facebook page and will be contacted via email. If there is no response within three days, then another winner will be chosen. This giveaway will end 1/16/12. (Sorry, this giveaway is only for those residing in the U.S.!)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Good luck everyone! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHms4MIgJAK6ExWyjxja2M6xFwu0-WkHXM4whu6QeXSLNYv9YfRImRXEzWtO1dGiX91Tb9QZFHG47LK2X0zMPgnCVum-ngD74jzaqsn86DovDi5uFQ1SAHeo7p0PAKJ7XSU7ju5OFOX98/s1600/CIMG5713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHms4MIgJAK6ExWyjxja2M6xFwu0-WkHXM4whu6QeXSLNYv9YfRImRXEzWtO1dGiX91Tb9QZFHG47LK2X0zMPgnCVum-ngD74jzaqsn86DovDi5uFQ1SAHeo7p0PAKJ7XSU7ju5OFOX98/s400/CIMG5713.JPG" width="291" /></a></div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-9381548636816050132011-12-28T10:11:00.000-05:002011-12-28T10:11:30.448-05:00Giving Props! Yoga Props, That Is.....<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Meet Angela of Inner Space Yoga. She is one of the most vibrant and interesting yoginis with a passion for creating yoga props. To my utter joy and excitement we will be collaborating on a giveaway for the new year and I asked her to tell us a little more about herself, her journey into creating yoga props and what yogini she would love to hang with if she were stranded on a desert island. :)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.innerspaceyoga.net/new/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/AngonBolsters-web-300x120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="128" src="http://www.innerspaceyoga.net/new/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/AngonBolsters-web-300x120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Angela says:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>"I came to yoga several years ago, as a way to de-stress from my job in healthcare. I fell in love with the practice, and had the good fortune to connect with some excellent teachers here in Asheville - Cindy Dollar, Stephanie Keach, and Shala Worsley. Cindy and Stephanie planted the seeds that would eventually grow into my bolster making business. Stephanie, upon learning that I liked to sew (I'm a quilter), asked if I'd like to offset the cost of my teacher training by re-covering her studio bolsters. She had 35 bolsters at that time, from several different sources. While making the covers, I had a chance to dissect the bolsters to see how they were made and which materials and methods held up the best. She and Cindy then suggested I try my hand at making my own bolsters. So I sourced my own materials, made many prototypes, and eventually came up with the three main designs I offer now. I got into zafu making a bit later, when I had lots of requests for colorful zafus to match the bolsters. I am fortunate that I live in the South, which has made sourcing batting and fabric a bit easier, due to the number of textile mills here.</i></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i>I do what I do because it gives me great joy. And, I think, makes others happy as well. People these days are all stressed out, and don't know how to relax properly - I admit to being one of them. I like to think I'm doing my part to de-stress America. And put a smile on people's faces while they're relaxing. Because, as you may know, it's more relaxing to smile than it is to frown. LOL!<br />
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And how did I come to yoga? I feel I was called to it. I just had the urge to start doing it, and was delayed in actually starting it because I worked so much. But I finally showed up, connected with some wonderful teachers and members of the local Asheville yoga community, and the rest is history. It has become my passion and the primary focus of my life.<br />
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Hmmm... the desert island thing. That's a tough one. I'd have to say my friend/mentor Stephanie Keach, of Asheville Yoga Center here in town. We're both total yoga geeks - love to read about yoga and talk about its nuances and debate which style has more to offer. Our styles of practice are complementary. We like music to practice by, and have the same taste in tunes. She knows how to make practice fun, yet remains serious about alignment (which is something I'm a stickler for as well) and, when we're done with yoga, we could hang out on the beach and read and drink umbrella drinks. I'm convinced that she and I fought together in Durga's army, many many lifetimes ago.</i> "</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can find Angela's beautiful selection of yoga props including bolsters, eye pillows and zafus <a href="http://innerspaceyoga.net/" target="_blank">here</a>. Stay tuned as we will be giving away a specially made zafu for the new year!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-26642532893577370842011-12-20T10:32:00.011-05:002011-12-20T10:32:00.178-05:00Enlightenment...So Easy A Baby Can Do It.<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP_Pq1S_vm6MMGatHyK0DV8PpPJ335IUveeaByxFbAaCXInvfeG2Qfc3iyQ7r1HyXCc_AuUp7Zm6HdyhgRCCRTbmecwIAns_h0s1hHq5_uuVyfhhqhqoq7vQ8wMhdJH4E3EVWFeSt8cc/s1600/CIMG5347.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnP_Pq1S_vm6MMGatHyK0DV8PpPJ335IUveeaByxFbAaCXInvfeG2Qfc3iyQ7r1HyXCc_AuUp7Zm6HdyhgRCCRTbmecwIAns_h0s1hHq5_uuVyfhhqhqoq7vQ8wMhdJH4E3EVWFeSt8cc/s320/CIMG5347.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As many of you know I love to call my daughter my little guru. She has taught me more about my path than anything else in the world.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As I was watching her play the other day I realized I was witnessing something I have been seeking myself for a long while... pure bliss. Her pure bliss. She danced playfully in the sun in our living room one morning. Every movement seemed to be an exploration of her joy. Every muscle was working yet fully relaxed. She was giggling only in a way that she can giggle....part laugh, part cackle. She kept bending over to peek her head through her legs upside down. That was when I realized I was witnessing something totally magical. I realized what she was showing me all along.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I thought to myself- What if I were to look at everything as if it were new, or a game, or something pleasurable to explore? What if I smiled at inanimate objects and touched everything that looked interesting? What if I smiled at strangers more? Laughed at everything I could? What if I fell a lot and didn't think twice about it? Or danced any way my soul felt like it needed to? What if I gave kisses whenever the mood struck me? What if I took the greatest pride in the tiniest things I had done? What if I got closer to people? What if I hugged more? What if I had no concept of time? What if I took the time to pick up the little things on the ground? What if.....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-13705910187737358352011-12-11T21:00:00.001-05:002011-12-11T21:00:01.730-05:00This Mantra is Stale. Do You Offer Exchanges?<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I call the it the plateau. It happens to the best of us, especially in the beginning.When I began meditating I ran into this plateau and thought- I can't be the only one!</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Does this sound familiar? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">First, you gently ease into our meditation space, light the incense, and comfortably seat yourself. Taking great care, you take our mala from its pouch, remind yourself of beautiful intentions and begin your japa and <i>nothing</i>. This old friend that first inspired you, called to you, even walked around with you all day while you did our dishes, brushed your teeth, focused you on stillness and awareness somehow feels....dare I say it?.....stale.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">We can often struggle as our minds wander into the abyss of swirling thoughts. <i>This mantra feels off, it must be this mantra. Maybe, just maybe I should be working with a new one. Maybe if I tried Ganesh instead he would aid me in overcoming certain obstacles. Maybe "On Namah Shivaya" will bring the transformation I need. Or....</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Maybe it needs to be worked through. Maybe that is the lesson. Maybe the very expectation of clarity needs to be let go, tossed in with the before-mentioned swirling abyss and simply witnessed. Meditating isn't the clarity, it is the journey to the clarity. The mantra is your vehicle. Watch the scenery as you drive through, stay in the car and keep riding towards your destination. You may or may not reach it in this life, but isn't the landscape just lovely? </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">The remedy? Don't exchange it!!!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Be kind to yourself. Let the thoughts come and let the thoughts go. Let them tease. Smile kindly as you would to a naughty child. Stick to your mantra. Don't give in! Say it with all the love in your heart. Very often we give up just before we are about to succeed. Soon you will find the plateau crumbling, your are free falling, soaring.....<i>free</i>.</span> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85540004/sur-le-plateau-5x5-encaustic?ref=sr_gallery_26&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=plateau&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.289114430.jpg" width="395" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: left;">Original Artwork by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/valentinebd?ref=seller_info" target="_blank">Bevin Valentine Photography</a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-36106121006313083592011-12-08T09:58:00.012-05:002011-12-08T09:58:00.312-05:00The Handamde Yogini - Earth Mama<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This little collection is for all of you Earth Mamas out there! People have a terrible habit of convincing new moms that they need all kinds of things when they have a baby. I think you just need a nice set of bangles and something for your babe to wear. :) Ok, maybe a few more things.......but wouldn't it be nice..... </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80639265/nursing-and-maternity-lace-shirt-with" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.266956498.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/83646752/chunky-bark-wooden-bangle?ref=sr_gallery_20&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=organic+wood+bangles&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="327" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.277527068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/75140838/namaste-frog-onesie-greenperiwinkle-100" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.258475690.jpg" width="265" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/46574983/the-market-bag-in-brown-and-organic?ga_search_query=organic&ga_search_type=user_shop_ttt_id_5156695" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.143264155.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80579532/baby-hat-organic-cotton-funny-baby?ref=sr_gallery_5&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=baby+hat+organic&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_page=2&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.266741272.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77669054/personalized-nursing-necklace-with" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.256708147.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Places to visit: <span class="shopname wrap shopname-changed"></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Cinnamonia?ref=seller_info"> Cinnamonia, <span class="shopname wrap "></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/evolvinghabitat?ref=seller_info">evolvinghabitat, <span class="shopname wrap "></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/yogababybuddha?ref=seller_info">yogababybuddha , <span class="shopname wrap "></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SmilingTreeToys?ref=seller_info">SmilingTreeToys ,<span class="shopname wrap "></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/moop?ref=seller_info">moop, <span class="shopname wrap "></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LEFTright?ref=seller_info">LEFTright , </a> <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/averyrayne?ref=seller_info">averyrayne </a> </div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-44091699803763936012011-12-04T21:34:00.001-05:002011-12-04T21:38:38.059-05:00The Handmade Yogini - Gifts of the Heart<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It can be challenging during the holidays to keep focused on what really matters. There are tons of sales encouraging you to spend, advertisements to increase your sense of urgency, flashing words that suggest you need something...some...<i>thing</i>. This thing, That thing. Anything!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It can also be challenging running a shop during these times and still feel genuine. I have to say I love to give. I do giveaways for that reason. My hope is that some one who might not be able to afford one of my malas will win one. My goal is to meet other like-minded people, hear their ideas, thoughts, and passions. One of the things I never expected when I opened my accounts on social networking sites is how many amazing, sincere, inspiring people I would befriend. I love to create and I love to share. I feel blessed to be able to make malas and know that that are going to extraordinary people. It is a privilege!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I thought I would share some gifts ideas created by some of those folks who I am proud and honored to be friends with as well as share ideas that are not necessarily bought in a store. Maybe you have thought of them, maybe you haven't, but my goal is to remind you (and myself!) that a gift does not <i>need</i> to come in a box. The thought is truly what counts, and to know some one thought of you, can sometimes be the most heartwarming and delightful!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Just a few ideas:</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What about a long letter to a close friend about how special they are? It is easy to forget to say how much all those little things mean to you each day. Write it by hand on beautiful stationery.....better yet, a small journal that spans a few weeks/months with a note about something you appreciated each day.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59721953/cydonia-kusa-journal" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img1.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.185836273.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What about the busy roomate, or lover that just doesn't seem to make time for themselves? Perhaps clearing a special place for them to sit and meditate or read. Find items that are inspiring to place nearby, a comfortable zafu, blanket or even tea.</span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://innerspaceyoga.net/meditation-products/" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="155" src="http://www.innerspaceyoga.net/new/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/Zafu2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For your spouse or lover....there is nothing more lovely than coming home one day to the unepxected. Run a bath, lay out candles or their favorite incense. Have a new soap nearby and a favorite book. Tell them you'll watch the kids while they soak.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61239231/om-handmade-soap-orange-cedar-mandarin?ref=sr_gallery_1&ga_search_submit=&ga_search_query=soap+aum&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=handmade&ga_facet=handmade" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://img0.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.246967504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What about a friend or relative who may be interested in taking better care of themselves and thinks they don't have time to do it? Tell them they can and they deserve to. If they are interested, offer them a mini instruction on how to meditate or simply focus on the breath for a few minutes. At the end of the discussion hand them a mala just for them.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.291289994.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://img2.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.291289994.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I would love to know the best "gift" you have ever received as well as your own creative ideas for giving.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Wishing all a beautiful holiday season!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peace,</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Lauren</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">People to visit (tell them I said hi!): <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sacredsuds?ref=seller_info">http://innerspaceyoga.net, <span class="shopname wrap "></span></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SabbioCinnamonTree?ref=seller_info">SabbioCinnamonTree ,</a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/sacredsuds?ref=seller_info"> sacredsuds </a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ShantiPresence?ref=seller_info">ShantiPresence </a></div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-41308441737021582662011-12-01T15:46:00.000-05:002011-12-01T15:46:44.577-05:00Inspiration<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Time and time again I look to this video for inspiration. Instead of focusing on the negative, I realize all that my body and soul <i>can</i> do each time I watch it. There is so much potential in each of us!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many of you have seen this video but I just had to share it. For those who have not, enjoy!!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/lmOUZQi_6Tw" width="420"></iframe> </div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-53153228963629722702011-11-22T21:27:00.000-05:002011-11-22T21:27:08.476-05:00Sometimes My Mantra Is More Dr. Seuss than Durga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA6ft2nEnQRjoRCOBn3YXbkLZO8jah6gPcl5kgYX5ki_hEEwv0L0A2PTCA8QLn4Pf0Iu-psQOnsf8pNyI5Vwi-VrL7mApi8jvOFN6mno0wEc1OuBjp0T2_IJb8RmOAFBfOUh4I5FaLag/s1600/CIMG5479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUA6ft2nEnQRjoRCOBn3YXbkLZO8jah6gPcl5kgYX5ki_hEEwv0L0A2PTCA8QLn4Pf0Iu-psQOnsf8pNyI5Vwi-VrL7mApi8jvOFN6mno0wEc1OuBjp0T2_IJb8RmOAFBfOUh4I5FaLag/s400/CIMG5479.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I was thinking a good deal about the yoga culture in the West, about travel, about illusion, about Self. Do we need to travel to far off places and exotic climes to find our true Self? As Hollywood as it was, the film Eat Pray Love did make me consider this question seriously. Ok so I do admit it was also a bit of joyous eye candy for me as I sat there in my pj's nursing my newborn daughter during my first viewing. But it made me question just the same. I was once a world traveler...South America, Europe, Mexico. I was once very active in the Integral Yoga Community nearby. My pace of life changed dramatically. I was more in my robe than my jeans. I was far less apt to brush my hair. I hardly had a minute to myself to shower, let alone consciously set my mat out or my meditation rug to fully concentrate on spiritual endeavors. So what then was my practice? Could I claim to be a practicing Yogini? </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This got me thinking. Perhaps thinking isn't the word, but feeling...trusting. It took a little time. It took a little forgiveness. But it came. Back to this in a moment.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No matter how rich one's spiritual life may be or how deep one may understand the little intricacies of the Self and it's illusions, there is often in human nature the inherent quality of questioning and comparison. It may be small, it may be fleeting, but it remains still in the mind. Oh our little chattering monkey mind! We look at the person next to us on the mat and know that yes, it is their personal and very unique journey that put them there in that time in space....but oh.....<i>look </i>at her crow pose! Or wow, he traveled far and wide, lived blissfully on the beach for two months and ate organic fruits and other raw delectables. Should I be doing something different? Maybe that brownie I had last night is affecting my practice, my mood, my very progress. Did I even check to see what was in the brownie before I ate it? </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So that little voice came to me one day as I browsed the web catching up on some of my favorite yoga blogs. That voice came to me- the questioning one which seemed to prompt this post and a full articulation of my thoughts. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I am not attending any far away retreats. I have not traveled far and wide to study with a famous yogi or yogini although I consider those I have studied with (loving disciples of Swami Satchidananda and Shree Ma) some of the most amazing practitioners and yogis I have ever met. I don't purchase special yoga clothes or mats or props. (Although I loooove to look at them.) I have not attended a yoga class since I gave birth to my daughter a year ago. Sometimes my mantra is more Dr. Seuss than Durga.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Instead, I pose when I can. I create malas in the precious time my daughter sleeps. I bless them and smile knowing that they will reach loving hands. Heck, I even get to meditate if my daughter remains sleeping! I kiss my babe's foot like the foot of a guru. I watch how she takes joy in the simplest tiniest of things and I make sure to learn from each precious moment. I teach her a mudra and how to say Om. I tweet and blog about Yoga and have met more great souls than I ever could have imagined out in cyber space. I chant and sing kirtan. I try and stay present. I breathe. I cultivate gratitude.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There will be a time where I will venture out again into the Yoga community. But I am left with the questions still.... and now an answer alongside it. Could I claim to be truly practicing, truly evolving in a rather insulated environment? Could I make these malas and spiritual items and be for real, be a representation of my true Self. Be contributing to the greater Consciousness?</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Yes!</b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
And so my thoughts go out to the yogis and yoginis on the fringe, to the mommas who don't have much time to do their hatha, to the students who don't have the money for classes or retreats. Yoga is everyday. Yoga is <i>life.</i> Yoga is the way you smile at a stranger. Yoga is the way you talk to your spouse, or your mom, or your dog. Yoga is how you prepare a meal, how you bathe, how you breathe. You practice everywhere, with everything.<br />
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Yoga is now. <i>You</i> are Yoga. And yes, you can claim it as your own. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Peace, Love and Light-</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">L</span>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-65294142511309293782011-11-20T21:01:00.000-05:002011-11-20T21:01:45.313-05:00Malas 101 - Part 2 - How to Use Your Mala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tyLPd8RyR0/Tsl4Qwdl2RI/AAAAAAAAASw/t2KZ0p8KWSc/s1600/CIMG4819.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9tyLPd8RyR0/Tsl4Qwdl2RI/AAAAAAAAASw/t2KZ0p8KWSc/s400/CIMG4819.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">If you have not meditated with a mala before and you would like to try, here are a few brief instructions on how to use your mala. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Hold your mala in your most comfortable or dominant hand. The mala should be held resting on your third finger and the beads "counted" with your thumb. The index finger should not touch the mala as it represents the "ego". And who wants that interfering with our practice! :) (If you would like to see some wonderfully detailed pictures illustrating this <a href="http://www.ponderingyogini.org/2011/11/mala-beads-101.html" target="_blank">click here</a> to visit one of my favorite yoga blogs.)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As you begin your mantra, draw the beads inward with your thumb for each recitation. Keep bringing the beads inward, thus bringing your concentration inward. When you have gone completely around the mala you will come to the center bead or "guru" bead. If you wish to continue and do another full mala, do not cross over the guru, but respectfully flip the mala around and begin again. (If you have a smaller mala such as a 54 or 27 bead mala, also make sure not to cross over the guru.)</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Malas are very personal items and may be used as you wish. The instructions above are the way I was introduced to meditating with a mala. I am very grateful to my teacher who has inspired me to work with these wonderful tools!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Some like to wear their malas as sacred jewelry to remind them of their intentions, others keep their mala tucked safely away in a pouch and only use it during their meditation practice. However you use your mala, I hope you enjoy it's benefits!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-75616860967580659412011-11-17T11:00:00.002-05:002011-11-17T11:00:01.164-05:00Malas 101 - Part 1 - Origin, Use and Variations<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Recently, I have been asked many questions concerning the nature of the mala. What are they used for? How many beads are there and why? How exactly do I use it during my meditation practice? These are all wonderful questions that I thought I might address here.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Malas are believed to originate in India around 500 B.C, or perhaps earlier. They are a set of a particular number of beads used to count repetitions of a mantra during meditation. They have been called many names such as worry beads, prayer beads or rosaries and have various traditions in many cultures. The malas I enjoy creating are of the Hindu tradition and are comprised of 108, 54, or 27 beads (54 and 27 being divisions of 108). A full mala is considered 108 beads and can be a wonderful tool to keep track of your mantra during meditation and aid you in focusing. Many believe it can enhance your meditation if your mala is created from certain gemstones, seeds, or wood. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are many theories as to why malas have the specific number of 108, some of which are fascinating! One of my favorites is that 1 stands for the Higher Power, 0 symbolizes emptiness and 8 represents infinity. Another explanation is that 108 is a harshad number, or number meaning "great joy". A harshad number is divisible by the sum of it's digits. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Here are some examples of malas that I have created with a varying number of beads.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>108 Bead Mala</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcRL43SsKv_WC_I5GZ1HLMm14i6fBpfO8mutddLaMyZxCYfOijoCmwASSc4szKlh88tDA_hJ_bZHP_C38H87DsG41CZ9OvQ-qxa8_jYXwluw3iY2JOyIU4odD_shwGKgJdn-efwuHKEQ/s1600/CIMG5188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipcRL43SsKv_WC_I5GZ1HLMm14i6fBpfO8mutddLaMyZxCYfOijoCmwASSc4szKlh88tDA_hJ_bZHP_C38H87DsG41CZ9OvQ-qxa8_jYXwluw3iY2JOyIU4odD_shwGKgJdn-efwuHKEQ/s320/CIMG5188.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Each mala will have a "guru" bead or center bead(s). This bead actually makes the mala 109 beads and it not technically "meditated on". It signals the end of the mala and can be used as a kind of marker, or stop for the finger to feel when you have reached the end. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>54 Bead Mala</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_iuNrEEp1s/TryL290iaLI/AAAAAAAAASY/MNfwCzsYP5U/s1600/CIMG3808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t_iuNrEEp1s/TryL290iaLI/AAAAAAAAASY/MNfwCzsYP5U/s320/CIMG3808.jpg" width="304" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This 54 bead mala will give you a compete mala after going around twice.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>27 Bead Mala</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Drm2d03MV1o/TryMOZJiAuI/AAAAAAAAASg/6yPxxIH-9S4/s1600/CIMG3018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Drm2d03MV1o/TryMOZJiAuI/AAAAAAAAASg/6yPxxIH-9S4/s320/CIMG3018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This 27 bead mala, or pocket mala is easy to carry with you anywhere. Pocket malas fit exactly there, in your pocket or bag! Four times around this mala will give you a full mala. </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There are as many options for malas as there are individuals! Each mala is very special to the one who uses it and it can feel like an old friend after diligent meditation. One should treat it will love, care and reverence as well enjoy it's beautiful effects! </div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I hope you will join me on my next post which will be a short introduction for beginners on how to use your mala</span>.Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-90156692975962658082011-11-16T15:31:00.000-05:002011-11-16T15:31:08.903-05:00Jai Ganesha! -The Handmade Yogini - Style Guide<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Ganesh has been understandably a favorite deity of many. His body is represented as half elephant, half human. Why the mix? Long story short it was cut off by Shiva (oops!) and replaced with the nearest sleeping elephant's. Thankfully he is in one peace ready to offer the removal of obstacles, be Lord of beginnings, as well as patron of the arts and sciences. Enjoy this little handmade tribute!</div><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Shops:</span> <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/celentanowoodworks?ref=seller_info">celentanowoodworks</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/showcase66?ref=seller_info">showcase66</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/avecjasmine?ref=seller_info">avecjasmine</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/divineplanet?ref=seller_info">divineplanet</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/blissfulturtle?ref=seller_info">blissfulturtle</a>, <span class="shopname wrap "></span><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/ElanButik?ref=seller_info">ElanButik </a>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-53168539301340373382011-11-13T10:00:00.004-05:002011-11-13T10:00:04.662-05:00Style Guide - Pure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/68796412/handmade-soap-lavender-bergamot-lemon" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://img3.etsystatic.com/il_570xN.221953291.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
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</div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-57272908985677297992011-11-09T20:35:00.002-05:002011-11-09T20:35:00.818-05:00Give Me Hand - An Introduction to Mudras by Meredith LeBlanc<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">One of the biggest dilemmas for me when I started my meditation practice was what to do with my hands. Should I fold them? Hold them? wave them? Should I scratch my ankle? Having a job for the hands keeps them from getting fidgety: enter the <i>mudra</i>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mudras are yoga asana, postures, for the hands and the aid us in fine tuning the energy in the body. Connecting with certain spots of the hands help to access specific areas of the physical body and the different energy centers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The most common mudra is jnana mudra; jnana means knowledge. The tips of the index finger and thumbs touch, middle, ring & pinkie extend, with the palms facing up. (The same position with the palms facing down is chin mudra.) Commonly depicted in yoga media, it is familiar and this the mudra I introduce first to students.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The thumb is the boss; it represents our big “S” self (divinity/higher power) and the macrocosm (external world). The index finger is the little ”s” self (the ego) and our microcosm (our internal world). By joining them we’re creating a circuit to balance that which is greater than ourselves with our material self, much like syncing your computer with your cell phone or iPod.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">To help newer meditation students to get to know their breath and get in touch with their hands I came up with simple 10 minute practice with jnana mudra and a knuckle breath count.</span><br />
<ol><li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Breaths per minute (BPM): using a timer set for one minute, count the breaths you take during a minute. The breaths should be natural not forced. Take an inhale and count on the exhale. (I like to repeat the process a total of 3 times and take an average of the 3 outcomes.)</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Find a comfortable seat. Place the right hand on the right thigh in jnana mudra, tips of index finger and thumbs touching, remaining fingers extended. Take a few cleansing breaths: deep inhale, exhale through the mouth.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Place the left hand on the thigh palm up. Bring the tip of the thumb to the first knuckle on the index finger closest to the palm (see knuckle marked #1 in the picture). Take your breathe per minute, BPM, on #1. Move the tip of the thumb to #2 knuckle (see picture!) and repeat your BPM. Continue to move the tip of the thumb around the knuckles clockwise as numbered up to #10.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Take a nice deep inhale in gratitude. Shake out the arms and legs. Stretch any way that feels natural. </span></li>
</ol><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This practice helps to train the mind to focus on the breath through counting and following the left hand knuckles, while the right hand in mudra brings balance into the body, mind, and spirit. It helps to remove the time pressure since you are acting as the timer rather than a clock you want to look at. If 10 minutes seems too much at first, try 5 ~ a few minutes is better than none.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Enjoy and breathe!</span><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Meredith LeBlanc </b>has been a yoga & meditation practioner since 1996. She expresses herself through The Pondering Yogini (<a href="http://www.ponderingyogini.org/">http://www.ponderingyogini.org/</a>) and The Scarlet Sutras (<a href="http://www.scarletssutras.org/">http://www.scarletssutras.org/</a>). She works as yoga teacher and also in an office keeping things running smoothly. She shares her life with her husband Mike and her pug Scarlet. She enjoys reading, beading, and gardening. Recently Meredith started taking Kundalini yoga classes and is thoroughly enjoying being a student of something new.</span></i></span>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-44466346853700197652011-11-06T10:00:00.021-05:002011-11-06T10:00:01.045-05:00The Handmade Yogini - Style Guide<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Welcome to the style guide portion of the blog where I share some of my favorite handmade shops and items that inspire, uplift, soothe and sanctify. Each style guide will be handpicked items creatively themed for your enjoyment. Have a handmade/local shop or just one that you love? Do share!</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Today's theme....</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">A Yogini in Autumn. </span></b></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A crisp wind. Colors of the Earth. A perfect time to dive deep within.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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</div>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-65609636482104760922011-11-02T10:00:00.001-04:002011-11-02T10:00:02.776-04:00Meet My Guru. She is Two and Half Feet Tall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx04JNerBEXTnE7FjwXhUj7WmcTt1b0RdK42HGmtohyphenhyphen3pRu5R-qGF-vp9-MbhLs_dbfphcltGMbWhi9xwKGi20zunBeF6ARYSsMjiu8Wo187VLQVbn5sAALBmfFQlqH4OBOjngUuxyko/s1600/GURU+feet.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUx04JNerBEXTnE7FjwXhUj7WmcTt1b0RdK42HGmtohyphenhyphen3pRu5R-qGF-vp9-MbhLs_dbfphcltGMbWhi9xwKGi20zunBeF6ARYSsMjiu8Wo187VLQVbn5sAALBmfFQlqH4OBOjngUuxyko/s400/GURU+feet.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I have never traveled to India. I have never intentionally saught the wisdom of a great sage. I was told that when the student is truly ready, the teacher will arrive. I waited patiently.....and she did. Mine arrived in the form of a tiny little Buddha not even three feet tall. That little Buddha is my daughter.</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The word guru can be translated as "the one who removes darkness".</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She has taught me:</div><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>To impart wisdom, one does does need the use of words. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>To lose all attachment to things. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>How to discard expectation, and that just about anything may happen in a day. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That each lesson is presented at exactly the right time, even if I don't consider it so. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>Compassion for all beings, no matter how small. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That wisdom has little to do with your time on this earth.</li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>The meaning of true love through selfless devotion. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That wonder can be found anywhere and in anything. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>The joy of giving all for the safety, happiness and health of another being. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>The beauty of offering my complete Self to each task I endeavor. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That the past should be immediately forgotten. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That the present is the most blissful place to be. </li>
</ul><ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><li>That each day is filled with the potential of sparkling miracles, if only I choose to truly look.</li>
</ul>Jewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6068338383132618069.post-32174119246202842492011-10-29T22:59:00.000-04:002011-10-29T22:59:00.071-04:00Welcome Back, Welcome Back<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/QVS3WNt7yRU" width="420"></iframe><br />
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At the encouragement of some wonderful fans, I have decided to restart this meandering little blog in the hopes of inspiring, uplifting, and perhaps entertaining you dear readers. <br />
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My last post was in the Summer of 2010 and only now do I endeavor to write again. Why, you ask? Fast forward to Oct 2010. See photo below and notice I am assisting her, only slightly of course, in the formation of her first mudra!<br />
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After giving birth to an amazing little yogini last year, (my guru as I refer to her) I have been attempting to figure out how to sustain this little being, continue my practice and create custom malas, yoga jewelry, clean my home, dress myself, brush my teeth and perform other normal human tasks that used to be quite simple. And so here I am again after an odd late night calling that told me blogging would be enjoyable and possible. And thanks to all who encouraged it!<br />
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What is in store? Interviews with some of my favorite yoginis and yogis, finding new and interesting organic fashion, yoga gift guides, updates on some of my most dear projects, giveaways and hopefully some surprises! Who is still with me?!<br />
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Peace and Light,<br />
LaurenJewels of Saraswatihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11460846138867000298noreply@blogger.com5