editorial
JULY-AUGUST 2024
Retailing Insight Magazine is a bimonthly trade magazine specializing in the conscious living retail market. The magazine is published exclusively for qualified retailers and small independent businesses in the United States. Our mission is to share one on business advice, product reviews, advertisement from top sellers and makers in the industry, and exclusive topics to help business continue to thrive.
Editorial
Roberta Gazzarolle
Art
Gisely Fernandes
Digital Media & Sales adsales@retailinginsight.com
Contributing Writers
Melinda Carver
Anna Comerford
Tracee Dunblazier
Dudley Evenson
Lana Gendlin
Margaret Ann Lembo
Karina Muller
Jacki Smith
Karen Stuth
©2024 New Way Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. ISSN 2372-7977. Volume 38/ Issue 4/ July-August 2024. The magazine is published bimonthly/ six times a year (January, March, May, July, September, November) by New Way Publishing, LLC.
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Retailing Insight Magazine is published by New Way Publishing, LLC. P.O. Box 12252 Charlotte, NC 28220 circ@retailinginsight.com
AUTHENTIC LIVING: A Spiritual Tool to Trust Your Intuition and Live Beyond Your Wildest Expectations
In the bustling cacophony of modern life, where societal pressures and expectations often dictate our actions, living authentically emerges as a beacon of light on the spiritual path. Authentic living isn’t merely a buzzword; it’s a profound commitment to aligning your actions, beliefs, and values with your true self. On the spiritual journey, this authenticity becomes not only important but essential for personal growth, fulfillment, and enlightenment.
Living authentically starts with knowing oneself deeply. It involves peeling off layers of societal conditioning, fears, and false identities to uncover the essence of who you truly are. This journey of self-discovery is typically not easy. It requires introspection, vulnerability, and a
willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. However, it is through this process that you unearth your unique gifts, passions, and purpose.
Authentic living fosters a profound sense of inner harmony. When your actions are in alignment with your core values and beliefs, you experience a deep sense of peace and contentment. There’s no inner conflict between who you are and who you pretend to be for the sake of others or societal norms. This inner harmony permeates every aspect of your life, enhancing your relationships, career, and overall well-being, and has a profound effect on those around you.
We are all intuitive beings. Intuition, our innate superpower, is the compass that guides us through life’s complexities. Unlike our conscious
About the Authors: Lana Gendlin and Karina Muller are co-founders of HeartCentric, whose mission is to empower people to connect to their inner wisdom and trust themselves with the help of a pendulum. They are both former business executives who listened to their intuitive guidance and became certified life coaches and entrepreneurs. They’ve helped thousands discover the power of working with a pendulum through coaching, speaking engagements, and volunteer events. Their book Pendulums & Intuition: Practical Advice for Trusting Your Inner Wisdom is a resource on pendulums, how to care for them, and how to apply them to your everyday life. To know more, please visit: www.hcdivinecreations.com or www.heartcentriccoaching.com
Connect with Your Inner Wisdom
Karina Muller and Lana Gendlin Foreword by Shelley A. Kaehr, PhD $17.99 • Paperback • 9780738776095 •
mind, which relies on evidence and logical reasoning, intuition taps into the boundless wisdom of our subconscious mind. It’s the silent whisper that helps us make decisions aligned with our highest good and the key that unlocks hidden potentials beyond the horizon of our conscious awareness. In a world fi lled with noise and distraction, our intuition offers us guidance in times of need. Embracing our intuition is not just a choice; it’s a recognition of our divinity and a celebration of the extraordinary power that resides within each of us.
Many of our clients and customers share they have a difficult time trusting their intuition. Why? As much as we all share the commonality of having intuition, the contrast is that we also have an ego that lives within us. By design, our ego’s objective is to keep us feeling small, living in fear, and doubting ourselves. While its purpose may be to protect us, when we allow our ego to have a stronger voice than our intuition, we lose our authenticity and our opportunity to live in joy.
How do we direct our ego to step aside and trust what our intuition is telling us? In our quest to understand ourselves and the deep mysteries of life, we often seek tools for assistance. While there are many intuitive tools available, our preferred tool, which has been utilized for centuries, is the pendulum. Whether
seeking clarity about personal matters, making decisions, or connecting with higher realms, the pendulum is a powerful and personal guidance assistant in deciphering the subtle language of our intuition and our connection to a higher path. Over the years, we have made this tool a core staple of our lives and coaching practice. We love to share knowledge about the value this tool offers as you navigate your spiritual path toward self-empowerment.
What is a Pendulum
Pendulums are weighted tools that work with your energy to access your subconscious mind. They provide answers to your questions quickly and visually by moving in a specific direction for “Yes” and another direction for “No.” These ancient tools, traditionally used in dowsing to locate water or minerals, are still used today for accessing intuitive guidance and insights, among many other purposes.
A pendulum is a perfect tool for tapping into our intuitive wisdom. As we hold the pendulum in our hands and pose questions, its movements become a visual representation of the subtle energies at play within us. Through this process, we bypass the noise of the conscious mind and access the deeper realms of intuition with clarity and precision. The pendulum acts as a bridge between the conscious and subconscious, allowing us to access insights, truths, and guidance. We prefer this tool over others.
Life throws us many challenges, setbacks, and unexpected twists. These experiences are designed to teach us the lessons we are meant to learn. As humans, we are emotional beings, making it stressful to navigate life’s ups and downs. However, when you live authentically, you navigate these hurdles with grace and resilience.
Your sense of self is not dependent on random circumstances, others’ opinions, and external validation. Instead, you draw strength from your inner core, trusting your innate wisdom and intuition for guidance.
Authenticity bears authenticity. When you show up as your true self, you invite others to do the same. This fosters deep, meaningful connections built on trust, vulnerability, and mutual respect. At the heart of the spiritual journey lies the quest for meaning and purpose. Living authentically is intricately linked to fulfilling your soul’s purpose. When you align your actions with your true essence, you naturally gravitate towards endeavors that bring you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of contribution to the greater good. Your life becomes a testament to authenticity, inspiring others to embark on their journey of self-discovery and fulfillment.
In a world that constantly pulls us in myriad directions, living authentically is not just a choice but a sacred responsibility on the spiritual journey. It is a courageous act of self-love and self-expression, an unwavering commitment to honoring the divine essence within. As you embark on this journey of authenticity, may you find the courage to shed the layers of illusion and embrace the radiant truth of who you are. A pendulum is the perfect tool to help you tap into your authenticity. When you live authentically, you unlock the boundless potential of your soul and illuminate the path to your enlightenment— beyond your wildest expectations, hopes, and dreams.
" Life throws us many challenges, setbacks, and unexpected twists. These experiences are designed to teach us the lessons we are meant to learn. As humans, we are emotional beings, making it stressful to navigate life’s ups and downs. However, when you live authentically, you navigate these hurdles with grace and resilience."
Business & mar Ket ing
Customer-Centric Strategies: BUILDING LOYALTY IN THE NEW RETAIL ERA
In the past five years, the retail landscape has undergone a metamorphosis, with customers embracing online shopping like never before. But fear not, for as an independent store owner, you possess the power to create an in-store experience so extraordinary that it will lure even the most devoted online shoppers back into your enchanting realm. In this article, we’ll embark on a four-step quest to help you rediscover and amplify your store’s unique superpower, crafting an irresistible customer experience that will make your store the talk of the town!
Before we dive into our four-step journey, let’s acknowledge the ‘elephant’ in the room: the seismic shift in customer behavior brought about by the pandemic. Online shopping has increased tremendously with customers relishing the convenience and safety of purchasing from the comfort of their own homes. However, this doesn’t mean that brickand-mortar stores are doomed to extinction! In fact, many customers are yearning for the tactile, immersive experiences that only physical stores can provide.
About the Author: Jacki Smith is the co-owner of Coventry Creations. Her passion for personal empowerment and small business has been the driving force in her success and her journey of lifelong learning. Jacki is a regular contributor to the magazine and loves sharing her experience, successes, and cautionary tales.
Here are some of the reasons why people return to stores:
The Human Touch:
Customers crave personal interactions and the warmth of a friendly face, something that online shopping simply can’t replicate.
Community Connection:
Local stores offer a sense of belonging and the opportunity to support the community, fostering a deeper emotional connection with customers.
Now that we understand the challenges and opportunities of the postpandemic retail world, let’s embark on our four-step journey to creating an unforgettable customer experience!
STEP 1
Uncover Your Store’s Secret Identity
Sensory Delights:
From the scent of a new book to the texture of a luxurious fabric, in-store experiences engage all the senses, creating lasting memories.
Every superhero has an origin story, and your store is no different. It’s time to put on your detective hat and uncover what makes your retail haven extraordinary. Ask yourself:
1. What was the spark that ignited your passion for opening your store?
2. What hidden gems set your product selection apart from the rest?
3. How do you want your customers to feel when they step into your retail wonderland?
4. What do you value? What qualities, attributes, and experiences are most important to you and your customers?
STEP 2
Create an In-Store Experience That’s Pure Magic
Now that you’ve discovered your store’s secret identity, it’s time to wave your wand and bring that vision to life. Here are some enchanting strategies to create an in-store experience that’s nothing short of magical:
1. Curate a product selection that’s simply spellbinding, with a mix of unique, high-quality items that will leave customers in awe. Focus on your store’s superpowers and go deep into that experience.
2. Conjure up an inviting atmosphere with the perfect mix of lighting, music, and decor that will make your customers feel like they’ve stepped into a retail paradise. Zero in on how your aesthetics tell the story of business and highlight your secret identity.
3. Provide service so exceptional, your customers will think you’ve read their minds! Greet them with a smile, offer spot-on recommendations, and go the extra mile to grant their every wish. Know and catalog the substitutions for items you don’t carry or have in stock with items within reach. Advise on this with confidence and certainty.
Instant Gratification:
There’s something magical about fi nding the perfect item and taking it home the same day, without the need to wait for shipping.
Take a moment to ponder these questions and uncover the essence of your store’s secret identity. Your one-of-akind blend of products, atmosphere, and personal touch will be the foundation for your customer experience masterpiece.
4. Engage the senses like a true wizard! Offer tantalizing product samples, host live demonstrations that will leave them spellbound, and create interactive displays that encourage customers to touch, feel, and fall in love with your products.
STEP 3
Forge Unbreakable Bonds with Your Customers
In a world of online shopping and giant retailers, the personal touch of an independent store is your secret weapon. Here’s how to create connections that will make your customers feel like they’re part of your store’s inner circle:
1. Become a master of names and preferences, making each customer feel like the VIP they truly are.
2. Share your store’s epic tale, giving customers a behind-the-scenes look at the passion and inspiration that fuels your retail adventure.
3. Bring customers together with instore events that are nothing short of legendary, from workshops and trunk shows to charity galas that will make them feel like they’re part of something extraordinary.
4. Seek out feedback like a treasure hunter and use it to make your store even more magical. Your customers will be thrilled to know their opinions are the secret ingredient in your success potion!
STEP 4
Shout Your Store’s Awesomeness from the Rooftops
You’ve created an experience that’s the stuff of retail legends, now it’s time to let the world know! Here’s how to spread the word about your store’s unique identity:
1. Harness the power of social media to showcase your products, share behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, and engage with your fans. Encourage customers to become part of your store’s online story by tagging you in their posts and sharing their magical experiences.
2. Join forces with local influencers who are as passionate about your brand as you are. Invite them to experience your store’s wonder firsthand and let them spread the love to their followers.
3. Participate in community events and fairs, where you can introduce your store to a whole new audience of potential brand ambassadors. Use these opportunities to showcase your unique products and share your store’s incredible journey.
4. Reward your most loyal customers with exclusive perks, discounts, and experiences that will make them feel like the heroes they are. A simple loyalty program can work wonders in turning casual shoppers into lifelong fans.
You now hold the secrets to creating an unforgettable customer experience that will make your independent store a beacon of joy in the postpandemic retail world. By uncovering your store’s secret identity, crafting a magical in-store experience, forging unbreakable bonds with your customers, and shouting your awesomeness from the rooftops, you’ll create a retail adventure that will remind shoppers of the irreplaceable magic of in-person shopping.
Your unique customer experience is your store’s superpower, and it’s more important than ever in this new era. Embrace it, nurture it, and watch as it transforms your business into a retail success story that will inspire and delight customers for years to come. Now go forth and make the postpandemic retail world a more enchanting place, one unforgettable customer experience at a time!
MEDITATION & TECHNOLOGY
Let’s talk about meditation, a practice that is thousands of years old and is common worldwide. Many people today have a meditation practice of some kind but often even people engaged in a regular practice can’t truly define what meditation is. Among people who not yet explored a meditation practice, there can often be a set of limiting beliefs that you must sit for hours in an uncomfortable position while trying not to think a single thought, perhaps while burning incense and wearing special robes! Today, the practice of meditation is as diverse as it has ever been, and people are adapting their practice to their own lifestyle and needs, including the use of technology.
And that’s a good thing, because meditation has different uses and
benefits for different people. At its core I think of meditation as a practice to clear or focus your mind with resulting mental, physical, emotional and spiritual benefits. Meditation can offer us a brief respite from our cares and concerns, give us a moment of pause in an otherwise busy life, offer us an avenue to get in touch with our emotions or feelings around an issue, and for many provide a gateway to receiving communication from whatever is transcendent for them. The sense of both relief and renewal that daily meditation offers keeps me coming back to my meditation chair each day, a place where I know I can fully decompress even in only 10 or 20 minutes.
Modern science, especially in the past several decades, has engaged in many studies about the substantial
About the Author: Karen Stuth is the co-owner of Satiama LLC, which includes Satiama Publishing, Satiama Writers Resources, and Magical Plant Publishing. She is the author of The Wisdom of Tula Cards, A Speckled Stone, and a co-creator of Quintangled: A Game of Strategy, Choice & Destiny.
benefits of a regular meditation practice: relaxation, stress relief, brain health, and even as a tool for overcoming addiction, and more. The benefits of meditation are very individual and often change the longer an individual engages in the practice.
How Do I Begin?
For many years I held a meditation group in my home where members would come once a week to meditate together. I found those groups to powerfully expand my meditation practice, perhaps because of the shared energy in the room, and also because we found that meditating as a group, we received very similar messages or information, which we would offer and discuss afterward.
But you don’t need a group to meditate or even a teacher. You only need your own breath. I often tell people wanting to meditate for the first time to simply follow your breath in and out for 30 cycles, trying to continuously lengthen your exhale to be longer than your inhale. This slows your heart rate and calms your nervous system. Some use a counting system, such as breathing in to the count of four, sometimes holding your breath for the count of five, and then breathing out to the count of six. If you find yourself thinking about something else other than
following your breath, just acknowledge it gently as ‘thinking’ and move back to focusing on your breath. In a nutshell, that is the core of the practice. And it truly is a practice, and one at which you will get better and better over time, with longer expanses of focusing on your breath without intruding thoughts.
Use of Sound in Meditation Practice
But there are many ways to meditate, and no right or wrong way, no set of rules or requirements and each practitioner can find their own methodology or path. Today, technology, the internet and a considerable number of tech-based tools often attract meditators who want to incorporate modern technology with a centuriesold practice. For example, you can engage in meditation in full silence, which many find the least distracting. But others like to use sound to draw them deeper into a meditative space. Hemi-Sync music, short for hemispheric synchronization, is a patented audio technology developed by the Monroe Institute. It helps the listener to safely alter his or her brain waves with multi-layered patterns of sound frequencies. When you hear these through stereo headphones or speakers, your brain responds by producing a third sound (called a binaural beat) that encourages the desired brain wave activity.
The Monroe Institute offers a large library of hemi-sync recordings for both inexperienced and highly experienced meditators. There is also a large volume of available meditation recordings, varying from music to sounds that can help you to relax, to realign your chakras, or to engage various parts of the brain. A simple Google search to find ‘recordings or sound for meditation’ will yield a wealth of resources, many of them free. Some will offer singing bowl or
crystal bowl recordings, the sound of which can change your physical frequency, helping you to move to a higher vibration or frequency with considerable and very positive results. Often by beginning your meditation using music of some type, meditators find that once the music ends, the resulting silence is a deeper and more meaningful experience for them.
Guided Meditations
Another use of sound in meditation is through employing guided meditation recordings, where a meditation guide talks you through a meditative experience. Simply relax and breathe deeply and then turn on the guided meditation. Often people who have not used guided meditations find them surprisingly beneficial, especially when they are feeling especially anxious or turbulent and need some extra help to find their focus. Guided meditations are very useful especially for new meditators, as the meditation guide’s voice provides a focal point, and is meant to replace your own thinking with the sound of their voice. Satiama Publishing (www. satiamapublishing.com) offers a free virtual meditation hall of guided meditation recordings by some of today’s top spiritual leaders on their website so you can find and use a different one daily according to your purpose or need. Many meditators also find that recordings of chanting, affirmations and/or mantras to be equally useful and work in largely the same way as guided meditation recordings.
Toning as a Meditation Tool
And then there is vocal toning and humming – using your own voice to create sound which often is in harmony with and creates a stabilizing
force within your own body. Many use toning as a prelude to silent meditation. Simply choose a vowel sound – ah, eh, uh, oh or aum – and repeatedly tone that vowel sound using the same note. The vagus nerve runs through your next and close to your vocal cords and helps to regulate your nervous system. But toning and humming can also increase the nitrous oxide levels in your body, which can slow your body down –your brain, your heart rate, and some say even your blood pressure. Toning or humming requires no recordings or special equipment and can even help you to relax yourself into sleep. It is again a prelude to finding your way to silence in your meditation practice.
How Should I Sit to Meditate?
Although beginning meditators find they prefer to practice meditating in a quiet place, experienced meditators often say that following a dedicated practice of months or years they can meditate anywhere and in any position. And there truly is no “right” position in sit with on those for any length of time now that I have a pair of arthritic knees. I have purchased a comfy overstuffed chair for my meditation room. Still others believe they can meditate best lying down, finding that to be a position of complete relaxtion and surrender.
Walking Meditation
Many meditators also enjoy walking meditation, where your focal point is simply picking up your foot and putting it down, bringing the meditator into the fully present moment and eventually blocking out all thoughts other than lifting one foot, placing it down, and then repeating with the other foot. It is a form of mindfulness meditation practiced all over the
world, as it involves doing something that we do automatically and without thought. In meditation, slowly and deliberately bringing your attention to your feet and the ground below, similar to following your breath, blocks out other distracting thoughts as it requires your full attention to simply taking another step.
Other Tools for Meditation
Many beginning meditators find the use of noise-blocking headphones or ear buds aids them considerably in reducing external stimuli. There are also meditation timers, headbands to help train your brain for mindfulness by giving you sound cues of the electrical activity (EEG) of your brain while you meditate, devices to plug into your computer to monitor your brain activity, phone apps with a wide menu of recordings and other offerings, and even meditation videos to change or enhance brain wave activity. Today’s technology provides meditators at every level with new and interesting tools which can shape or expand your meditation practice.
If you don’t already engage in a meditation practice, I encourage those readers to give it a try. Meditation is a truly an ongoing practice, and one that can span a lifetime. As you become more proficient you might find that it has become essential to your daily life the same as food, water, and air.
INSPIRATIONAL SIDELINES:
ANIMALS, ARCHANGELS, DEITIES, AND SAINTS
Statues are a great addition to your product mix. Statuary offers a unique selling point with its wide range of price points, from as low as $5 to as high as $150 and up. This variety allows you to cater to customers with different budgets, increasing your potential customer base. Most statues are made of resin, but the hand-carved teak pieces, though slightly more expensive, offer a unique touch to your offerings, attracting customers looking for something special. Consider stocking diverse statues, focusing on the mid-price range of $60 or less, as these tend to sell more quickly.
About the Author: Margaret Ann Lembo is an award-winning author, aromatherapist, and the owner of The Crystal Garden – the conscious living store of the Palm Beaches established in 1988 – celebrating 36 years. Margaret Ann is the author of Animal Totems and the Gemstone Kingdom, The Essential Guide to Crystals, Minerals and Stones, The Essential Guide to Everyday Angels, Archangels and Gemstone Guardians Cards, and many more books and decks on gemstones, angels, aromatherapy, and the power of positive thought. Margaret Ann’s next book is The Essential Guide to Archangels and Saints, published by Llewellyn Worldwide (December 2024). Find out more about Margaret Ann at www.thecrystalgarden.com and www.margaretannlembo.com
ANIMALS
Animals like cats, frogs, elephants, and owls are collectibles and are popular for gift ideas. Gemstone animals come in many choices. From miniatures to larger statues, they come in amethyst, green aventurine, jade, malachite, and many other minerals. The miniatures are favorites for children, though adults gravitate to the little gemstone carvings of animals just as much. Many people have experienced the animal kingdom through cartoons and comics. As adults, customers want to connect with their animal totem for selfempowerment. For example, a rose quartz cat can represent comfort, flexibility, and love, while a tiger’s eye owl represents paying attention so you can see, hear, and know while feeling protected and safe.
THE GARDEN
Garden statuary is another good cross-sell, especially in the spring and summer when people spend more time outdoors. Dragons and fairies are favorites. Most of these statues are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Dragons symbolize good fortune, power, and strength— some the placement of a dragon as a feng shui cure. A fairy statue can help you remember to step outside and connect with the forces of nature.
EASTERN INFLUENCES
Deity statues from Buddhist and Hindu traditions are not just popular
but perennial favorites. For instance, the Buddha meditating statue is a consistent best-seller, symbolizing peace and tranquility. The elephantheaded deity Ganesha is highly sought-after as the Destroyer of Obstacles and the Bringer of Blessings. Kuan Yin statues are also popular with their message of compassion and kindness. She is often depicted with a vase holding the tears of humanity, a poignant symbol for many. By stocking these popular items, you can tap into a steady market demand and potentially increase your sales.
HEAVENLY HELPERS
Other best-sellers include angels,
popular and in high demand. When merchandising them on your store’s shelves, angels and archangels pair well with saint statues. Offer various options for customers with varied interests and spiritual backgrounds. Customers setting up an altar or sacred space in their homes favor angels, archangels, and saints, ensuring a steady market for these items.
EVERYDAY ANGELS
Angel statues, such as guardian angels or beautiful flowing beings with wings, bring comfort and a heavenly vibration to any home or office. Gemstone angels are extremely popular at The Crystal Garden. These carvings come in most gemstones, including amethyst, black obsidian, black tourmaline, green aventurine, howlite, jade, red jasper, selenite, and unakite. The two-inch sizes are the most popular, though they come in various heights from three-quarters of an inch to six inches.
Your Guardian Angel is always available and ready to act upon your request. Remember to ask your Guardian Angel for their help. The most popular guardian angel statue depicts an angel walking a little girl and a little boy over a bridge. This statue is great as a gift for newborn gifts or christenings.
ARCHANGELS
Archangel statues are beautiful. Archangels are messenger angels of high rank. They are beings of love and light with designated responsibilities to guide and assist us here on Earth. Archangels Michael, Raphael, Gabriel, and Uriel are best sellers. Archangel Metatron is also very popular.
Archangel Michael is often portrayed with armor, a round shield, and a sword to ward off negative people and situations. Customers want this statue for protection. This archangel is the most requested in all types of merchandise.
In most traditions, Archangel Raphael is the archangel responsible for healing and good health. Archangel Raphael provides healing support for any discomfort on all levels – mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Customers want this statue to help with health issues.
Archangel Gabriel is a divine oracle well-known for announcing the birth of Jesus Christ. Archangel Gabriel opens your spiritual ears to hear messages and guidance, often through symbols and dreams. Customers want this statue to help them improve their intuition.
Archangel Uriel is strong and powerful. Uriel deals with our ideas and creativity. Archangel Uriel reminds humankind of the importance of planetary citizenship and stewardship and is the angel of natural phenomena like storms, volcanoes, and earthquakes.
Customers want this statue to help empower themselves and easily set healthy boundaries.
Archangel Metatron was originally known as Enoch. Enoch rose to an angelic status when he went to heaven like his twin brother, Archangel Sandalphon (Elijah). Meta- tron is the name that Enoch
received after his transformation into an angel. Customers call on Archangel Metatron to receive and transcribe messages from high spiritual teachers and recognize messages from the Akashic Records. Customers want this statue to help elevate their consciousness and see life from a greater perspective.
SAINTS
Popular saint statues are Saint Christopher, Saint Joseph, and Saint Jude. Saint Christopher is most wellknown as the saint to call on for safety while traveling. He is usually
depicted as a giant with a child on his shoulder. Saint Joseph Statues are popular for helping people sell their homes. We carry the home selling kit, which includes instructions on how to place the statue to ensure a swift sale. Saint Jude is the saint of hopeless causes and is invoked when you feel that resolution is impossible.
Mother Mary was the mother of Jesus and the wife of Saint Joseph. Mother Mary emulates motherhood, purity, modesty, faith, and love. She is well known for many appearances worldwide after her death, often with the message to pray. Pray for yourself. Pray for each other. Pray for peace. Pray for the entire world.
Statuary brings the vibration of a sanctuary to any home or office, making it a must-have for many customers. Incorporate these statues throughout your shelves by color matching or the concept of the display. Shelf talkers for the statues inspire customers while browsing for gifts for themselves and others. Consider a label tied to the larger statues so customers can see the price without moving the object. By stocking these versatile items, you can cater to a wide range of customer preferences and increase your sales.
Empowering Devic Messages
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THE SECRET PATH TO INNER WISDOM & BRAIN MAGIC
Iremember when I was a school teacher. I had a very active class of 4 and 5 year-olds. My senior teacher said it was a challenging combination of children. So true. Nothing like a good challenge to help one stretch and grow. Little did I know that, by the end of the year, the rewards were going to be huge.
With some changes in routines, and a few bumps along the way, shifts started to happen. I introduced these precious children to stillness, slow breathing and
About the Author: Anna Comerford is an award-winning psychic medium who appeared on Psychic TV Australia. She was awarded the Australian Psychic of the Year in 2017 & Best Psychic Mentor in 2023. Anna is a spiritual teacher who uses tarot, numerology, palmistry and spirit guides to give readings and healings that are meaningful and powerful. Anna has bachelor degrees in Education and Health Science. She works as a hypnotherapist, naturopath, Reiki master, crystal healer, yoga teacher, coach and intuitive astrologer. Anna Comerford is the author of Palmistry, The Spiritual Guidebook , and the Palmistry Flashcards. You can fi nd her online at www.annacomerford.com
calm. Initially some would roll on the floor, while other kids would sit in meditation pose (palms up on knees) stating “this is what my mum does.”
I slowly increased our tranquil time each week, and they magically became quieter and quieter – even the more restless kids. Their concentration, focus and behaviour improved. I was in awe of the power of meditation, stillness and silence. Neuroplasticity wins again – yes, the brain is capable of change. It just needs the right tools and practise.
At the end of the year concert, the children did their singing, movement and dancing. The kids also showed their ability to go into serene mindfulness. The energy was magnificent! The whole room felt like it became one expansive vibration of oneness. The busyness of the end of year had allowed us a window of time, to drop into this place of peace. Several parents came up to me later saying how they were surprised the children could sit so quietly and harmonious for that long. A grandparent exclaimed, “I’ve never seen young children do that before – how did you do that!”
We are all capable of training our mind to allow it to simply be. It is true that our mind needs activity, creativity and spontaneity, yet deep reflection is an important part of keeping us fi ring along nicely in life. Science states the brain does in fact change with meditation & mindfulness. A secret I discovered was that long term meditation (even short regular intervals) builds cosmic life force in the body and mind.
Through this practice I was able to open my third eye, and I realised I could see visions and images. It’s exciting to see other people also notice this happening. Mini exercises are all that’s required to allow the higher dimensions to connect to one’s Soul.
I still teach meditation and awareness practices and provide client sessions to guide people towards spiritual awakening. Over decades of practice, I learned what works for me and maybe through my sharing you will fi nd some aspects that work for you to.
My day starts early. Like most people, I need to set an alarm. The temptation to snooze just a bit longer can be a hurdle, but when I hear that alarm, I know the day has started. I am excited to meet it and my clients with all the enthusiasm and positivity of new opportunity.
First thing I do after I wake up is a peaceful meditation. This simple meditation brings energy into my body, chakras and soul. I close my eyes and draw deep breathes in with my diaphragm, envisioning cosmic light entering my soul to guide me through the day.
Meditation is a practice that allows me to BE. It settles my scattered mind that just wants to eat, check schedules and tidy up. Meditation opens my heart so I can be free, centred and calm. With it I can focus on what is really important. This helps me in my sessions to be in my true soul state, which is loving, kind, compassionate and empathic, and less in my human ego state of comparing and analysing. In this way the best part of me can show up to be real, purposeful and present. This is a gift that I not only give to my clients, but also to myself.
Even when I work with clients, I use meditation as an important tool. The practice allows them to go to places we never thought they would. Through mediation we can explore the deep crevices and the hidden shadows that are just waiting for light. I also use reiki healing and the power of crystal energy to create a sacred space where the issue, the energy, and the body can meet. Through these practices the body and soul can be made ready to drive out its pain and confusion and charge into a new adventure!
It is important to remember that meditation can happen anywhere, and it doesn’t need to take so much time. “But Anna”, many clients say, “I can’t meditate – my head is too busy!”. When this arises, I suggest holding a crystal or pendant, which can help focus one’s attention and calm the mind. I also emphasize the importance of making yourself as comfortable as possible. There is no perfect position for meditation so do what feels natural – be seated on your favourite chair or sofa, lie down, or even prop yourself under a tree on a sunny day.
When guiding meditation, I start by asking the client to close their eyes. I remind them that any and all thoughts are welcome. Next, I relax my eyes and let go. The cosmos delivers to me the images and visions needed to provide comfort and clarity. I say them out loud without fear or second guessing. It is so important to trust that the cosmos is wise beyond our knowledge. After a few moments of silence their eyelids open. I notice a renewed vibrancy and twinkle in their eyes, the eyes of a deeply relaxed face.
Remember to be in awe of the beauty of life and the ease at which people can heal, release, let go or not let go. Indeed, some are ready. Yet for others they need time to marinate, to ponder, to wait till the next step is ready for the next wonderful encounter. When you are tuned in and open to cosmic light you realize that indeed all is divine, and all is magic!
Here Is a Simple Mediation to Awaken the Light in Your Soul
Imagine the planet earth floating in this huge cosmos of ours.
Send rays of healing light to planet earth.
Call on the energy of the crystal kingdom to enhance these rays of light.
Go to your home and send healing energy to your home, family & community.
Bring this divine energy into your heart, body and soul.
Breathe in & out. As you relax, go deeper & deeper.
May the path you walk, be perfect for your growth, healing and purpose.
Here Is a Simple Meditation to Open Your Third Eye
Sit or lie down.
Breathe in and out of your body –several times.
Relax even more deeply.
Breathe up to your forehead.
Breathe into the space in between your eyebrows, where your third eye lives.
Ask your body/soul to activate your third eye.
Ask that any colours, visions or insights come to you now (or later in a dream, or as a feeling, a knowing).
Never forget, you are a divine being of the cosmos that is greatly loved. You possess spiritual gifts and they are yours to activate, if you so wish. You are indeed greatly loved.
Sharing Peace tHrouGH M usic
By Dudley Evenson
QUIETING THE MONKEY MIND: HOW TO MEDITATE WITH MUSIC
In the early 1970s when Dean Evenson and I were first discovering meditation and yoga, we had a visit from some roving Jehovah’s Witnesses who were passing out their literature. The topic of meditation came up and we expressed our enthusiasm about its possibilities. We mentioned how great it was to learn how to clear our mind and let go of our negative thoughts. Our visitors, on the other hand, were horrified and said that an “empty mind” would allow the devil to come in. That idea surprised us as we felt we already had that pesky
monkey disturbing our inner peace, and we wanted to get it out!
Our experience had been that with the yoga postures, mindful breathing, and meditation, for the first time, we felt like we were putting our whole body/being into a state of prayer. We had a sense that through quieting our minds we were able to attain a deeper and more direct spiritual experience. That visit from the Witnesses also confirmed for us that back then people had very different perceptions of meditation from ours.
About the Authors: Dean and Dudley Evenson are award-winning sound healing pioneers and videographers who co-founded their record label Soundings of the Planet in 1979 to share their mission of Peace Through Music. In addition to their music, videos, blog, and podcast, they have published two books on music and meditation Quieting the Monkey Mind and A Year of Guided Meditations. Learn more at www.soundings.com.
Fortunately, things have evolved over the past half century, and now many more people across the globe are opening to the health and spiritual benefits of meditation.
Our awakening continued when in 1979 we founded our record label Soundings of the Planet to share our mission of Peace Through Music. We sold our fi rst five cassette tapes at our local swap meet and because we were selling directly to the public, we received immediate feedback on the music. Week after week, customers would come back to our booth and tell us how the music was beneficial to them, especially in the areas of meditation, massage, yoga, and relaxation. We were thrilled to receive such positive feedback and became curious to understand the factors that enabled music to be such
a support in the meditation process. It put us on a lifetime path to unveil the mysterious relationship of music and meditation.
Listening to
recorded
music
is a simple way to slow down the busy mind and settle into a meditative state.
In our quest to understand, we learned from Indian yogis, Tibetan lamas, Zen monks, rabbis, ministers, and Native American medicine people. We looked at scientific studies and gleaned information from personal experience. Based on our research and long history in the field, we brought together what we had learned into a comprehensive program that could be shared. For many years, Dean and I traveled the country teaching on the subject. Our workshops were fun and interactive involving both listening to music as well as self-generated music such as vocal toning, humming, chanting, drumming, affi rmations, kirtan, and mantra. Eventually we decided to publish those ideas and although we travel less these days, the information we have gleaned is easily accessible in our fi rst book Quieting the Monkey Mind: How to Meditate with Music.
Listening to recorded music is a simple way to slow down the busy mind and settle into a meditative state. For instance, when you play peaceful music in the background, you can use the slow pace of the music to regulate your breathing to match the slow pace of the music. As you try to calm and quiet yourself, most likely you will notice a vast array of thoughts proceeding across the wide inner screen of your mind. What do you do with these thoughts? You can let their random interplay be a disturbing undercurrent of your life, or you can decide to clear them out by focusing on your breath and the music. Through meditation, your goal is to slow down and gradually minimize this parade of thoughts.
I speak about many forms of self-generated musical experiences in other articles, but for now, we’ll look at aspects to consider when choosing recorded music as background for your meditation. Keep in mind these simple principles:
• Slow rhythms entrain bodily systems (heartbeat, pulse, digestive system, respiratory, muscles) to a more natural rhythm.
• Natural sounds (if present) give a sense of peace.
• Tones are nurturing, clear, warm, and gentle.
• Pace is slow but with a sense of joy and beauty.
• Music doesn’t have hooks and repeated refrains that engage the mind.
• Instrumental music or wordless vocals work best.
• Feeling is more like nature, flowing.
• Sub-audio frequencies (if present) entrain brainwaves to Alpha or Theta state.
• Intention of both musician and listener is important.
Each person is unique in their taste of music, especially since music is an art form that deals with feelings and emotions as well as physical entrainment. Fortunately, each meditator gets to be their own DJ and curate a perfect soundtrack for the quality of experience they are aiming for. A Peace Through Music playlist comes in many forms.
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Carddecks
MEDITATING WITH THE ORACLES
Expanding Knowledge for Your Customers’ Body, Mind & Spirit
Meditation opens the floodgates to Consciousness. Seekers may add a unique layer by utilizing divination artwork to deepen their connection for higher awareness and resonance. Your customers seek an easier understanding of one’s body, heart and soul. Assist them forward on their conscious journey with these holistic oracles.
ASCENSION ORACLE: CONNECT TO YOUR SACRED LIGHT
By Nari Anastasia
Published by Rockpool Publishing
ISBN: 9781922785572
36 Cards, 104-Page Guidebook
$24.95
Anastasia’s channeled imagery and messages encourage the seeker to expand their consciousness to the next level. The softly drawn art features beings and sacred symbols. The book includes card descriptions, famous quotes and exercises. Energy practitioners and students will gain higher resonance with this deck!
About the Author: Melinda Carver is a spiritual business expert and an award-winning author, psychic medium and speaker. She has appeared on TV, radio, podcasts, corporate events, expos and stores. She is the president of the Church of Radiant Lights located in Cleveland, OH. To know more, visit www.melindacarver.com
THE HEART PATH ORACLE CARDS: MIRACULOUS MESSAGES OF LOVE
By Nadine Gordon-Taylor
Published by Bear & Company
ISBN: 9781591433903
53 Cards, 120-Page Guidebook $23.95
Gordon-Taylor opens a gateway to your heart to fi nd emotional patterns and self love. Her artwork features imagery of animals, plants, symbols and mythology. She urges the seeker to align with loving energies for emotional healing. Share this deck with heartbroken customers for their emotional healing.
BODY HEALING CARDS
By Ewal Kliegel,
by Anne Heng
Published by Findhorn Press
ISBN: 9781644112557
52 Cards, 128-Page Guidebook $30
Kliegel’s 40+ years of research into organ health affecting the mindbody-spirit assists the seeker in developing strategies to improve their physical health. Heng’s gently flowing art assists with understanding Kleigel’s Health Spiral, Organ Constellation and Health Matrix. Showcase this deck with your Holistic Health products!
illustrated
taKeFive 5 WAYS TO USE CRYSTALS FOR FOCUS AND STRESS
Gems and minerals are the best allies anyone can have. They love you unconditionally. They don’t mind their own business. They listen but don’t judge, and they help with everything. If you are even slightly familiar with working with stones, you have probably used them in a myriad of ways including holding, wearing, placing on an altar or crystal grid, or you might have created an elixir with your intention. All wonderful ways to employ their energy.
Traditionally, we connect the use of crystal energy with healing, relief from stress, and to streamline focus, but did you know they have a practical side? You can use gems and minerals in the kitchen, in a home or office renovation, or in your car, garden, or business. The stone kingdom can assist you with any task you might have, all you need is a
little creativity and a few innovative epiphanies. Here is a list to get you started:
Keep
a Stone in the Refrigerator for Health and
Blessings
Shungite is known as a natural antimicrobial and is able to kill bacteria and other germs. You can use it to purify water or keep a piece in the refrigerator or where food is prepared. I always recommend adding your own blessing or an affirmation to the stone for additional energetic support. Other great stones for use to revitalize the energy in these places are Quartz, Smokey Quartz, Rose Quartz, or Adventurine.
About the Author: Tracee Dunblazier, GC-C , a Los Angeles based spiritual empath, shaman, and 49-time international award-winning author - publisher at GTP. is a multisensitive. Tracee’s blend of intuitive information combined with different modalities, has provided others the opportunity to achieve deep healing and success. Tracee is President of the Coalition of Visionary Resources—the trade organization for MBS businesses. Her latest award-winning books are Transformative Grief, and the COVR Visionary Awards Product of the Year- Your Crystal Allies: 44 Sacred altar Cards & Oracle Set.
Plant a Crystal in the Garden with Your Flowers and Trees
If you charge a Quartz or Rose Quartz with your messages of love and adoration and plant them with your roses; it solidifies your telepathic communications with the plants. They are able to let you know what they need to thrive. This ritual also supports the spiritual beings like the fairies and divas that are the spiritual fiduciaries of your garden. Also, offering an intention of “perfect growth and being” will help a sick plant come back into balance. Great stones for the garden are Garden Quartz, Phantom Quartz, Moss Agate, Green Calcite, and Tigers Eye.
Use a Crystal in Your Home Renovation or Creative Project
A ny home project deserves a little crystal magic to support bringing love, joy, and prosperity to your living space. Use crystals in new walls
(before the drywall goes up), in freshly laid concrete for a patio, in the new bathroom cabinets (tape one to the back of the cabinet so it’s never in the way), or before you lay the tile. Stones like Sodalite for calm and communication in the kitchen, Golden Healer for purification in the bathroom, and Obsidian or Quartz chips in your new driveway to amp up the good vibes of the path to your home.
Place a Crystal in All Corners of Your Business for Success or Protection
Your business will thrive when you charge four Quartz stones of any size with your intention and place them in the corners of your business. If you need to regulate the energy in your store or office, choose Citrine, Amazonite, Black Kyanite, Lapis Lazuli, or Labradorite.
Wear a Stone in Your Sock to Uplift your Mood
Your feet are the guides to your path—offering them a little extra support in times of trouble is a powerful way to change your mood, ground your anxiety, or clarify what is causing a fear response. When you place a small piece of charged Quartz, Shungite, Blue Lace Agate (or any Agate), Malachite, Pink Calcite, or Gold Lace Obsidian in your sock (or tape it under the arch of your shoe with a higher heel), the energy of the stone can help you regulate your emotional responses in any situation. Wear one to your next business meeting and tell me I’m wrong.
Now, you are fully prepared to bring a little crystal magic to the mundane tasks of your day.
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