I don’t just exercise because it’s good for me. I need to exercise.  It helps my restless leg syndrome, keeps my weight stable, keeps my energy up, and just makes me feel good. And I like to do fun things – paddle boarding, swimming, yoga, kick boxing… What I don’t like is running on a treadmill or spending 30 excruciating minutes on a stair-master. So when I heard a pole dancing/fitness studio had opened 5 minutes from my house, I was all over it.

Let’s go ahead and dispel some silly myths – pole dancing is not trashy, or slutty, or demeaning. It’s an incredible, challenging, beautiful art form. And when I say challenging – I mean it’s frickin tough! You need strength, grace, balance, coordination…did I mention strength? I’m the first to admit my lack of graceful transitions (I was not a ballerina as a kid), but I’m working on it. Thankfully, I’ve got the strength part going for me. And I’m using muscles I didn’t realize I wasn’t using! When was the last time your forearms were sore? Your pinky fingers? When I say ‘full body’, I mean full body workout.

The other thing about pole dancing that makes it tough is that you’re holding yourself up by your thighs, your knees, your arms…you’re pushing into the top of your foot, your shin, your forearm… I have bruises on the backs of my knees for goodness sakes! ‘Pole kisses’ as my teachers lovingly refer to them. Well, I’m not one to shy away from a challenge. In fact, it’s what makes me want to keep at it. But I’m not one for bruises and sore muscles either. (you can’t tell, but I’m spinning in all of these shots)

Enter arnica salve… Arnica is well known as an external pain reliever. It’s good for bumps, bruises, sore muscles, and arthritis & joint pain. It comes in creams, salves, ointments, gels and oils. And boy does it make a difference! There are all kinds of ingredients people add to their arnica salves. I like to keep it simple: Arnica infused olive oil, beeswax, and wintergreen & lavender essential oils. Recipe Here. So now, a bruise that would have lasted a week lasts a couple days and doesn’t look so nasty. My muscles feel worked, but not painful. And I can get on to practicing things like mermaid spin, martini pose, thigh holds, and split grip spins….and pointing my toes – I must remember to point my toes!

If you live in the area and have any interest in pole fitness, I highly recommend checking out Aura Aerial and Yoga at http://www.auraaerialandyoga.com – a fun workout for sure!!

Stones

The world is full of beautiful stones; gemstones, semi-precious stones, crystals… Some are obviously spectacular while others possess most of their beauty on the inside. We have birthstones, astrological stones, good luck stones, worry stones… Ever wonder why? I imagine you’ve been drawn to different stones at different times in your life – I’ve been particularly drawn to hematite, turquoise, amethyst, jade, sapphire, moonstone, tiger eye, and labradorite. While each stone has its own unique story, energy, and function, I’d like to talk about my favorite stone – labradorite.

Labradorite is treasured for its remarkable play of color, known as labradorescence. It’s blue-green, grey, gold, black, semi-translucent, and full of deep, gorgeous veins.

This is my favorite pendant in different light…

Labradorite is the most powerful protector of the mineral kingdom, and strengthens natural energies from within. It is thought to protect the aura against the negativity of this world, which is important since allowing this negativity to soak into us can cause all sorts of physical and emotional health problems.

Wearing or carrying Labradorite enhances mental and intuitive abilities. It brings out the best in people, and encourages faith in oneself. Labradorite tempers the negative side of our personality (yes, we all have one), the traits and actions that rob our energy and may produce depression or shame. It imparts strength and perseverance, so is useful in times of uncertainly or change.

Labradorite calms an overactive mind and energizes the imagination, bringing in new ideas. It is a wonderful tool for returning joy and spontaneity back to one’s life. Labradorite radiates a predominant blue crystal energy that stimulates the throat chakra, the voice of the body. When the throat chakra is in balance and open, it allows for the expression of what we think and what we feel. And let’s be honest – most of us could use a bit more of that!

Labradorite utilizes water energy, the energy of stillness, quiet strength, and purification. Blue crystals enhance any space that you use for repose, calm reflection, or prayer. In a previous blog we looked at how water can instill a sense of calmness within us. This stone helps bring forth that same feeling of peace and calm.

So what should you do with this amazing stone? Wear it, meditate with it, pray with it, or place it in a special spot in your house (labradorite is generally associated with the north part of the home). Sometimes I just rub it, like a worry stone. It doesn’t magically fix everything…but it does make me feel just a little lighter, a little happier, a little stronger, a little more beautiful.  And believe me – if nothing else, when you wear it, people will be drawn to its beauty.

What’s your favorite stone??

Information adapted from Crystal Vaults – https://www.crystalvaults.com/crystal-encyclopedia/labradorite