{"id":47030,"date":"2016-02-23T17:45:14","date_gmt":"2016-02-23T22:45:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/wanderlust.com\/?p=47030"},"modified":"2016-02-23T17:46:16","modified_gmt":"2016-02-23T22:46:16","slug":"ask-emma-commercial-quartz-skipping-yoga-and-cleansing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderlust.com\/pt-pt\/journal\/ask-emma-commercial-quartz-skipping-yoga-and-cleansing\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask Emma: Commercial Quartz, Skipping Yoga, and Cleansing"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ask Emma is our straight-talking, semi-irreverent,\u00a0spiritualist-realist\u00a0etiquette column for all matters metaphysical and\u00a0mundane. We openly welcome and acknowledge all views, opinions, feedback, ideas, and questions. Please recognize that this is about spreading useful, positive, helpful, kind, practical tips. Should you feel inspired to share bad vibes or hate mail, we politely and respectfully ask you to peace out.<\/em><\/p>\n

Ask a question at askemma@wanderlust.com<\/a>, or turn to her most recent book,\u00a0<\/em>The Soul Searcher\u2019s Handbook<\/a>, for more.<\/em><\/p>\n

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I could use some love in my life. And something caught my eye… It\u2019s a big hunk\u2026 Of rose quartz.<\/h3>\n

BUT it\u2019s from a major retail store, one that has some less-than-happy-hippy business practices. It’s kind of like buying organic food from big box grocery stores. Will I get bad juju if I buy “mindful” products from less-than-mindful businesses?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Way to a go for being such a conscious consumer. That alone is worth some serious good juju karma in my book. When it comes to crystals, I personally believe that if it calls to you\u2014if you are drawn to it\u2014listen to that, regardless of what your\u00a0mind (or environment) might be telling you. Since rose quartz<\/a> connects with all things love, and heart chakra, listen to what your heart chakra is saying.<\/p>\n

Bottom line: Your soul made you look at it and think about it to the point that you are writing into Wanderlust asking if it is ok to get it. I think your heart is telling you that you should get it. Don\u2019t get me wrong, though: Cleanse the crap out of it. Ain\u2019t nobody got time for a dirty hunk clouding their heart chakra! Smudge<\/a> it\u00a0using white sage smoke, or give it a bath in full moonlight, sunlight,\u00a0or\u00a0salt water. You can also use a visualization technique to help cleanse any unconscious commercialism off your crystal.<\/p>\n

Sometimes the most special treasures and lessons in life come to use through the most interesting messengers or channels. The fact that you spotted such a beautiful, organic, holistic gem in between the commercial fog of this store says a lot. You spotted it for a reason\u2026 Listen to your heart and go get it.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m the queen of justifications.<\/h3>\n

While I have no problem staying in during a blizzard and skipping my morning class, I sometimes wonder if I let myself off the hook too easily when it comes to my yoga practice. I\u2019m either tired, or stressed, or would rather hang with a friend or watch my favorite show. But I know a steady practice is good for me\u2014and I don\u2019t not want it. I never regret going to class. How do I get my heart and mind aligned so I can better prioritize my practice?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Firstly, you are human. Sometimes living a human life may mean that you cannot always rock a disciplined yogi lifestyle. The key? Balance. Think of balance like a yogi headstand, that\u00a0takes conscious Mula Bandha<\/a> to be executed correctly.<\/p>\n

It is clear you are conscious of the benefits of going to class, and of the payoff for your soul. It is also clear that you are conscious of your body\u2019s needs and your energy levels. Take guilt<\/a> out of it. Stop thinking with your head. Start listening to your soul, and your body\u2019s needs. What deep down do you need that day? Listen to yourself. A steady practice is ideal, but\u00a0don\u2019t beat yourself up for the odd skipped class when you feel you need some self-care.<\/p>\n

Forget about getting your head and heart aligned: Instead listen to all of your chakras, all of your energy, all of your being\u2014and tune into what you need and why. It could be a compromise of doing an online class<\/a> in the comfort of your home on\u00a0days when\u00a0your energy bank\u00a0is\u00a0running low. It could be doing a simple Savasana meditation. Tune into your needs first. Then the action will come. The key is balance.<\/p>\n

What\u2019s the best way to cleanse a room before moving in?<\/h3>\n

I could really use a new start. Do I burn sage, buy crystals? I also don\u2019t want to intimidate my roommate by setting up a crystal altar\u2026 We don\u2019t know each other that well yet. Any suggestions for a modern-practical yogi?<\/strong><\/p>\n

As someone who had an awkward first encounter with my next-door neighbor mid-white-sage-cleansing ceremony I agree with you on being respectful of not alienating those around you. Funny story: My neighbor was a policemen and came over to investigate because it turns out that white sage has a similar aroma to marijuana. Great first impression!<\/p>\n

Learning from my cleansing faux-paux,\u00a0here are some options for you to help purify\u00a0your new sanctuary<\/a>. Go with whatever options resonate with you most.<\/p>\n