Happy 2017! January 02 2017, 0 Comments

AND sometimes the painting starts to grow on me the next morning...

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Letting my inner-child out to play January 05 2015, 0 Comments

A little over a year ago, before the holidays, my friend Jennifer shared with me that she had read a great article about New Year and its customs. Its author suggested choosing a theme for the next 12-month chapter over the traditional “resolutions” and explained the potential benefits. The main one being breaking the good ol’ cycle that more often than not ends in feelings of failure: intention – motivation – action – less action – de-motivation – guilt.

Jennifer’s theme for 2014 was to be “LISTEN”.

The idea immediately resonated with me and I decided to try it on for size. I sat with it for a few days and allowed my theme to be revealed. The word that kept coming up was “FLOW” and it became my theme for the year.

I shared the idea with my husband Nathan and he really liked it, so he decided to play along. His theme became “SHINE”. And on New Year’s Day he suggested we do something significant, some sort of ritual to really embrace and anchor our chosen themes. Why not paint it?

PAINT it???

Sounds like it should be fun, right? Not for me. I was terrified. I’ve actually always been terrified of anything I’m not immediately good at, and tend to stay away from those things because of the intense self-judgment they trigger. Painting is most definitely on that list.

My wonderful hubby gently and lovingly convinced me to give it a try. “Just have fun with it and go with the flow… It’s your theme, so why not get started on it right now?” He gave me a few tips on how to use the paint, some information about the brushes and told me it was impossible to do it “wrong”... And off we went.

It ended up being a very liberating and healing experience. And I was so excited about the result: I loved my painting! It represented my theme perfectly and made me smile every time I looked at it. It went on to inspire me all year, which to me was the whole purpose of the exercise. Here are FLOW and SHINE.

Now, as the end of the year was approaching, Nathan & I talked about repeating the experience, and perhaps even making it an annual tradition. My mind started spinning. And the old perfectionist part of me went into figuring-out-and-planning mode: How can I top last year’s painting? I can’t paint the same thing, so what am I going to paint? Can’t use the same colors, so which colors will I use? But I love last year’s colors!

And every time those thought came up, I thanked them for bringing up their concerns and gently reassured that fearful part of me. Everything was going to be just fine. It’s just painting. It’s fun. And it’s impossible to do it wrong.

My theme for this year is “BE STIL. ALLOW.” and the painting that came through is very interesting to me. One of my first comments was “It looks like a child painted it…” (and that was not a compliment). My husband looked at me and smiled, and told me that was a beautiful thing.

I’m not in love with my painting like I was last year (at least not yet), but it has already taught me a few things. And I have a feeling it will keep growing on me…

It doesn’t represent the initial idea I had for my theme, but it has already made me realize that perhaps this theme holds a lot more than I thought. The colors are not what I would normally be drawn to, but they soften my heart every time I look at them. And its child-like quality puts me in touch with the little girl in me and brings tears to my eyes.

My painting may not be what I wanted it to be, but I think it’s exactly what I needed it to be…

Happy New Year everyone!

And here's Nathan's gorgeous painting. His theme for 2015 is "EASE".

Stone: BLACK ONYX August 18 2014, 0 Comments

Black Onyx has been used for centuries as a bead making stone as its properties have long been recognized. It could then easily be made into jewelry to wear on the body and receive its positive energy.

It is mostly known as a stone of strength, endurance and vigor. It is very grounding and provides support as we carry even the most difficult task to completion. A wonderful stone for long term goals, projects or challenges that tend to drain our energy & resources.

It is great for all types of endeavors, but is most often used for work related purposes as it really focuses our mental and emotional energies. Perfect stone for someone who has a lot of ideas but lacks the discipline to carry them out. It imparts self-confidence and stimulates the power of wise decision-making. I personally use it a lot in my business, especially when my emotions feel “all over the place” and my mind can’t focus. When I feel overwhelmed, but have to get things accomplished, this is my go-to stone!

Onyx helps cool the nervous system and soothe anxiety. It harmonizes the physical with the spiritual and helps alleviate fears and worries. A very powerful stone to assist us with grief and sorrow as it helps in the letting go process. It aids in gently releasing past attachments as well as old beliefs & patterns that no longer serve us.

It also helps align us to our powers and remain open to receive guidance.

Physically, it strengthens the structural systems of bones, teeth, hair, nails and skin. Emotionally, it helps  calm the intense “roller coaster” rides, and also balances the yin & yang aspects of our being.

Spiritually, it helps receive visions & guidance through meditation and dreams.

Here are some powerful jewelry pieces for you to enjoy Black Onyx: http://magdamolina.com/search?x=0&y=0&q=black+onyx

Stone: TURQUOISE July 29 2014, 0 Comments

Turquoise has been used for thousands of years, and is one of the oldest stones to be made into jewelry; the talisman of kings, shamans, and warriors. Many honored Turquoise as the universal stone, believing their minds would become one with the Universe when wearing it.

It has impressive metaphysical properties and is a powerful healing stone. Used a lot for protection and purification as it dispels negative energies and transmutes them. It can be worn to shield against outside influences and even pollutants in the atmosphere.

It is also a symbol of friendship.

Turquoise has a strong effect on the throat chakra and therefore promotes clear & truthful communication. A great leadership stone that helps balance the male and female aspects of our being, encourages self-realization and assists in creative problem solving.

It helps align all the chakras, stabilizing emotions and instilling inner peace. It is an excellent stone for depression and exhaustion. Physically, it enhances the immune system and stimulates the regeneration of tissue.

On a more superficial note... it's just a really beautiful & colorful stone! It adds a joyful and soothing touch to all outfits. Wear it with other bright colors and neutral ones alike, and have fun!

Here are some beautiful Turquoise pieces for you to enjoy: http://magdamolina.com/search?x=0&y=0&q=turquoise

Stone: MOONSTONE April 23 2014, 0 Comments

I've always found Moonstone to be quite mesmerizing with its iridescent hues of blue, purple, green and yellow. Depending on the perspective of the viewer, and how the light pours through it, Moonstone takes on a different appearance and personality. Constantly changing and flowing, just like the Feminine energy it is so full of, so connected with.

This stone has a very soothing and nurturing vibration and is therefore wonderful to wear during challenging times and stressful transitions.

It's also a perfect stone for weddings; for the brides who want to connect to their deep, powerful feminine core and be in a soft, open space to receive their groom. 

Another fabulous aspect of this gemstone is that it goes with everything. So wear it often and enjoy the benefits.

Here are some beautiful, delicate Moonstone pieces: http://magdamolina.com/search?x=0&y=0&q=moonstone

Stone: CARNELIAN April 23 2014, 0 Comments

Red is one of my favorite colors, and Carnelian one of my favorite stones. Vibrant, full of life and passion, it's a happy stone that will make you want to sing & dance. 

A great choice for those times in life when we're dragging our feet, feeling low energy and lacking motivation. Physically it adds a beautiful splash of vibrant color when we accessorize our outfits with it. Energetically it gives a spark of passion and ignites (or rekindles) our inner fire. 

Here are several great options, from subtle to spectacular, to add a little Carnelian to your daily life: http://magdamolina.com/search?x=0&y=0&q=carnelian

Here's to living life to the fullest!