Practice Yin Yoga’s Heart Bench Pose fto remain open to love page 20
Support your heart while satisfying that sweet craving.
Learn how your heart is much more than a symbol of love..
Editorial Review 108 Gong By Kirsten page 14
SOOTHER THE VAGUS NERVE WITH PINK CRYSTALS PAGE 16
Learn how pink crystals can bring more compassion to your life.
THE LOVERS TAROT CARD PAGE 19
Get to know the deeper meaning behind it
EDITOR’S NOTE
This
edition is dedicated to A’Van Reed, my first born son who was also known as Danny Fanta. RIP my son you are now my Creative Light.
February celebrates love, health, and chocolate! In this issue, we’ve curated content to delight your senses and inspire connection Wellness writer, Desiree treats us to an irresistible feature on "Life Via Chocolate." As we observe Heart Health Month, our featured columnist Dr. Sy shares insights on keeping your heart strong and healthy, We unravel the deeper meaning of the Lovers Tarot card a symbol of harmony, choices, and divine connection by Atiya a.k.a Intuitive Jawn
I am delighted to share how pink crystals help soothe the vagus nerve while opening you up to more love & compassion. This issue is also a dedication to love as I learned about its everlasting energy through A’Van a.k.a Danny Fanta my first born. May this love edition nourish your heart, and inspire you to celebrate love in all its forms.
“I use my voice more in the sense to get feelings out of somebody
-A’Van/Danny Fa
A’Van William Reed (1996-2025)
a.k.a. Danny Fanta. He was my son & first born love. He was always a rock star as he shined so bright in whatever he set out to do. So many loved him. As a creative artist he made ecletic music and designed album covers and clothing that spark fired a strong following in the Philly Rave community. I will forever cherish him and the love he had to give. RIP my love, forever shining your light.
Hear my favorite track by
This track contains some explicit language
Danny Fanta Sauce Up
L I F E V I A
DARK CHOCOLATE
By Desiree Taylor
Is Chocolate Healthy for You?
It’s a trick question, the answer is yes and no. If its milk chocolate loaded with sugar, dairy and other additives then it’s not healthy, however dark chocolate has been known to be very beneficial.
REE IS THE FOUNDER OF TIVE BATCH A FOOD AND LISTIC LIVING WELLNESS PLATFORM AND BLOG.
Brain Food
Dark chocolate contains natural flavonoids that raises endorphins and causes good moods in the brain. It’s rich in polyphenols which allows for cerebral brain flow. The methylxanthines found in the cacao liquor (the main ingredient in chocolate) has antioxidant properties beneficial for protecting the brain from free radicals and oxidative stress
Blood Sugar Management
Dark chocolate can boost insulin resistance and blood lipids. It also has a low glycemic rating at a 23 glycemic index making dark chocolate a safe choice for diabetic people
to consume in small dosages once or twice a day. Studies show having one or two ounces of dark chocolate after a meal can avert sugar cravings
Gut Health
Dark chocolate is prebiotic and can assist in improving gut health. Soluble fiber found in dark chocolate helps with digestion. Per 100 grams of dark chocolate there’s about 11 grams of fiber. Along with prebiotics and polyphenols dark chocolate can help reduce inflammation creating better nutrition absorption which creates digestion improvement.
Native Batch
Planting the Seeds For Wellness
Native Batch is a wellness blog & platform for those those looking for guidance in incorporating plant medicine, healing foods and overall wholesome ways of eating into their daily life.
“I created Native Batch to help those looking for guidance in incorporating plant medicine, healing foods and overall wholesome ways of eating into their daily life.” ~ Desiree, founder
Lemon Ginger Snaps
Ginger snaps are a healthy choice if you are looking for a quick seat fix! Why? Because they often contain ginger, which can aid digestion and reduce inflammation. and they typically have less sugar than other cookies, offering a flavorful treat with a bit more nutritional benefit.
“This easy breezy ginger snap recipe is gluten free, plant based and makes about 50 cookies with hardly any effort involved. If you're looking for batches of cookies to give as gifts look no further!”
Desiree, Native Batch
Join us for a special night of Self Love with Dr. Je
Love on your body, mind and spirit with Kemetic Y
Heal and regenerate each dimension of your being this ancient practice that creates alignment of the s column, relieves stress, increases blood circulati nutrient and oxygen supply to vital body system Register Here
SUPPORT YOGAWITH APURPOSE
Yoga 4 Philly is a 501c3
100% of all your class fees support our prenatal yoga classes at Violets in Bloom Healing & Holistic Studio. Register for classes
Heart to Heart
CELEBRATING NATIONAL HEART HEALTH MONTH
By Dr. Sy Certified Nutrition & Longevity Consultant
February is a special month for me, not only because it’s National Heart Health Month but also because it includes my favorite holiday: Valentine’s Day. This day of love, friendship, and admiration serves as a beautiful reminder to cherish the relationships that bring us joy and to express gratitude for the love and support we receive.
Our physical heart is an extraordinary organ, tirelessly working with every beat to keep us alive. It’s a master pump deserving of our care and attention. To nurture it, we must eat a heart-healthy diet, stay physically active, maintain a healthy weight, manage stress, and prioritize quality sleep for rest and repair. These simple yet powerful habits can strengthen our hearts and support longevity.
But the heart is much more than a physical organ it is a profound emotional symbol, representing love, kindness, compassion, and passion. We use phrases like "cross my heart" to convey sincerity or "have a heart" to inspire empathy. When we say someone has a "heart of gold," we acknowledge their kindness, while a "heart of stone" describes the absence of feeling.
The heart also holds spiritual significance as the fourth chakra, symbolizing our capacity to love and be loved. When open, this chakra allows us to connect deeply with the world through compassion, forgiveness, and peace. An open heart brings a true blessing: the richness and beauty of universal love.
From the bottom of my heart, I wish you ease, joy, and vibrant health on your journey. Follow your heart, and let it guide you to a life infused with love.
Namaste, Dr. Sy Powell
Yoga 4 Philly, 501c3 Making healing accessible through yoga and meditation.
Yoga 4 Philly hosts weekly yoga and meditation classes at Violets in Bloom. Register for classes here.
S U B S C R I B E H E R E
108 Gong Sound Healing
A JOURNEY THROUGH SOUND AND SHADOW
108 Gong
A Journey Through Sound & Shadow
by Kirsten Bryant
On the evening of January 23rd, Violets in Bloom became a portal into the unseen a place where sound, stillness, and transformation intertwined in the depths of the subconscious. It was a packed house of 14 curious space holders.
The 108 Gong and Crystal Bowl Sound Healing Event, guided by Ava Adames and guest master sound healer Nichelle, was more than just an auditory experience. It was a deep dive into the soul, a confrontation with the shadows we often keep tucked away, and a powerful journey toward inner harmony.
We started the journey with crystal singing bowls, where soothing vibrations restore balance to mind, body, and spirit.
With the sacred gongs, each carrying a unique resonance, the sound waves created a bridge between the known and the unknown, inviting attendees to release, surrender, and explore the parts of themselves that whisper in the silence
For me, the journey was one of shadow work a meeting with my own inner depths. As the gongs pulsed through the air, memories surfaced, emotions unraveled, and tension I had unknowingly carried began to dissolve. At times, the intensity of the sound felt like a cosmic storm raging within, shaking loose old patterns and hidden fears. But then, something shifted. On the other side of the release was peace a profound, almost weightless sense of clarity and renewal. "It was like stepping through a portal, where everything unnecessary fell away, leaving only stillness and light."
Others shared similar experiences. One participant said, "The gongs felt like they were pulling out energy I didn’t even know I was holding onto. It was both intense and liberating." Another reflected, "I came in feeling heavy, like I was carrying the weight of the world I left feeling lighter, like I had made peace with parts of myself I had long ignored."
Kirsten pictured seated to the left To learn more about Kirsten contributing writer go to page 20.
As the evening came to a close, we sat in the silence of integration, feeling the echoes of the journey settle within us. The 108 Gong Sound Healing Event wasn’t just about relaxation it was an initiation, a reckoning with the self, and a reminder that healing isn’t just about light. It’s about embracing the dark, dancing with it, and emerging whole.
If you missed this experience, stay tuned for future gatherings at Violets in Bloom where sound, shadow, and spirit converge in the most transformative ways
PINK CRYSTALS FOR LOVE
By Ava Adames, Master Crystalogist, Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach
The color pink radiates the softness of love and compassion, with warmth, tenderness, and the harmony of the heart. Minerals like Rhodonite Rose Quartz and Rhodochrosite amplify these qualities, to encourage emotional healing, self-loving compassion and kindness
Rhodonite
With its striking pink and black hues, Rhodonite honors the teenage rebel heart by encouraging emotional expression, selfdiscovery, and confidence in individuality. Known as a relationship balancer, it promotes forgiveness, mutual understanding, and harmony, making it a powerful ally for love in all its forms.
Rose Quartz
Rose quartz, is my favorite stone. Most people thinks it Amethyst because of Violets in Bloom. However with its a beautiful pink coloring this quartz mineral, is the quintessential "Stone of Love" for its ability to inspire unconditional love, compassion, and emotional healing Its soothing energy nurtures the heart, creating deep connections with oneself while honoring the universal essence of the highest frequency which is love.
Rhodochrosite
Rhodochrosite, has creamy colored bands and soft waves of pink and peach hues
Rhodochrosite honors the innocence and purity of childhood,
It invites us to reconnect with the joy and selflove we were divinely born with. By healing old wounds and encouraging forgiveness, it helps us remember the lightness of unconditional love and the beauty of cherishing ourselves.
Here are some self-care loving practices for pink stones:
Carry: Keep a pink stone in your pocket or wear it as jewelry to carry its soothing and loving energy with you throughout the day.
Crystal Grids: Arrange pink stones in a heartshaped or circular grid to amplify their loving energy, promoting harmony and emotional healing in your space.
Meditation: Hold a pink stone, like rose quartz or rhodochrosite, during meditation to open your heart chakra, for self-love, and compassion.
My personal Rose Quartz Sphere that I meditate and crystal gaze into when I want a healthy dose of Self defining love! Click here to learn about Rose Quartz Cabochons. They are also available for purchase
Pink Stones & The Vagus Nerve
Pink stones, such as rose quartz, can help soothe the vagus nerve by promoting relaxation and emotional healing, as their gentle energy encourages calmness and balance within the body. The vagus nerve, which is the longest cranial nerve, plays a key role in regulating vital functions like heart rate, digestion, and the body's stress response, making it crucial to your overall well-being.
TheRealMeaning BehindtheLovers Tarot Card
By Atiya a.k.a Intuitive Jawn The Neighborhood Seer
The Lovers card in the tarot, while filled with prospects for approaching romance, often has a much deeper meaning than the prospect of new love.
While hearing the Lovers often sparks romantic curiosity, its astrological affiliation is connected to the sign of Gemini, a sign of duality and communication. With this, the Lovers can indicate a forthcoming decision, or the opportunity to find the love you seek within. With the number 6, the Lovers reminds us that love is a mirror, so we should focus not only outside, but within, to cultivate the love we wish to experience every day.
Mee
Get to know the faces behind our card reading sessions Need a reading? Get to know our professional energy spiritualists and card readers! Scan QR Code.
Mind/Body LIFESTYLE
Find your balance with meditative movements that bring simplicity and ease to your wellness routine. Heart Bench is a Yin Yoga posture that is gentle yet effective for opening up the heart and allowing your emotions to flow within awareness. Practice for up to 5 minutes and allow the energy to flow and guide you. This posture is are for all bodies, no matter your fitness level, helping you stay active, centered and connected.
Begin: by sitting on the floor with your legs extended in front of you, then slowly lower down onto your back. If needed, place a cushion or folded blanket under your mid back to low hips for support. Open the chest: Gently bring your arms out to the sides, palms facing up, and allow your shoulders to relax into the ground. The blanker, bolster or cushion under your spine supports the natural curve of your back and helps your chest open further Focus on your breath and release: Close your eyes and breathe deeply, allowing your body to surrender to the ground. Stay in the pose for 3-5 minutes, focusing on releasing any tension in the chest and allowing your heart space to open.
Yoga 4 Philly is a 501c3 100% of all your class fees support our prenatal yoga classes at Violets in Bloom Healing & Holistic Studio. Register for classes Yin Yoga Classes are available every Monday @ 6:15pm w/ Anne
Contributing Writers
Dr Sy Powell
balancetobloom.com
Dr Sy utilizes nutrition coaching and lifestyle medicine to teach you
how to get a head start on your longevity & well-being And it's never too late to start!
Desiree Taylor
NativeBatch.com
a food and holistic living blog where she concentrates on providing information about natural healing through foods and herbs.
Kirsten Bryant
Kirsten is a dedicated yoga teacher, energy worker, & Reiki master with over
20 years of experience. She integrates her life’s experience and knowledgeof yoga, meditation, and Ayurveda to guide others toward physical, emotional, and energetic balance
Atiya Intuitive Jawn
"Atiya your favorite neighborhood seer",
Desiree Taylor is a creative behind Native Batch practitioner & psychic intuitive. @kirsten holistic @Intuitive jawn
Pending cover for our Mar/April edition.
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