Wellness
The Quiet Grace of Crystal Therapy By: Kathryn Leary
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s a yoga teacher for over 15 years and a regular practitioner for more than 20 years, I’ve now added crystals and earth stones to my yoga practice. Holding a stone between my palms when hands are in prayer pose; or allowing crystals to rest in my palms during savasana—the moments when the body absorbs the benefits of the posture—I am also absorbing the benefits of these earth treasures. Out of a desire to help people calm their minds, move their body, and nourish their soul, in these challenging times we face, I co-founded a wellness company, OneFirelight.com— that streams yoga, meditation, Pilates,
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cardio, strength training, balance, and mobility classes. Our wonderful, gifted instructors have created unique classes using crystals and earth stones to round out our offerings. Used as weights, the stones support muscle toning, strengthening, as well as restoring and nurturing the body through their natural properties. The quiet grace of crystal therapy promotes the idea of savoring life just a little more deeply. Why not gaze at a lovely crystal basket on your desk and smile, feeling its warmth and positive energy? Sit still, hold a crystal, take deep inhales, and allow the radiant energy of that crystal to flow through you. As you exhale, feel gratitude for life and the empowering divine energy that is truly all your own. About the Author
Kathryn Leary is a multi-talented entrepreneur, marketing professional, writer and experienced yoga and meditation instructor with over 20 years of dedication to the practice. Her expertise in meditation has been honed through extensive training in the United States and India. Notably, she has developed specialized yoga and meditation programs for individuals with diverse challenges, such as physical disabilities, cancer survivors, autism, ADD, and anxiety. Furthermore, Kathryn is the Co-founder and CEO of OneFirelight, an innovative fitness and wellness platform offering a wide range of video-on-demand classes
and content. Most classes are taught in nature, accompanied by the soul-nurturing licensed music of the legendary Bob Marley and The Wailers, along with music by his grandson Skip Marley, and other inspiring Reggae artists. Kathryn knew and developed a personal connection with Marley in the ‘70s before his musical career took off. Marley’s music and philosophy of unity continue to inspire Kathryn as she aims to help people calm their mind, move their body, and nourish their soul. Kathryn holds a dual degree in Administration and Communications from Antioch College, as well as an MBA in Marketing from Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business.
Photos by Brian Offidani for OneFirelight
’ve loved earth stones all my life. I remember sweet times as a little girl, collecting rocks on my walks through parks and playgrounds. Later at home with my brothers, we would break open my stone treasures, with a hammer, to marvel at the sparkly crystalline centers. No wonder, decades later, I’ve become an avid collector of gemstones and specimens of our wondrous planet earth. Not only do I cherish and celebrate their exquisite beauty; I have studied and come to deeply appreciate the benefit their vibration brings to us. Sitting still, holding a crystal or earth stone in my hand, I am almost instantly able to rest, re-set, and renew my spirit. Sitting long enough, focusing on my breath to quiet my mind and deepen my presence with this stone, I eventually feel the pulsing of my heartbeat through my hands. It is a wondrous feeling to connect with the earth in this way, and to engage with the properties and energy this crystal is returning to me. All stones have a vibration and qualities that can enhance the beauty of life in many ways. Baskets with crystals are visibly present in my home to add more grace, style, and comfort to my everyday life. Stones that I especially love working with are Rose Quartz, Selenite, and Copper. Rose Quartz is a crystal of compassion, of love for self and others, offering gentleness, release of stress and soothing vibrations. Selenite helps to clear energy blockages and negativity, to cleanse and purify within, and to promote enlightenment. Copper is an earth stone that encourages vitality, focus, initiative, and optimism. It also promotes circulation and is thought to soothe arthritis and joint pain.