Jewel of the Month: Unakite

Unakite is a mixed mineral appearing as a mottled rock consisting of pink Feldspar, green Epidote and Quartz. Its color is olive green with spots of opaque coral and relates to both the Sacral (2nd) Chakra and the Heart (4th) Chakra. Unakite assists us at developing positive inner images that lead to a healthy and happy existence. It encourages regeneration and brings us to start anew. Unakite promotes balance mentally, spiritually, emotionally and physically. It strengthens the immune system and supports overall general wellness. Unakite stimulates the liver in its function as the central organ of regeneration and improves our digestive processes in the small intestine. This leads to more nutrients being absorbed into the bloodstream which then fortifies and supports our physical body, leading to an overall healthy condition in mind, body and soul.

Jewels of Life:

The 23rd of September marked the first day of fall, the Autumnal Equinox, where day and night; light and dark are equal and evenly balanced into the same number of hours. This fabulous time of year invites us to open our body, mind and soul into new experiences of health, well being and wholeness. The body does not like to stagnate, it thrives on change and fall offers the perfect opportunity to experience change on many levels as routines and rhythms change from summer to fall, temperatures drop and leaves begin to fall. We need only look to nature and watch her change as she starts the regeneration process again. The regeneration process starts with letting go. Just as a tree drops its leaves, we need to let go of what served through the summer and now needs to change. If you have been following a specific movement routine for summer, it is time to shake it up; add some new yoga poses, switch to a new cardio exercise, change your strength training routine. Our muscles become stronger when we periodically shift routines. Autumn also allows us to bring our body in harmony with the abundance of harvest time. It gives us an opportunity to expand our palette and comfort zone with food. It's a great time to eat the kinds of foods that offer support for whole being and optimal health. These are the foods that are rich in the carotenoid family of antioxidants. Look for vegetables that are dark green, red, yellow and orange, those magical colors of fall. Add to these foods some spices that warm your insides and strengthen your chi such as ginger, curry, cumin, fennel, and nutmeg. Add garlic, leeks and onions to increase the immune enhancing effects. Harvest soups made with pumpkin, winter squash, sweet potatoes and root vegetables along with warming spices can do more than warm the body. These comfort foods warm the soul as well. In addition to the harvest of nature, pay attention to the thoughts that you choose to harvest. We have the power of the mind to harvest what we choose, so align with the energy of Unakite and practice the art of choosing thoughts that will produce optimal wellness in mind, body emotions and spirit.
Autumn to winter, winter to spring, spring into summer, summer into fall ---so rolls the changing year and so we change; motion so swift, we know not that we move. -Dinah Mullock Craik