Massage
Ever since I was a little girl I have been fascinated with rocks. My mother used to complain because my pockets were always filled with them when she would sort the laundry. I even remember a trip to the mountains, where I had each member of my family smuggle beautiful, sunset hued rocks (or boulders as they called them) out of a park in their coats. (I still have those rocks to this day) As I’ve grown older my love of rocks has stayed with me and I began to study the healing properties of stones. So, it’s no surprise that when I
became a massage therapist, I gravitated to hot stone massage.

Rocks and stones possess incredible healing and energetic abilities. Have you ever held a particular stone, carving, or piece of gemstone jewelry in your hand and felt your mood lift? That is an example of the healing power of stones. Stones conduct and are conductors of electromagnetic energy. When they come into contact with our electromagnetic field, or aura, they absorb and release specific energies in similar frequency. Meaning that the vibratory rate of the stone will match the vibratory rate of our aura. This is why certain stones are used for healing certain ailments and mental states, and also why certain people are drawn to certain stones.

While massage alone is an effective tool for reducing stress and promoting healing on all levels, body, mind and spirit, the addition of hot stones adds a deeper dimension. The basalt stones used during a hot stone massage are the result of volcanic activity and are the most abundant of volcanic rocks. Due to their dense and mineral rich composition
the basalt stones impart strength, stability and clarity, while the heat aids in mental and physical relaxation, resulting in a more grounded state.

Stone massage can be used to treat a variety of ailments and imbalances ranging from anger and depression to poor circulation and insomnia. And although it is considered to be the most indulgent of massage therapies, the physical and energetic benefits of hot stone therapy are numerous, it is far more complex than warm rocks gliding across your skin and it is definitely an experience you have to try to believe.
 
A New Age Resolution
Every year we make resolutions, some we stick to, most we break within days. But, do any of us know exactly what it means to make a resolution? Webster’s defines resolution as the act of resolving or determining upon a course of action, method, procedure, etc. This may explain why many resolutions are broken. The fact is that, while we all see changes that need to be made in our lives for the coming year and beyond, very rarely do we set an actual course of action for achieving our goals.

With the current state of our planet and her inhabitants, many of us will be resolving to be more socially and environmentally conscious. But what many fail to realize is that the choice to do so requires a change in thinking and lifestyle. It’s not about recycling or purchasing the latest offering of “green” products. It’s about truly opening our eyes to the world around us, and changing our modes of thinking, habits and priorities. For most of us, this is easier said than done. How does one change an entire lifetime of beliefs and practices to fit in with our new global reality?

The first step in this new journey is to look inward. What are your motivations? Do you see this as a necessity or just a passing trend? (If you answered a necessity keep reading, otherwise you can stop here) Next, which issues resonate most with you? Is it global warming, pollution, unfair labor practices? Pick one or two things and educate yourself on the small everyday things you can do to change the tide. Then, examine your daily life and your priorities. Are you willing, or able at the moment to make the necessary changes? Let’s face it; suddenly giving away your entire wardrobe because the clothing wasn’t ethically produced just doesn’t make a lot of sense for most of us. But we can, systematically replace items that we don’t wear often or that are wearing out. Or, if you’re concerned about green house emissions and global warming, but you can’t get rid of your gas guzzler just yet, consider reducing your meat consumption. (Factory farming produces more green house emissions than travel) After you’ve determined your level of commitment (every bit helps), start small and let yourself adjust to the new lifestyle you’re creating. You will find that the rest comes easy over time and you’ll look back one day and see how far you’ve come. Just remember, you don’t have to be an overnight global crusader to change the world. Whatever resolution you decide to make, the journey of a thousand miles starts with the first step. Happy New Year!

Quavin Johnson is a mother, massage therapist, fashionista and co-owner of Herban Legend. A 2004 graduate of the Rizzeri Institute for the Healing Arts, she has been in private practice since 2006. Quavin believes in empowering those around her through touch, educating people in the uses of alternative therapies and conscious living strategies, as well as encouraging them to make positive lifestyle changes that will create healing in the mind, body and spirit, all while having fun! A true bohemian to her heart, her many and varied interests include; music, astrology, tarot, cooking, numerology, dance and now graphic arts as well, all of which she wholeheartedly brings into every aspect of her business. Quavin can be contacted at: Herban Legend 318 12th Street Hammonton, NJ 08037, 609-567-5688 or via e-mail at info@herbanlegend. net