The Science of Mindful Living

Ancient and alternative healing practices including meditation and sound healing have started to make their way into the modern mainstream, driven by increasing science to support the connection between stress and chronic illness and how such practices can significantly reduce tension. 


A study published in the Journey Evidence-based Complementary & alternative medicine* observed the effects of sound healing meditation in mood, tension and overall well being. Results indicated a significant increase in overall wellbeing and reduced tension within the sample group. Similarly, an article featured in in the Scientific American*on the effects of mindfulness on the brain detailed how MRI scans after an eight-week course of mindfulness practice actually shrunk the fight or flight part of the brain known as the ‘amygdala’ which is associated with the body’s response to stress. What we are starting to see is how previously perceived alternative practices are now making their way into a more broadly accepted approach to health and wellness in a frantic world. Could a daily mindfulness practice soon become as acceptable as daily recommended physical exercise? 

 

Crystals for Mindfulness & Intention Setting

With over 1 in 8 Australians feeling some level of stress*** and one in four people experiencing anxiety at some stage in their lives****, it’s clear there is a real opportunity for strategies to improve this. Many of us might not currently consider a 10 minute mindfulness practice as part of our daily health routine, but in general, no matter your spiritual or religious beliefs, most of us can agree that cultivating more down time or stillness in frantic modern life can make a huge difference. Stillness and mindfulness has been shown to enhance your pre-frontal cortex which is associated with higher order brain function such as focus, awareness and decision making**


Incorporating a daily mindfulness practice is something that has always been important to the Stoned Crystal’s founder Ashley Bellino. “I try to reflect and have a moment of stillness or meditation during my day. I use my crystals to make sacred spaces around my home that inspire me to live mindfully and welcome peace and calm.” 


At an atomic level, our universe is in a constant state of vibration. Crystals are extremely good at holding a stable vibration due to their crystalline lattice structure. We, on the other hand are a very complex mix of vibrations that can easily be disturbed and become unbalanced which makes us sick and unwell. All kinds of things can affect our vibration, from external influences such as electromagnetic and geopathic stress, to internal ones such as constant negative thought patterns and suppressing emotions. Crystals emit steady vibrations that help to create balance within oneself and Zen into the spaces around us. It is for this reason that for thousands of years crystals have been used for their powerful healing properties and why they make a powerful tool for mindful living.

 


Crystal Decor & Sacred Spaces

More than ever, over the last couple of years, our homes have become the centre point of our lives. Spending so much time there, many of us have come to realise how important it is to create a place that not only functions for us day-to-day but that also helps support our mental and emotional state. That’s the essence of the Stoned Crystals brand, we offer a fresh and modern take on crystals and luxury crystal decor to that allow our customers to create sacred, styled spaces in their home.  Stoned tests the conventional use of crystals by making them more accessible and fashionable to mainstream, anchored on elegant and simple interior styling to inspire spaces of stillness.

 

Sources:

*https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5871151

**https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/guest-blog/what-does-mindfulness-meditation-do-to-your-brain/#

***https://www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/anxiety

****https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics