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Why I Turned to Colouring Mid-Burnout

And how it forced me to set boundaries.

Why is it that peaks in career inevitably lead to valleys in health? What was an unbelievably exciting professional development, editing one of the world’s biggest style and culture magazines, quickly turned into freelancer burnout. And I mean fast. That culmination of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress started to affect all areas of my life — migraines became more frequent, sleep deprivation was a norm, and even the simplest of workouts felt absolutely overwhelming. As for my attitude towards every new writing opportunity that came my way? Downright apathetic.

My peers in the media industry didn’t get it. “You’re living the dream,” they’d insist, implying that needing to slow down was somehow ingratitude. A port in a storm came in the form of my friend, an artist, who suggested that I give adult colouring a try. Citing its many benefits, she promised it would not only calm me, but also prove to be a welcome distraction from the overlapping deadlines that had taken over my life. And while it certainly sounded appealing, I didn’t quite trust myself to set my laptop aside and put colouring pencils to paper — unedited articles and half-written drafts beckoned. That’s when I went online in search of a better solution and stumbled upon something entitled Mandala Art Healing Meditation.

Admittedly, the first thing that piqued my curiosity was the fact that mandala is the Sanskrit word for ‘circle’. An avid traveller, I first picked up on the significance of this closed, corner-less shape during my 2018 trip to the chaotic city of Kathmandu. It was at Boudhanath, the centre of Tibetan Buddhism in the Hindu-majority country of Nepal where I observed monks silently walk clockwise around its white dome. Prayer flags of all colours fluttered in the wind and pilgrims spun the many cylindrical prayer wheels that contained scrolls of Buddhist mantras.

As with the many rhythmic activities that I turn to in times of stress, I found the repetitive nature of this environment relaxing, almost meditative. I started to circumambulate, suddenly aware of the toxicity behind the phrase ‘going around in circles’. At that moment, I had nothing to accomplish except walking the circumference of that stupa, and it felt like highly familiar territory — the circle is present in the repetitive spinning of whirling dervishes as well as in the obligatory ritual of tawaf, both significant in my Muslim faith.

Suitably intrigued, I made my way to Miracles Wellness Center on a Saturday morning, still exhausted from the workweek that hadn’t quite wrapped — and continued well into the weekend. A brief introduction on the mindfulness practice by Rreema Aidasahnni, a Wellness & Energy Healing Therapist, revealed that a mandala is a spiritual symbol that represents the universe in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Its centre, meanwhile, denotes the origin of all existence, the point from which everything began.

The mindfulness practice started with a short meditation, allowing participants a few moments to set intentions. And literally all I found myself craving was more emptiness, as counterintuitive as that sounds. Sure enough, meditation made for an awakening of my body, making me acutely aware of how laboured my breathing was. “The mandala will choose you,” said Rreema. And it did. While many of the mandalas on the table were wonderfully ornate, I gravitated instantly to the one that had an uncomplicated beauty, its simplicity ideal for my state of mind. 

Starting from the centre, one’s intuition dictates what colours are chosen, and mine began with a vibrant orange and bright red to reflect the intensity of life. And once I made it past the centre, I found myself reaching only for shades of blue and purple to fill my mandala’s many layers — a yearning for tranquillity and peace, evidently. What followed was a colouring session during which I was blissfully unaware of time, an absolute luxury in a life riddled with deadlines. Yanked into the present, all I could hear was the sound of repetitive pencil strokes, each reconnecting me with my inner child.

All the sensations that I’d been ignoring for weeks were now screaming for attention, demanding to be heard — throbbing temples, stiff shoulders, sore wrists included. Inwardly acknowledging each ache and pain before continuing, I carried on colouring, becomingly increasingly relaxed with each layer. Rreema later explained that anxiety levels gradually decrease as you colour, lowering your blood pressure and heart rate.

Incidentally, mandala art simultaneously engages both the left and right brain hemispheres — the patterns are symmetrical, while the individualised use of colour employs creativity. Still, conventional art therapy that is more free flowing has its own place, according to Rreema, aiding in cases of trauma recovery.

At home, I’m often guilty of giving up on wellness practices halfway through, but in the serenity of that dimly lit room at Miracles, nothing else mattered until my mandala had been formed. The session wrapped up with a guided meditation to invoke the mandala’s energies to relax, unwind, and focus on the moment. This time around, following Rreema’s lead was a lot easier as she directed us to first focus on the centre before slowly taking in the mandala as a whole, layer by layer. Its hypnotic beauty took hold, revealing everything from stars and petals to the sun and a flower — all elements of nature that unite us as one.

Above all, the appeal of mandala art is its simplicity, its accessibility, making it a great gateway into the world of meditation. At a time when wellness is the ultimate aspiration, there is an undeniably dark side to the wellness industry, one that can sometimes feel exclusive and elitist. But not this. Today, I keep the mandala in my workspace, serving as a much-needed reminder to establish boundaries and schedule time off. “No” is a complete sentence, after all.

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Everything You’ve Wanted to Know About Crystal Water Bottles

Positively energised.

Crystal-infused water bottles have been gaining popularity among wellness enthusiasts in recent years. These bottles, designed to infuse water with the healing properties of crystals, enhance the energy and benefits of the water. Read more to learn how to use these unique bottles.

Different crystals are associated with different properties and energies. For example, amethyst is believed to promote peace and relaxation, while rose quartz, is with love and compassion. Research or consult with a crystal healer to determine which crystal would be most beneficial for you. It’s important to choose the right crystal for your needs.

All of us at Gaggler are obsessed with wellness, water, and the wonderful healing properties of crystals. Joining the club with the likes of Miranda Kerr and Victoria Beckham, we believe that crystals hold energy and are the gateway to physical and emotional benefits. While it is not scientifically proven, crystal-infused water may just be the placebo effect we are looking to incorporate into our healing.

Why Use Healing Crystals?

Healing crystals have been used for centuries by different cultures as a form of alternative healing. They are believed to have unique properties that can assist in the healing of physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments. In recent years, there has been a surge in popularity for these crystals, with people turning to them as a form of self-care and holistic healing. But what exactly are healing crystals made of, how do you select the best one for you, and how do you care for them?

What Are Healing Crystals Made Of?

Healing crystals are made of minerals that are found in the earth’s crust. These minerals are believed to have specific energetic properties that can affect our own energy fields. Crystals are formed from the cooling of molten rock (magma) or the evaporation of mineral-rich water. The minerals form into a crystalline structure, which is what gives each crystal its unique qualities. 

For example, amethyst is said to help with anxiety and stress, while rose quartz is believed to promote love and emotional healing. Some crystals, such as clear quartz, are said to have universal healing properties and can be used for a variety of purposes.

Selecting the Best Crystal for You

Selecting the right crystal for you is a personal and intuitive process. You may be drawn to a particular crystal based on its appearance or the way it makes you feel. Here are some tips to help you select the best crystal for you:

Research: Do some research on the different types of crystals and their properties. This can help you narrow your choices and find a crystal that aligns with your specific needs.

Trust your intuition: When selecting a crystal, trust your intuition. You may be drawn to a certain color or shape or feel a strong connection to a particular crystal. Listen to your instincts and choose the crystal that feels right for you.

Hold the crystal: Hold the crystal in your hand and feel its energy. Does it feel warm or cold? Heavy or light? Pay attention to the way the crystal makes you feel.

Ask for guidance: If you’re having trouble selecting a crystal, ask for guidance. Close your eyes and ask the universe to guide you to the crystal that is best for you.

Once you’ve chosen your crystal, start by cleansing it to remove any negative energy. You can do this by holding it under running water, smudging it, or placing it on a bed of salt. Next, fill your crystal-infused water bottle with fresh, filtered water for several hours or overnight. The longer the crystal is in the water, the more potent the infusion will be. Take a moment to set an intention for your water. This can be a simple affirmation or a specific goal you wish to focus on. In this way, you will direct the energy of the crystal-infused water toward a particular outcome.

To care for your crystal-infused water bottle, be sure to clean it with hot, soapy water. Avoid exposing the bottle to extreme temperatures or dropping it, as this can damage the crystal inside.

Benefits of Drinking Crystal-Infused Water

Water is a powerful cleanser and purifier. When a crystal is placed in water, the water molecules absorb the energy from the crystal, creating a vibrational imprint of the crystal’s energy in the water. This is because water is a highly receptive element that can absorb and transmit energy.

It has been scientifically proven that water has memory and can hold information in the form of vibrational frequencies. When a crystal is placed in water, its vibrational frequency is transferred to the water molecules, creating crystal-infused water that can be used for consumption. It is a simple and effective way to access the healing properties of the crystals and promote overall well-being.

Wellness in a Bottle

Crystal-infused water bottles are designed to help harness the power of crystals. Each crystal has its unique properties, and the water bottles are specifically designed to match the properties to the corresponding centers, also known as chakras, in the body. For example, the Rose Quartz crystal is known to promote self-love, compassion, and healing of the heart chakra, while the Amethyst crystal is known to enhance intuition and calmness.

Crystal-infused water bottles also provide physical benefits. For instance, many crystals are believed to have detoxifying properties and aid in removing toxins from your body. Some crystals are also believed to enhance the immune system or improve digestion.

A good quality crystal-infused water bottle is made from lead-free borosilicate glass, ensuring the water remains safe for consumption. The crystals are placed in the bottle, and the stainless steel and silicone seal keeps them securely in place. Fascinated by crystal-infused water bottles as much as we are? We have recommended a few below if you’re interested in incorporating crystal-infused water into your daily routine.

MOTION TRADING

Aventurine Crystal Water Bottle

AED 280.00

MOTION TRADING

Amethyst Crystal Water Bottle

AED 280.00

MOTION TRADING

Rose Quartz Crystal Water Bottle

AED 280.00

Crystal-Infused water bottles are a recent trend that has rapidly gained popularity in the wellness community. While the scientific evidence supporting the claims made regarding their benefits is limited, many people who have used crystals, swear by them. Gaggler founder, Monica, started using crystals 2 years ago and is always seen with a stack of crystals on her wrist. Using a crystal-infused water bottle is a stylish and convenient way to stay hydrated throughout the day and explore the power of crystal healing, if wearing crystals isn’t for you.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. To the extent that this article features the advice of physicians, medical practitioners, or industry experts, the views expressed are the views of the cited expert and do not necessarily represent the views of Gaggler.

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