31Dec13 - Last day of 2013

Sorry for not posting for the past weeks as I was sick and my PC was down too.

Today is the last day of the year so it is a good time to recap on all the happenings in 2013.

This year has been quite a bumpy ride for me, with its ups and downs.
One of the greatest things would be starting this blog and continue doing so for almost 12 months. It allows me to stay positive and hopeful, and also getting to know more friends
who are positive too!

Some of the things that had happened in 2013,

Participated in 24-hour Comic day
Finish coloring the comic done in 24-hour Comic day
Getting retrenched 

Co-Created 3 mobile apps and 1 games
Gotten sick for almost 1 month and recovering

Both my parents were hospitalized this year but they have recovered.
Started on my new artbook
Submitted my first proposal to the Art Council
Met nice people who bought my crystals and supported me

A good break to look back at all those that matters

Of cos they were much more stuffs that happened this year and these are just some
of them. 

Looking forward, in 2014 I hope to work towards my goals

Finish my new artbooks

New comic projects
Exhibiting at Comic & Toy Convention
Increase passive income to $500 a month
Let Benecrystals reaches out to more people and bigger reader base
A job I can be passionate about
To bring my parents to Japan during the Sakura period 

A healthy workout regime

Let's break down our new year resolutions and put them into practice one step at
a time!

 

---------------
Now let's finish up the year with this funny gif that always bring a smile on my face
when I am feeling down ;)

See you all in 2014!
Cheers

21Nov13 - The Habit of Reading

Reading is one of fav hobbies, I like to visit bookstores and libraries once or twice a week.
My reading is pretty random, from novels to non fiction and self improvement.
I try to make a point to finish a book or two every month.

    Some self-improvement and encouragement books I keep!

       
 

    Reading can be free! I visit the local library every three weeks.

Set a goal to read for 15 mins a day, pick up a reading material that interests you.
It can be newspaper, novel, biography or even a comic book!
Cheers :)

17Nov13 - Libyan Golden Tektite

Libyan Golden Tektite 

Also called Libyan Desert Glass, roughly gives you a hint of its origin and appearance.

Golden yellow in color and translucent, its only found in a particular place at Egyptian-Libyan border, in the sand sea.

Some scientists say that it may have been the result of a meteor... and there has been some debate whether it came from outside the earth or was created by the heat of a meteoric event in the area. Other says that it was a cause of lightning striking the sand.

The properties of this crystal
Meditation with a tektite will increase telepathy. Carry tektite for heightened psychic sensitivity, psychic travel, increase energy field, open and clear the lower chakras.
Libyan Gold Tektites carry remarkable energies for enhancing the strength of one's will, one's ability to create, and one's power of manifestation.
 
    Mostly available in small pieces, suitable for making pendants

This is a very rare stone, even more then Moldavite. So its a good to have if you can
afford it as it energy and vibration is very strong.

11Nov13 - Celestite

Celestite

Also known as celestine, found commonly in blue and grey. It offers a gentle uplifting energy that will raise one's awareness. It is an effective stone to use in order to establish and maintain communication with the angelic realm.

This cluster is ideal for placement in the bedroom, or meditation space as an environmental cleanser. Celestite is a soft stone (both physically and metaphysically) and its vibrations radiate in all directions.

Celestite is an elevating crystal that makes one feel as though floating on a cloud.

    with beautiful shades of blue, celestite is often associated with angels and heavenly realms

    One of my collections of celestite. I put it by my bed.

Celestite is much softer compared to quartz and amethyst, so it is rare too as extra effort is needed to extract them from the ground. They are usually formed on rocks that are brittle and easily break off.


Cheers

Alan

10Nov13 - Faith

Have you ever tried saying these two sentences -
I have faith in _____________.
I don't have faith in _____________.

How do you feel when you complete both sentences?
To have confidence is to have faith; "con+fide" means "with+faith".

Faith comes from direct experience, or something that just feels deeply
right based on your personal values. What do you have faith in - Out there in the
world or inside yourself?

Faith is an efficient way to conserve neural resources by not figuring things out
each time from scratch. Faith grounds you in what's reliable and supportive, its the
antidote to doubt and fear. It helps you stay in your chosen path, with confidence they
will lead you to good places. Faith fuels hope and optimism that encourage the actions
that lead to the results that confirm our faith, in a lovely positive cycle.

Having faith doesn't mean blindly believing in everything and anyone, which
reminds us of these two points:

-Putting too much trust in the wrong places,
a harmful relationship, a bad habits, wrong beliefs, etc

-Putting too little trust in the right places,
not listening to people that care about you, medical report, your parents' advice, etc

-Make a list of what you DO have faith in, both in the world and in yourself.
-Ask yourself where you faith might be misplaced.
-Pick one instance of misguided faith, reflect on how you came to develop it and
what it cost you. Imagine the benefits of a life without it.
-Repeat with other cases of misplaced faith.
-Make another list of what you COULD have faith in, missed opportunities for confidence.
-Pick one and imagine how more trust in it will help you and others. Consciously choose to believe in it.
-Consider some of the good qualities and aspirations in your innermost heart. Give
yourself over to them for a moment or longer. Try to have faith in the best parts of
yourself. They have always be faithful to you.

Try meditating with smoky and quartz to gain inner peace and strength.
Cheers
Alan

05Nov13 - NameCards!

Last year I started collecting crystals and learning about feng shui and positive energy, purely out of interest and self improvement.
And in the beginning of this year, one of my friends suggested I should share my passion and knowledge with those of similar interests too.
So I started this blog in Jan 2013 and it has been 11 months and I have met many nice people whom I treat as friends, not just clients.

Although there were so mishaps happened recently, like my job retrenchment. It gave a
proper closure to things that were unhealthy to myself and as they always say,
'When one door closes and the other opens' Sometimes holding on to something just because it seems so contented and safe doesn't mean it is the best for you.

Today I am very proud to share with everyone my namecard and blog, and I hope everyone is  happy and find what is truly meaningful! 

Just keep on moving and life will find its way out!

Cheers
Alan

01Nov13 - Himalayan Sea Salt

Himalayan sea salt

A form of rock salt, It is mined in the Khewra Salt Mines, the second largest salt mine in the world, located in Khewra, Jhelum District, Punjab, Pakistan, about 300 km from the Himalayas, about 160 kilometres from Islamabad, and 260 kilometres from Lahore, and in the foothills of the Salt Range. The salt sometimes comes out in a reddish or pink color, with some crystals having an off-white to transparent color.

    Sea Salt lamps in various shapes and sizes

   Its also often used in cooking for the extra nice flavor. 

Health Benefits when consumed
-Sharpens vital brain functions, improves mental clarity
-Anti-aging; rids the body of acidic wastes that cause degeneration
-Peaceful, relaxed quality of energy, better moods, positive thoughts
-Ease cramps, constipation, digestive disorders
-Regulates and purifies critical body fluid levels
-Purifying, detoxifying to the blood
-Essential minerals replenishes vital electrolytes
-Nutrients are absorbed more efficiently by the body.
-Foods cooked with Himalayan Salt taste better, and their nutrients are absorbed better by the body.

-It's also good for your pet.

Salt Lamp Benefits

-Emissions of negative ions by continuous interplay of water attraction and evaporation.

-Neutralize and improve air quality.

-Increase alertness.

-Helpful in overcoming stress and increase concentration.

-Reduce susceptibility to colds and flus

-Reduces the number of air borne bacteria indoors

Where to use Salt Lamp

- In the house, bedroom, living room or hall way to the keep the air fresh, and to create a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere.

-Office, to reduce stress and neutralize unhealthy emissions from electrical equipments.

-Fengshui, in Feng-shui, its suggested to put the lamp at the wealth corner as salt represents money in the past and it will emits good energy vibes too.

*The nutrition value and benefits have not been scientifically tested and not a form of alternative medication.   

31Oct13 - Jade Bracelets Restocked!

Our best selling item, Jade bracelet is back! Restocked a few from our dear supplier
so we like to share them with our readers! :)

Read more about Jade here and about the bracelet here.

Cheers!

29Oct13 - Quartz Healing - Smoky and Clear Quartz

Clear Quartz is a master healer crystal, and is used in many forms of meditation and healing.
It helps stimulate the immune and circulatory systems, enhancing energy flow and bringing the body into balance. It is said also to help improve metabolism, exhaustion and weight loss.

Smoky Quartz is a grounding stone that transmutes negative energies and facilitates your ability to get things done in the practical world.Smokey Quartz helps adsorbs the negative energy from your  body and relieves depression.

    Left hand holding clear quartz while right holding smoky quartz

This healing/meditation method allows the clear quartz to stimulates your body
and mind with good energy and expel bad ones with the smoky quartz.

You can do this while lying down or seated, and holding each crystal in your hands.

Preferably in a quiet place without sound of TV or hand-phones .

Try to imagine in your mind a bright ray of light, like a sunny window while slower your breath.

Next, think back of three good things that had happened today that you are grateful for.
(if you doing this at the end of the day, before you go to sleep.)

And your mind and body will be much relaxed and you will get a better sleep!

Usually it just takes about 5-10 minutes a day and it helps our mind and body to be more attuned to the surrounding.

Whether you are feeling lost or depression, unhappy over certain situation, or just a normal folks with your daily chores. I recommend trying this meditation every night before you sleep, even without the crystals, the meditation itself will help ease the tension of your mind and body.

It is available here on our online store

26Oct13 - Recharge

Crystals, like us people, need to take a break once in a while.
If you have been wearing your crystals for a long time, you should let them rest
on a clear quartz cluster or chips, or inside a geode.

Let them refresh and recharge, and be ready to let you radiate again!

We should also learn to take a break once in a while, relaxing and recharging
both our minds and bodies. Hope everyone will spend the weekend enjoying themselves!

20Oct13 - GuanYin Renunciation Day

This Wed, 23rd Oct is GuanYin Renunciation Day, the day he renounced and become a monk.

( Xuan Zang,玄奘, the Tang pilgrim monk who sought Guan Yin’s protection and help as he journeyed to India, had proposed Guan Zi Zai, 观自在, as the correct Chinese translation of Guan Yin’s name.

However, it seems like Guan Shi Yin, 观世音, hearer of all sufferings, was a more popular version. When the second Tang Emperor Li Shi Min, 李世民, ascended the throne, Guan Shi Yin was “renamed” as Guan Yin due to the Chinese custom of avoiding characters similar to an Emperor’s name; Shi , 世, in this case.

By the Song dynasty, Guan Yin evolved into a female bodhisattva in white robes that we see today. The male Guan Yin continues to be depicted albeit less frequently. The bodhisattva’s gender is unproblematic to devotees as Guan Yin will manifest in any form to reach out or to help suffering beings.)   

Many devotees turn vegetarian for at least a day as an act of devotion and compassion.

Some of the temples in Singapore

13Oct13- Bask those Quartz

With the occasional showers these few days, this weekend looks like a pretty
good weather to get your quartz out and get them energized under the sun!

Basking your quartz with sunlight helps cleanse and recharge its natural energy.
Although it is advised only to bask clear quartz as other crystals as such citrine and amethyst, will fade and might crack under the hot afternoon sun.

While it is good for quartz to get some sunlight basking, it is good and important for
us to have some too!

Sunlight provides vitamin-D that is essential for the skin and bones and even help
improve depression as it increases the natural antidepressant in our brain.

One important point to note is applying sun-block and sun-screen. This helps block out

the harmful UVs while allowing you to enjoy the sun. Morning sun is more beneficial too compared to afternoon's. 

So time to pick up your frisbee or picnic basket and have some fun under the sun!

Have a great weekend!

19Sept13 - Agarwood

Agarwood

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

Agarwood, also known as oud, oodh or agar, is a dark resinous heartwood that forms in Aquilaria and Gyrinops trees (large evergreens native to southeast Asia) when they become infected with a type of mould. Prior to infection, the heartwood is relatively light and pale coloured; however, as the infection progresses, the tree produces a dark aromatic resin in response to the attack, which results in a very dense, dark, resin embedded heartwood. The resin embedded wood is commonly called gaharu, jinko, aloeswood, agarwood, or oud (not to be confused with 'Bakhoor') and is valued in many cultures for its distinctive fragrance, and thus is used for incense and perfume. 

    Left showing the mould infecting the tree, resulting in a dark resin core

One of the main reasons for the relative rarity and high cost of agarwood is the depletion of the wild resource. Since 1995 Aquilaria malaccensis, the primary source, has been listed in Appendix II (potentially threatened species) by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

 In 2004 all Aquilaria species were listed in Appendix II; however, a number of countries have outstanding reservations regarding that listing.

Oud oil can be distilled from agarwood using steam, the total yield of agarwood (Oud) oil for 70 kg of wood will not exceed 20 ml.

    Workers extracting agarwood oil from the wood.

Usages and benefits
-Calms the mind and promotes good sleep
-For mediation and relaxation of the mind
-Improves mental clarity
-Remove bad chi in fengshui

    Agarwood essence oil and bracelets

06Sept13 - Strawberries!

10 Health Benefits of Strawberries

1. Helps burn stored fat
The red coloring contains anthocyanins, which stimulate the burning of stored fat. When a group of animals was fed a high-fat diet along with anthocyanins, they gained 24 percent less weight than the animals eating the high-fat diet without added anthocyanins. (The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry)

2. Boost short term memoryThe anthocyanins boost short term memory by 100 percent in eight weeks. (The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry)

3. Low in Calories – High in Fiber
One cup contains only 54 calories.

4. Ease Inflammation
Strawberries lower blood levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a signal of inflammation in the body. In a study, women who ate 16 or more strawberries per week were 14 percent less likely to have elevated levels of CRP. (Harvard School of Public Health.)

    Yup a straw to remove the core of your strawberries ^^

5. Lower cardiovascular disease
Flavonoids — which are responsible for the colour and flavour of strawberries — lower the risk for heart disease.

6. Promote bone health
Strawberries contain potassium, vitamin K and magnesium which are important for bone health.

7. Prevent oesophageal cancer
Studies show freeze-dried strawberry powder may help prevent human oesophageal cancer.

8. Anti-aging properties
Strawberries are filled with biotin, which helps build strong hair and nails. They also contain the antioxidant ellagic acid, which protects the elastic fibers in our skin to prevent sagging. 

9. Good for weight loss
The compound nitrate found promotes blood flow and oxygen in our body, which is great for weight loss.

10. Promote eye health
Eating three or more servings of fruit like strawberries may lower the risk of macular degeneration, a condition resulting in vision loss. (Archives of Ophthalmology)

Read more:(source)

    Strawberries do not store well, so consume them soon!

Have a great Friday and weekend!

JJ

02Sept13 - Coloring Book App

Hi All,

Just like to share with everyone a coloring book app I did recently. :)

It is available to download on both Android and iOS.

There is lite version so please try it out! 
Thanks!

Hope it will be a great sept for everyone!

JJ

31Aug13 - Aventurine

The name aventurine derives from the Italian "a ventura" meaning "by chance". This is an allusion to the lucky discovery of aventurine glass or goldstone at some point in the 18th century.

You should never buy a lottery ticket without an aventurine in your left pocket!
Lady Luck will be in your left pocket. This is the stone of opportunity.
Aventurine is known as the stone of chance or luck. If you gamble or play the lotto, keep this stone in your left pocket.

    Keep one in your left pocket for good luck and opportunities!    

    Fill your wealth bowl with aventurine

Because of its connection to the heart chakra, green aventurine can help us become stronger on an emotional level. It is a ‘go-to’ stone for healing and suffering caused by heartbreak and separation.

Also promotes creativity, imagination and mental clarity.

JJ

24Aug13 - Angel Quartz

Angel quartz, or Angel Aura Quartz, is a clear crystal with iridescent rainbow colors.There are natural crystals that have been coated with gold fumes. It is created in a vacuum chamber from quartz crystals and gold vapor by a process known as vapor deposition. The quartz is heated to 871 °C (1600 °F) in a vacuum, and then gold vapor is added to the chamber. The gold atoms fuse to the crystal's surface, which gives the crystal an iridescent metallic sheen.Additional elements can be used to treat quartz, such as indium, titanium, and copper. 

Angel quartz is an uplifting spiritual stone that invites angel guidance, deep peace during meditation and purification.

   A marvelous Angel quartz, with highly reflective surface.

     One of our Angel quartz piece available!

Angel quartz also promotes joy, light & optimism.

Angel Aura is can be use for:

-Activating the throat chakra
-Finding your personal purpose
-Channelling higher knowledge
-Reaching deeper meditative states
-Opening awareness to the angel domain

Cheers

JJ

11Aug13 - Chinese Ghost Festival Month

This year 7th month started last Wed, 7Aug and last till 7Sept.
There are some common taboos past down since time so its always safer to follow them.

   Six coin obsidian is a good protection charm against dangerious energy. 

1. Avoid swimming during the 7th month. It is believed that those previously drowned evil ghost might cause you to drown in the swimming pool. Such ghost need to find victims in order for them to be go for rebirth.

2. Children and young adults are also advised to return home early and not to wander around alone at night. This belief is due to the reason that the wandering ghosts can possess children easily.

3. Avoid moving into new homes and opening new businesses this month as it is considered inauspicious and bad luck on new ventures.

4. Avoid getting married during this month because couples will have bad ending. Some bad ghost may cast a bad spell on couples during their wedding.

5. Avoid going for jungle trekking and going on camping trips as chances of injuries, possession and death are high.

6. Drive very carefully during this month to avoid accidents, as there may be many wandering spirits who died of accidents previously that are searching for next victims so that they could be reincarnated.

7. Do not call a person's name in full. They believe that the spirits will know their names and try to call them in the mid of the night to take over their bodies.

  Wear an obsidian hulu bracelet to safeguard against bad spirits. 

8. Avoid starting any construction work or engaging in renovation repairs at home such as fixing a tile or banging the floor and wall for the entire month.

9. Avoid spitting and blowing your nose in the street or at any tree/plant.

10. Do not leave open wounds unattended as this will attract ghosts in following you home. Keep them plastered at all times.

11. Do not make negative comments or crack jokes about offering items in the streets or poke fun about Chinese opera seen with empty chairs of Chinese communities. Those chairs are for the ghosts.

12. Do not pick up anything including money found on the street and never bring it home.

13. Avoid getting emotional and crying in the middle of the night. A weak, sad and emotional mind gives ghosts the opportunity to possess you and harm you.

14. Do not whistle after the sun set. This will attract the attention of ghosts that may stick to you for a long time giving your a spate of long term bad luck.


In summary, don't stay out too late outside or wander around unfamiliar trails.
Keep respect for the religion even if you are not Buddhist,or a free thinker.
Even your yang energy high by excising and enjoy a bit of sun. 
Good protection crystals includes obsidian, citrine and jade.

Cheers
JJ

05Aug13 - Counting Your Blessings

I saw this idea from the net in the beginning of the year and like to share with everyone :)

At the end of the day, write down one or more good things that had happened to you. It can be
anything, like eaten your favorite food, a thank you from a person you randomly helped, an unexpected call from a friend, etc

Keep them in nice container and you can read them again at the end of the year, or every month.
You might be surprised how many good things happened around us everyday :) 

    Just a simple notepads and a box to keep them

    Makes you appreciate the little good things in life!

Start writing today!
Start to notice all the little nice things happening around you.
The way to start feeling good and lucky is to look out for it!
Crystals help give out positive energy and good vibe, like clear quartz and citrine. 

Start counting your blessings!
JJ

26Jul13 - GuanYin Enlightenment Day

Today is GuanYin Englightenment Day, you can read more about it via the link below.

http://www.chinatownology.com/Guan_Yin.html

There are many bad news happening around us recently so wish everyone good health and be kind to all!

JJ

21Jul13 - Raja Kayu (King of Wood)

Raja Kayu, King of Wood (血龙木 dragon blood wood)

Raja Kayu or Kayu Raja (King of wood) is the Supreme King in the forest among all different spieces of trees, and therefore is commonly called King of Wood, or Saint Wood. It grows in tropical rain forest enduring the ever-changing natural environment. It constantly absorbing the power from the sun and the moon essence, after hundreds of years of tempering and raises its own unique spiritual and Emmanuel.

Raja Kayu (King of wood) emits powerful Charms and Amulets which gives protection to the Malaysian indigenous people all the way since very long time ago.

    Translucent with red glow when light is shine through it.

The most amazing feature of Kuya Raja is that it is translucent. By shining a flashlight through the wood, the light will penetrate the wood chips and be illuminating in red.

The second experiment is reduce the size of the wood chips, wood chips will submerge into the water like a stone. The Kayu Raya is not floating at all.  

The third experiment is to take the sawdust of Kayu Raya , gently rub with your fingers on your arm, and it will disappear on your arm. 

    Highly reflective surface.

Raya Kayu has excellent mechanical properties, high compression strength, density, and even hitting a nail in it is quite a difficult task. Anti-moth-bite, corrosion-resistant, oily, almost never crack nor deform, therefore is a fine material for wood carving.

Due to those special properties of Raya Kayu and the kings of the ancient region of Southeast Asia chosen this wood as the Royal appointed timber. Monks in India, Malaysia, Thailand and many other enlightenment use it to make prayer beads.

JJ

20Jul13 - Happiness

"Happiness is when you are fighting for what you believe is the most important thing" 

Bought this book a while and haven't really read through it all.

It consist of short conversations and interview of 40 successful individuals from Artists, performers, CEO chiefs etc...

Most of them talked about their hardwork and persistence, and their experiences dealing with people and things.

    40 Life changing stories 

    "Happiness is a piece of pizza, the ratio of the ingredients is the most important."

Life is about constant fighting! Have you been fighting for what you want?
Happy Weekend!

JJ

14Jul13 - Crystal Essence

Yesterday I made a crystal essence with my rose quartz, will use it to spray around the house to
bless it with love.

The basic principle behind the use of gem essences is the interaction of water and sunlight with the essential energy of crystals charges the water in which crystals are placed with their subtle energy. When you drink this water, that energy works to dissolve the blockages which promote the persistence of painful emotions and prevent personal and spiritual growth. 

13Jul13 Breaks and Time off

When was the last time you put down all your work and worries and just sit down and enjoy a cup of your favorite tea?

Previously I talked about taking charge in life and have a schedule for your daily chores,
breaks and time off are equally important too. Even machines need maintenance and oiling once a while, so you should schedule in time for unwinding too!

Organize a gathering with friends, find a quiet time to sit down and read your book,
finish all your chores today so you can relax and watch TV without guilt.

Without planning in your time off, you might it hard to find a time to relax as there are never-ending tasks to be completed everyday. 

Give yourself some 'Me-time'! Whether you are a housewife, mother of three, student, sale-person, or a boss. Plan a one hour me-time every week to do the things you like and relaxes you, nothing work or academically related, listen to a CD, get a shoulder massage,
eat that tub of ice-cream, take a quiet nap, etc etc

Good things happen to people who planned them!

Have a great weekend!
JJ

7Jul13 The root of success

How did Jeremy Lin became a basketball sensation and star player in the NBA?

How did Warren Buffett became an investment guru and one of the wealthiest person in the world?

How did Stefanie Sun became a great singer with selling records and high popularity?

Some might said it is talent, others might argue it is luck.
But for one to be able to truly make full use of his/her talent, and be ready when the luck comes,
it really depends on one word

25Jun13 - Pixiu

The Pixiu (or PiYao) is a Chinese mythical hybrid creature considered to be an auspicious creature that possessed mystical powers capable of drawing wealth luck from all directions. He is believed to be the ninth offspring of the Celestial Dragon King and has a big appetite for gold and silver which he brings to his master. He is perceived to be a strong and fierce creature who protects his master from any bad luck or illnesses.

   A pair of colorful liuli glass pixiu 

They are best shown sitting on chinese coins to signify your fortune being protected, thus making it a wealth enhancer as well. Many people prefer using the Pi Yao over Chi Lin because the Pi Yao does not have an anus and only eats but does not dispose. It has a big and infinite appetite. For the naturally greedy businessmen and merchants or housewives out there, if you intend to only have lots of money luck coming in and ensure the money never be spent, the Pi Yao is what you are looking for. The Pi Yao is also known to be very obedient to their owners as they are loyal in nature. 

    Brass and metal pixiu is quite common too, for safeguard of the house

Pixiu should be placed lower than the eye level of the tallest family member as it is not considered as a deity. You can placed it facing the front door or windows for good health and wealth. To use it as a feng shui cure, have it directly facing the ailment.

They are not suitable to be placed in bedrooms, kitchen and toilet. 

JJ