Los Angeles is bursting at the seams with alternative lifestyles and endless opportunities to study and sample many different modes of living, thinking and being. Some LAUSD elementary schools have added "Spirituality for Kids," an enrichment social emotional learning program teaching children to make wise choices by listening to their inner being. Psychics, astrologers, yoga masters and spiritual advisors provide guidance to anyone who wants to know when, why, how, what or where things are happening in their lives. We are the reported home of the largest Catholic diocese in the United States. You can worship among 22,000 members of the Crenshaw Christian Center, or study ancient African Spirituality with truth seekers at KRST Unity Center on 78th Place and Western in south L.A. Whatever your preference for insightful living, you can find it in L.A.

Humans are undoubtedly poised for a shift in consciousness. The dense, material world in which we live is faltering and reactions vary from prophecies of everything from apocalyptic damnation to Divine expansion. There is one thing on which we all agree --- we are here right now. As of this moment we are living, breathing, doing beings. For as long as there are humans on Earth there will be millions of people looking for ways to live better and more fulfilling lives.

Below is a brief list of tools you may use in the pursuit of living more insightfully and on purpose.

Astrology: The study of the movements and relative positions of celestial bodies and their influence on human affairs.
Feng Shui: According to Jayme Barrett, feng shui consultant and author of the Los Angeles Times bestselling book Feng Shui Your Life, feng shui is an ancient art of placement that helps you to arrange your home, office, indoor and outdoor environments so that your life is harmonious and your dreams are realized to their fullest. Many people report that feng shui has helped them see themselves and their lives more clearly.
Akashic Field Therapy (TM): AFT founder, CJ Martes unites penetrating scientific insight and ancient knowledge to help individuals resolve traumas and realize their full mental, spiritual and physical potential. Ervin Laszlo, Ph.D. and author of Science and the Akashic Field, says “Akashic Field Therapy (TM) is an integral method of healing that allows an individual to reveal important information that is creating subconscious barriers or blocks to happiness & well-being."
Crystals: There are many ancient references to the use of crystals in healing the body and mind. The earliest mention is in the Papyrus Ebers dated around 1600 B.C., which lists different crystals and their healing properties. Today, crystals are used for physical and emotional healing, and spiritual balancing.
Reiki: An ancient Japanese healijng modality that uses Divinely guided or intuitive life force energy to promote natural healing and realignment of mind, body and spirit..
Meditation: Meditation is the a method of calming and quieting the mind. In a state of meditation we can tap into our intuition and receive clear messages from our higher selves, God or divinity.
Pendulums: Pendulums date back as far as 6000 BC. They are used for healing, dowsing and gaining insight into future events.
Tarot cards: Tarot readings pull back the curtains of our lives so we can see what's really going on. They empower us to make choices that support personal growth, spiritual development and the manifestation of what is best for everyone involved. They present options and answer questions that help us navigate life in the flow, rather than fighting blindly against it.

If you're feeling stuck, surrounded by negativity, uncertain or unclear about the direction of your life, perhaps a bit of insight is all you need to clear the cobwebs. Do some research to determine which method is best for your personal belief system and needs, and go for. You'll be happy you did.

A thought that has always kind of freaked me out is that there is no new water on the planet. Think about it. The water we use to cook with, drink and bathe in has all been used before. Scary, huh? Water is naturally recycled again and again and again. So it stands to reason that we can benefit a great deal by properly energizing and balancing the room where water is most plentiful in the home ... the bathroom. If you're a healthcare worker, food preparer, massage therapist or energy and light worker, you probably wash your hands in a bathroom several times a day. This is the place where we wash away the sludge of the day and ask to be cleansed and renewed. Many people bathe at night and frequently carry whatever energy they pick up in the bath or shower directly to bed, where it has all night do its work. Taking extra steps to bring good energy into the bathroom pays off in spades! here are a few simple suggestions that anyone can use.

Take a grounding and cleansing bath. Add 15 drops of high quality patchouli oil to the water. Add a black obsidian crystal to soak up negative energy. Soak for at least 20 minutes. Make sure you cleanse your crystals before reusing.
Open drains and the centrifugal pull of an open toilet can disrupt the flow of energy in the bathroom. When not in use, make sure the toilet lid remains closed.
Hang round faceted crystals from the ceiling on a 9-inch red cord. Why 9-inches? The number 9 is a complete cycle, always maintaining its identity: 1 x 9 = 9; 2 x 9 = 18 (1+8) = 9; 3 x 9 = 27 (2+7) = 9, and so on. Not only does the number 9 maintain its own value, it also harmonizes with other numbers to preserve their identity: 1 + 9 = 10 (1+0) = 1, 2 + 9 = 11 (1+1) = 2, 3 + 9 = 12 (1+2) = 3, etc. To get extra mileage from crystal spheres in the bathroom, light candles and feel the positive energy expand and spread around the room.
Smoky quartz is another great bathroom crystal. Place it in your bath water or attach a piece to the shower head. This will clear the water of any negative energy picked up from recycling. Again, don't forget to periodically cleanse your crystals.

Tools for insightful living

Clearing space in your bathroom