Connect with your readers: Marisa Goudy, Writing Coach

By Danielle Rose

Storyteller and writing coach, Marisa Goudy’s work is about connecting the reader to you as a business person, to your work, and most importantly to themselves and the world at large.

“I'm a writing and storytelling coach who specializes in supporting therapists, healers, and other professionals in the transformation business,” Marisa said. “My main focus is on using storytelling techniques, particularly my signature Story Triangle approach, to help writers create online content. The goal is to use stories to connect and build relationships with clients before you meet them in your office for the first time.”

Through The Story Triangle Marisa teaches that there are three essential elements of storytelling: you (the storyteller), your audience, and your story. The goal is to balance the relationship between the three. When you tell an authentic story that matters to you, while keeping the interests and needs of your reader in mind, you tell a story that connects. Such a story appeals the emotions, inspires, and changes hearts and minds.

 

“My work isn't just about helping people produce quality copy and content. I help you develop a writing practice. I believe that your writing practice wants to give you more than just another blog post... Your writing practice helps you understand yourself, your work, the people you serve, and the stories that matter to our changing world.”

Writing and storytelling coaching is not only practical, but essential for any practitioner looking to share their service with their clients, and express their message and their strengths into the world

Marisa Goudy

Offer the gift of your story to yourself or a loved one trying to forge their place in the world at a 10% discount this holiday with Marisa’s initial consultation package (normally $447, now only $409).

Looking for a way to wet your feet and see how valuable the connective power of storytelling can be for you and/or your business?  Sign up for Marisa’s e-course, “Your Stories and Your Audience,” today.

Marisa is also teaming up with the new Mind Key to offer her services as part of a business start-up package in the Mind Key Store. There’s no better way to share your story to your clients in a way that resonates than with Marisa’s guidance.

Discover Marisa

www.marisagoudy.com

marisagoudy@gmail.com

https://www.facebook.com/MarisaGoudyWriter/

https://twitter.com/MarisaGoudy

instagram.com/marisagoudy

https://www.pinterest.com/marisagoudy/

Healing and connecting with Jahmu Chai

By Carlie Currier

 

               

Jahmu Chai is “an instant turmeric and ginger chai tea inspired by the traditional Indonesian elixir, jamu, and the ancient Indian healing beverage, golden milk.”

Jahmu products stand alone as the world’s first instant turmeric-ginger chai tea mixes. The company, a public benefit company, aims to spread the awareness and availability of turmeric, ginger, and other healing foods through their turmeric ginger spice blends and tea mixes. It’s not only been highly acclaimed as a powerful anti-inflammatory, but its creator, Jessica Filkins, hopes to improve lives by making the conscious consumption of jamu part of a daily routine.

The origins of Jahmu PBC began in Jessica’s post-college years when she suffered from digestive problems from too many antibiotics. In 2012, she discovered jamu while attending yoga teacher training in Indonesia. Although it was always made from a blender mixture of raw ginger, turmeric, raw egg and honey, every woman she encountered seemed to make it differently, and each batch tasted different as well. Jessica discovered that the common denominator in every batch of jamu was the distinct bright orange color and how it eased her stomach pain.

    



Jessica Filkins, founder and owner of Jahmu Chai

When Jessica returned to the United States, she studied as a health coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition, and worked at a health co-op in Wakefield. She wished to continue making the signature drink for herself but had trouble finding raw turmeric. Instead, she created a new blend with powdered turmeric and almond milk. She began sharing it with coworkers and family, especially her grandmother who, with the addition of the drink to her diet, claims to be cured of all stomach pain.

“I never measured and it always came out the same. Things like fenugreek were just added because I felt they needed to be there, and then I realized their health benefits later”, Jessica explains.

According to Jessica, much of her ideas come through intuition. She was called to sell her recipe alongside other spices at Block Island farmers markets that summer. This blend she made with raw turmeric to create a ginger-like lemonade people loved. She found the easiest way to package the mixture was in Ziploc bags, which explains the unique packaging that the company uses today.  

Soon after, Jessica continued to follow her intuition to start Jahmu Chai in 2014. Her brother recognized the potential and became her business partner, advising her to create a public private corporation. They managed to raise $5,000 through Kickstarter, which really helped spread the word.

Jahmu Chai caters to customers suffering from a variety of different ailments. It has received some very strong testimonials, from people claiming it helps with Lyme’s disease, completely diminishes arthritis in hands and encourages better sleep. Jessica even performs reiki on every batch.

“Instead of just a supplement, you have to take the time to drink a whole cup of it, so you have this conscious connection,” Jessica states.

This speaks to the placebo effect and power of intention in Jahmu’s success, Jessica said.

Jahmu is a healing and flavorful tea that offers connection to one’s own body and self, and connection with others when shared amongst friends. The reiki Jessica performs on every batch amplifies this and Jahmu’s other healing effects.  Speaking with anyone in Jessica’s company compounds this connection, as they are all down-to-earth individuals who are interested in their customer's experiences and the world at large. Consider Jahmu a beautiful and healthy gift idea this season.

Jessica has recorded some guided “tea meditations” to listen to while drinking a cup of tea, coffee, or warm water. She claims they help her feel more focused throughout the day, and remind her to eat, drink, and speak more mindfully. She plans to offer these recordings so that they can be available for anyone to use to provide a sacred moment to every morning, whether or not they're drinking Jahmu.

Jahmu’s four proprietary varieties include Jahmu Chai with Caffeine, Caffeine free Jahmu Chai, Sweet Jahmu Chai, and Golden Milk. They also offer Matchai, Jahmu with organic macha green tea, and Jahmu Cocoa, a chocolate chai mix.

Looking for a great holiday gift idea? Check out the Jahmu Chai Sampler Pack, complete with samples of each tea mix (31 servings in all).

The Jahmu Chai Grand Sampler is also available. Includes four resealable stand-up pouches of each type (144 servings of tea in total!). Save $10 off normal pricing and get free First Class Mail Shipping).

Jahmu Chai Grand Sampler

Jahmu also has a monthly shipment club, which is not only a great gift idea, but allows for additional saves. The first shipment of a jar of tea. Then, once a month, you get a packet of tea to refill the jar. Club members also receive many free samples to enjoy or share with friends. Membership starts at $15/month and can be cancelled at any time. Membership saves you about 25% off the normal price of the tea plus you get free shipping. Click here to learn more and sign up.

Jahmu is also teaming up with Mind Key to provide even deeper discounts. Receive 10% off any order over $25 (including the first charge for the monthly shipment club) by typing “MINDKEY” in the coupon box. This discount is good until the end of the year. Regular (three-day) shipping includes anything in stock, and priority is shipped out by end of the next business day.  

Discover Jahmu PBC

www.jahmu.com

401-294-1480

jess@jahmu.com

Facebook

Instagram: @jahmu_pbc

Wear your best health: Amy Cousin Jewelry

By Lisa Avila

Crystal Herkimer Chakra collection by Amy Cousin Jewelry

It is my great honor to write about my close friend and artisan, Amy Cousin Jewelry. Amy has been a jewelry wire artist for some time now, skillfully wrapping semi precious stones using gold, silver, and copper wire into pieces of therapeutic, wearable art.

Amy began with what she describes as an "extreme affinity for creative endeavors." She realized many years ago that she required a creative outlet that worked with her particular time restraints.

"I was always looking for a physical point of focus to help me ground amidst chaos in my life," Amy said. "I found gemstone energy to be so important: tap into it, and it will carry you through, but it won't do the work for you."

Amy incorporates the meditative action of bending wire and working with stones and crystals in the creation of her jewelry. This energy, combined with that of the stones offers the wearer a means of working through all levels of abuse and bullying: physical, sexual, emotional, verbal.

Amy's jewelry has a lack of mainstream vibe. All of Amy’s pieces are all either custom made or limited edition runs.

"I don't have a large and cohesive collection that is easily identifiable,” Amy said. “I don't follow fashion trends and I don't guarantee a large collection of the same items--not right now, at least..."

Lisa's Italy necklace, custom made for her by Amy Cousin

I have worn Amy's jewelry almost daily since we met about 12 years ago. Before I took a powerful and life-changing trip to Italy about nine years ago, I spoke with Amy about where I was in my life.  Certain stones resonated with her as I spoke, and she used stones that called to those stories to create a stunning personalized necklace. She sent this beautiful, therapeutic necklace overnight to ensure that I would get it in time, and I wore it every day of my trip. True to Amy's description, the stones facilitated the shift I was experiencing. From my perspective, the necklace from Amy was prescriptive. I consider Amy one of my practitioners--she taps into my energy and makes a lovely piece of wearable art that is also therapeutic for me in my moment of need.

"I listen to the person, the stones and the metals,” Amy said. “and I create whatever is the right piece to create."

A recent trend at Amy Cousin Jewelry is flowing with the integration, grounding and alignment of feminine and masculine energies within each one of us.

"The gems are saying address the feminine/masculine energy as it relates to women,” Amy said. “I have heard them say to address men as well, so I got some fantastic stones that are suitable for both sexes. I am really feeling that now is the time for women to connect with gemstones that vibrate more on the masculine spectrum--pyrite, lapis lazuli, labradorite, and onyx keep calling me for women. We have the feminine energy mastered, mostly. So now it is time to tap into the masculine energies and use them in our feminine way. That's the message."

The  Mind Key Etsy Shop now proudly sells a number of Amy's limited-edition, pre-made pieces of beautiful and therapeutic jewelry.  Visit www.amycousinjewelry.com to discover even more of her work, or contact Amy directly at amy@amycousinjewelry.com  and tell her what is on deck  at this moment. Amy will take that information and interpret it into your choice of earrings, bracelet or necklace, within your stated budget, that will help you more effectively navigate the issues at hand for you in your life.

Crystal Egg in Apatite

The custom process is quite simple.  Amy will ask a few questions, then dig deeper, discovering the energy, feel and colors that works best for you, or your loved one. Having the right design and color scheme to make the piece wearable for the owner is just as important as the inherent energy of the stones.

“I can find stones that are in the range of stones of what they feel comfortable wearing,” Amy said. “Energy is energy, and sometimes there is a color association but it doesn’t always have to be that way.”

Once the stones are decided, Amy sends some design ideas and combinations, as well as an estimated payment, half of which is due prior to beginning work to cover the cost of materials. Throughout the entire process, Amy sends pictures of the work being completed, and is open to design changes as well.  When the piece is completed, Amy will send it with a detailed description of each stone, and how their energies are connected to the individual for whom the piece was made.

Discover these Amy Cousin originals in the Mind Key Store:

Kyanite silver and gold pendant

SunMoonStars Necklace1

Crystal Herkimer Chakra collection is featured above. Find each chakra pendant in the Mind Key store:

7th Chakra 

5th Chakra 

4th Chakra in green 

4th Chakra in rose

3rd Chakra 

2nd Chakra 

1st Chakra 

The 6th Chakra pendant and full, discounted collection are coming soon... sign up for our newsletter and be the first to know when they become available.

Discover Amy Cousin Jewelry

AmyCousinJewelry.com

Amy@AmyCousinJewelry.com

facebook.com/AmyCousinJewelry

twitter.com/AmyCJewelry

instagram.com/amycousinjewelry

Mind Key Etsy Store NOW OPEN!!

It’s with much excitement that I’m proud to announce the newest addition to Mind Key. We now have our own Etsy store!

Mind Key Etsy was created to offer our artists the ability to showcase and sell their work. Also, it provides our community and readers (you!) handmade, quality crafted products made with the intention to inspire, sustain, and encourage you to be your happiest, healthiest self.

 

Our store offers a variety of different items guaranteed to raise your vibration. First, it offers several collage-inspired pendants with some inspirational words and phrases.

 

For example, here is the “Let Go collage pendant”.

This one of a kind, handmade item is priced at complete with an intricate flower, butterfly, and old postcard design ($20.00)
If you’re interested in this style, be sure to check out the other collage pendants available.

Some other jewelry pieces were created by Key West artist, Ariella Hogen. With roots in silversmithing, Ariella has created art for a living since 1980 and has been a resident of the Key West art community since 1989. Each of her pieces is handmade and unique. She specializes in raku pottery, a lead-glazed Japanese earthenware that was traditionally used for tea ceremonies.  

 

This “Blue Geometric Raku Necklace” is the perfect piece of jewelry for anyone hoping to not only add an exquisite accessory to their wardrobe, but also to raise their frequency through the power of sacred geometry. ($26.00)

 

Another piece, “Hamsa Pendant Necklace”, includes an ancient Middle Eastern amulet which symbolizes the “Hand of God”, a protective sign for all religions. This necklace is meant to provide its owner with happiness, luck, health, and good fortune.
($26.00)

 

The “White Raku Necklace” is encrusted with quartz crystals, the “Master Healer” stone. Quartz serve as all purpose healing tools that can enhance one's energy in several different ways. Not to mention they look absolutely beautiful contrasted with the raku. ($32.00)

The store also includes some of Ariella’s other types of pottery, such as this “Small Pottery Dish”, a lovely, functional decoration for any home.




Looking for something a little whimsical? Check out our fairy wings handcrafted by Mind Key’s very own, Danielle Rose. Made from gossamer, fabric, and metal, these pieces can be a costume for any child or adult looking to tap into their magical side.

“Silvery Fairy Wings” ($40.00)

 

“Ruffled Fairy Wings” ($40.00)

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With the upcoming holidays, why not consider buying a loved one a special gift made with a high intention vibration? Or you can treat yourself to a product that will help you be more connected to yourself, others, and the world around you?

December's issue: Connection

Image by JoAnna Schillaci

This month's theme is about how we work together as a community to remain connected--how we connect with others, with those we love, with the world around us. The holidays are a time when we work so hard toward a sense of connection while at the same time often feeling completely disconnected. As your resource for everything health and happiness, Mind Key believes that the idea of connection, whether to each other, to spirit, or to ourselves, is essential. That’s why we’ve devoted this month to spotlighting members of our community that offer resources via products and services that promote all forms of connection.

As you peruse this month’s spotlights, utilize your intuition to determine which offerings best match your personal energy patterns, and those of your loved ones. This is about more than gift-giving, this is about understanding what we inherently need, feeling that need in those with whom we're connected, and creating personalized gifts that bring  us together with the tools to success.

We’ll be exploring some of our community’s products and services, but more than that, we’ll offer a glimpse into each business’s philosophy, how they started, introduce their team, all while talking about how their products and/or services can provide help and healing to you on your journey and the world at large.

Most products will arrive in time for the holidays without the need for expedited shipping, and all services offer mailed paper certificates, or printable files via email that are worthy of the most discerning gift-giver. Many of these businesses are also offering holiday discounts to the Mind Key community as a thank you for being a part of our online magazine. Sign up for our mailing list with the term "December Blog"in the "referred by" line, and get an additional 10% off any item in Mind Key’s new online store.

As they’ve worked on their articles, some of the questions our writers have pondered this month include things that have helped them feel happier, healthier, and more connected; trusting intuition to discover that which is missing; those things that have helped them heal, grow and expand; as well as how Mind Key has helped on this path, and some of the experiences/services/products that they would recommend.

Image by Charla Durycharladury.com

 

Oktoberfest: Not just for Germans

Although not technically a harvest festival, Oktoberfest is one of the most well-known fall festivals worldwide, and represents the basic human need for community and celebration. 

Today, Oktoberfest smacks of fall, with seasonal beverages and attractions to connect and recharge.

The City of Munich’s website claims the origin of Oktoberfest, goes back to October 12, 1810.  It was on that day that the future King Ludwig I married Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen, giving all of Munich a reason to celebrate.  The festivity brought inspiration to celebrate yet again the following year, beginning the massive tradition of Oktoberfest. Each year since that famous wedding, new attractions, agricultural shows, contests, and beer tasting stations have been added to the festivity.

Like many harvest celebrations, Paige Villiard of The Black Label, writes that Oktoberfests were moved earlier in the season to accommodate better weather. Today many Oktoberfests begin the third week of September.

The Black Label notes other noteworthy festivals that begin in September and span through October, such as the Leavenworth Oktoberfest in Leavenworth, WA, a small town modeled after a Bavarian village, which celebrates the Bavarian heritage with  authentic German bands. There is even an Oktoberfest celebration specifically held in November. The Wurstfest is a ten day Bavarian festival held near San Antonio, TX in a town called New Braunfels, from November 4-13.  Here, German culture mixes with Texan traditions, including a polka competition.

To this day, the popularity of Oktoberfest brings many visitors to Munich, with hotels booking as far as one year in advance. The City of Munich regards Oktoberfest as the largest festival in the world, one that inspired many other cities to follow the same tradition in their own neck of the woods.  

The celebration starts as early as September, such as the Oktoberfest in Vernon, NJ which was held at Mountain Creek on September 24th and 25th.  The Great Lawn was home to pony rides and sack races, while participants enjoyed the Lederhosen 5K race.

Looking to celebrate the harvest with traditional German food and brew? Florida isn’t behind on the 8-ball… the weather there is nice enough to celebrate during the month from which it’s named.  Check out some of these Okotberfests, and please, share your favorite stories and photos from those that you’ve attended, and how they helped you recharge before the cold snap of fall.

Oktoberfest Tampa, held at Curtis Hixon Park, is filled with fun challenges like chicken dancing and stein hoisting.  Not to miss is the Mr. and Mrs. Oktoberfest competition, fun to watch or to participate!

Hosted at Tampa Bay Down, this three-day celebration features German culture with authentic sausage and brats, steins of beer, traditional and contemporary music from local bands, log-sawing contests, carnival attractions, and many hands-on activities for the entire family.   

Hosted by the German American Society of Central Florida, this authentic Oktoberfest celebration is held in the Orlando area.  The society hosts two Oktoberfests each year, both open to the public.  Highlights of this festival include two authentic German bands, real Bavarian beer on tap, home cooked German food, and entertainment from the Alpenrose Schuhplattler Dancers.

Fall planting info and Labor Day sale at Glenwild Garden Center this weekend

Old patterns and new habits pertain to your garden as well!  Going into this fall planting season, be sure to visit your local garden center to talk about their options for the area around your home or business.  They may even have classes like Glenwild Garden Center!

Succulents make easy houseplants for a sunny window   Hi Everyone,   It's the supposed end of summer (though I personally hang on to the bitter end in September), and we, like many other businesses, celebrate by having Labor Day Sales.  Seems silly, but it's perfect for you because we need to clear out our spring and summer merchandise so we can set up for you-know-what.  And actually, Pam brought in some really lovely fall decorations--come check it out!   And...the mums have arrived.   See you soon,   Jodie         *****************************************************************************   September 24th is our annual Free Fall Lawn Care Class.  Fall is the best time to get your lawn in shape!  Rich Imlay of Jonathan Green Lawn Care Products will show you how to get the best lawn on the block with either an organic based program or standard with the use of IPM, or Integrated Pest Management. Feel free to talk to Rich about your own lawn issues. Bring a soil sample so we can test the pH of your soil. (Call for details on how to take a sample).  Check out this video on lawn care--you will know more than you ever imagined about your soil and lawn!  (And don't worry, they get to the organics at the end).  :)   Bulbs arrive next week!  If you've never planted these dry little brown blobs in the fall and waited months to see something growing, you're missing out!  :)  I'm totally serious.  Come in next week and pick up a few for absolutely stunning blooms in the spring--you'll regret it if you don't!  Daffodils, Tulips, Alliums, Crocus and more.  Don't miss the incredible Fall Blooming Saffron Crocus!  It must be planted soon for blooms this fall that you can harvest actual saffron from. Yes--to cook with!   Our Holiday Class schedule is online now.  Call to sign up     Don't forget--we carry Bear Resistant Garbage Cans!     Labor Day Sales 25% OFF Shrubs and Trees  (This sale ends on Labor Day) It's about to cool down & it'll be a perfect time to plant Seasonal Garden Accessories  Chimes Glazed Pottery (Stock up now--it's almost time to bring in those tropical plants!) Fountains Birdbaths Furniture Doormats Scotts Spreaders      September Hours: Monday through Saturday 8-6, Sunday 9-3 Monday September 5th, Labor Day, 9-3
Glenwild Garden Center 104 Glenwild Avenue Bloomingdale, New Jersey 07403 973-838-0174