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By Theresa Puskar –
Midwest Conference Center
Northlake, IL
March 4 & 5, 2017
Once again, this past month I had the pleasure of representing Conscious Community Magazine as an inspirational speaker at the Body Mind Spirit Expo. It was held at the Midwest Conference Center in Northlake, IL, and as usual, the parking lot was filled, and the event was well attended. I always enjoy presenting at these expos, as there are always plenty of fascinating vendors and speakers. I spoke with longtime organizer, Linda Hunter, who informed me that, along with Marcella Goodman, she has been running the expo for over 10 years. I took a quick glance at her schedule, and it was very impressive. Events are held nationwide almost every weekend! In the past, I focused mainly on the speakers, but this time around, I was drawn to the vendors. There was such a wide variety of merchants promoting their goods and services. When I informed Linda that I wanted to do a story on the vendors, she immediately gave me the name of one of her favorites, Patricia Robb.
“Good Juju – it’s all energy. Our mission is to assist you in maintaining a positive mindset, by being your best you.” – Patricia Robb, Good Juju Company
I could immediately see why Linda directed me to speak to Patricia. She was incredibly genuine, and exuded a great deal of warmth and joy. Great enthusiasm, a zest for life, and her love of people emanated from every cell of her being. While you would never know it (with her radiant, youthful energy), she has had four children, and has suffered her share of challenges in life, including the near death of her son. Patricia is the proprietor of Good Juju Company. She offers a myriad of products, from yoga pants and caps, to water bottles and “good vibe” inscribed t-shirts. I absolutely loved the designs and the quotes on the t-shirts that she sells.
When I visited her website, goodjujucompany.com, I was moved as I read the account she shared of her family’s life-changing circumstances. I was touched and inspired by her comment, “We choose to be ‘Better and Not Bitter.’” I just saw the film, Before I Fall, and with the quote and the message of the movie in my psyche, I reflected on my life, and how frequently I chose the latter. I have to routinely commit myself to choosing to step out of bitterness, and into “better”ness. I see how much time and energy I’ve spent playing the role of “victim” in my life, and clearly see how I’ve become the victim of my own negative attitude. The website states: “Good Juju Company is a high vibrational company. Our logo represents the connectedness of your thoughts, deeds and actions so that you can fill yourself with positive intention and good energy.” As a wise quote goes, “I focus on this one step and one day at a time! As each day progresses, I experience little shifts, and trust that they all add up to my ultimate personal growth.”
“Hennas are ‘prayers to wear.’ The henna artist takes their clients’ healing in their own hands; their well-being is the henna artist’s responsibility.” – Renu Lal, Henna Designs
After sharing her inspirational story and her delight and passion for her business, Patricia walked me over to Renu Lal’s Henna Designs booth. Again, like the feeling I got when introduced to Patricia, I was immediately struck by the warmth and depth of spirit that exuded from Renu. As I looked deep into her remarkable, soulful, and penetrable eyes, I literally felt my eyes fill with tears. She too shared a profound passion and commitment towards what she does. Doing henna healing is clearly her calling. A native of New Delhi, India, Renu is a renowned Mehndi or henna artist, gifted intuitive, healer, and palm reader. She explained that she’s been doing henna art since she was a very young girl. She opened up a whole new world to me regarding henna. On her website, hennadesigns.com, she states: “In my culture, henna conjures up images of romance and creates an aura of glamour. It is referred to as the unspoken language of women. The symbols we use in Mehndi are said to be universal, with ancient meaning and a connection to the sources of Life. The henna stain in my designs leaves a blessing on the skin to help the wearer in the way they most need the blessing.” I never realized that there is a healing element to the henna process.
Renu was gracious enough to give me a short reading and henna treatment, despite the fact that she had to rush upstairs to speak soon afterwards. To do the reading, she placed her feet upon mine, and looked at my palms. Her reading was right on the money. She tactfully explained that I had a “take charge” attitude, and added the caveat that I did so in a very maternal, and loving way. She also spoke of depleted energy that I needed to recharge. Having faced a great deal of physical and relational “opportunities” last year, I took her wise advice. She then proceeded to create a “good luck” henna design on my wrist. Usually when she works with a client, she creates a tailor-made design on the individual, based on their healing requirements that she intuits during the reading. She emphasized how important it is for her as the healer to hold space for the client. She feels personally responsible to support their healing through the design she creates, and with the energy she continues to hold in response to the client’s requirements.
“You have understanding beyond what most humans can hear. Take yourself out of the prison of perfection.” – Message to Jean Tindle from her grandmothers
I really enjoyed the meditation that Jean guided us through in her session. It’s been a long time since I consciously connected with my two deceased grandmothers. They reminded me that life was about having fun, and that more than anything else, my thoughts make the sweets in my life toxic. They encouraged me to live in both joy and balance. I’m amazed at how often I get bogged down in the day-to-day, and forget that life is about love, laughter, and light! Thank you to each of the day’s sweet ladies for your gentle and nurturing reminders.
The next BMS Expo will be held at the Tinley Park Convention Center on June 3rd and 4th. To learn more about becoming a vendor, you can email linda@BMSE.net, or call 541-482-3722.
Theresa Puskar, our All About Town contributor, is a writer, trainer, speaker, minister, and inspirational audiobook producer. She is the author of The Terri Series – seven children’s books that focus on bullying, honoring diversity, celebrating creativity, non-judgment of emotions, finding alternatives to technology-based entertainment, discovering a non-judgmental God, and overcoming fears. She has also recorded a powerful experiential audio program, How to De-Clutter Your Mind and Live a Heart-Centered Life. To place an order or learn more about her ministry, you can log onto her website, theresapuskar.com.
