Design Influencing Calm

aviva shafor 0 comments

I always say that creativity isn’t just about making things—it’s about feeling things. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years, it’s that the best ideas, the deepest inspirations, and the real magic come when we take a step back, breathe, and connect.

That’s why I was so excited to be leading a crystal meditation session at the Design Influencers Conference which was a few weeks ago.  It was a moment to pause, reset, and remember to hold time for ourselves to have calm, no screens and a bit of self care. But more than that,  an opportunity to give back—to show up for our creative community in a way that goes beyond aesthetics and trends. Because when we take care of ourselves, we have more to offer others. In essence there is value in serving not only for others but also for one’s own spirit.   And really, isn’t that what design (and life) is all about?  Creating space with design to support good vibes?

Some of you have floated around with me for decades - it's not a secret that I believe that what we put out into the world matters. It’s why I infuse intention into everything I create—whether it’s a silk pillow, a hand-painted textile, or a meditation session at a design conference (!!).

The thing is, creativity isn’t just about making something beautiful. It’s about connection. It’s about giving. The product should evoke emotion, be a seed for conversation, set a mood.  It’s about showing up for others in a way that makes them feel seen, supported, and—dare I say it?—magically unstoppable. 

That’s why i was grateful to be part of this meditation session. Holding time and space isn’t just about finding your center. It’s about creating room for something bigger. It’s about asking ourselves:

✨ How can we use our creativity to uplift others?
✨ Where can we give more—whether it’s time, talent, or just a little extra kindness?
✨ And most importantly… are we really listening to what our hearts are telling us?

Crystals connect us to something bigger than ourselves: Nature.  Having something physical reminds us visually ( and physically - yes I have a crystal in my pocket) that  embodies a reminder that we are all connected to this earth, to each other,  and we all have energy that can be adjusted. 

Aura Quartz

When I slow down and breathe, hold onto a crystal and just be—that’s when the magic happens and changes can be manifested.  It starts from within.  But we have to gift ourselves this moment in a sea of chaos - so the first thing is hooray for showing up for yourself!

At the conference, we worked with some of my favorite crystal BFFs to clear our energy and spark fresh inspiration:

Amethyst – The wise one. It’s like having a creative mentor in stone form—keeps the mind clear, intuition sharp, and stress levels low.
Citrine – The hype girl. Brings in joy, abundance, and those YES moments where everything just flows.
Clear Quartz – The amplifier. Takes all your creative dreams and says, Let’s make this BIG. (Also? Plays well with literally every other crystal.)

Together, we set intentions, cleared that which does not serve us, and reminded ourselves that we are not just makers—we are givers, leaders, and energy shifters.

This meditation wasn't  just about resetting—it’s about reconnecting to your WHY so you can give back in a way that feels natural, joyful, and totally you.


But what makes this even more special for me? It’s the chance to give back in a way that feels so personal and meaningful. This conference was if course sharing ideas an learning but—it was also about lifting each other up, making space for new voices, and bringing more heart into the design world. 

That’s why I was honored to contribute not just through my collections but also through this meditation—a moment to pause, reset, and remember why we do what we do.

We sat together. We just breathed together with no screens. We  let the crystals do their thing. And we walked away with hearts full, minds clear, and  ready to re emerge as our best selved in this moment.  For but a few moments we were not pitching anything, texting, selling, or any of those earthly things. We just let ourselves be in the moment and it was so wonderful, quiet, and calm.


Thank you to Adam Japko for including me in this wonderful event. 

And if you can’t be there in person? No worries, my dear. Take this as your official invitation to pause. Right now.

✨ Grab a crystal.
✨ Close your eyes.
✨ Take a deep breath.
✨ Ask yourself: How can I use my creativity for good?

Then go do that.

Link to my meditation 

Design Influencers Conference




Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Please note, comments must be approved before they are published