People will always be critics of crystal healing, saying that they're just rocks and they won't help your mental state. However, after participating in crystal healing for 2-3 months, I see a dramatic change in myself and my mental well being. Don't knock it before you try it. Thank you for coming to my Ted Talk.

Whenever I thought about crystals, I always thought about random girls on Tumblr who were spending money on rocks just for a pretty picture to post. Once I started researching, I found out the full purpose of acquiring crystals and how much they help people.

Crystal healing is when you place a crystal on yourself to draw out negative energy within yourself.

Each crystal that you get can help you in different areas that you struggle with, but all have the property of drawing out negative energy. For example, my favorite crystal/ stone is Obsidian. It forms a shield around you that blocks negativity out of your life. It also draws out mental stress and tension.

Another example is Rose Quartz. This is probably one of the most popular crystals that people have. This is also known as the love crystal. It restores trust and harmonies in relationships and it encourages unconditional love.

Now to probably the most popular question: do they actually work in healing?

I think this is up to the person using them. My feeling about it is it very well might just be a rock that does nothing that someone tricked me into buying. I feel as though the crystal does not heal you, you heal you. If you really, really want a crystal to heal you and put all the time into that crystal, I think you're already on the right path.

Crystals are just an aid in self discovery and self motivation to feel better. If you push yourself to achieving the goals you want, you will get them and the crystals are there to hold your hand and help you along the way.

Some of my favorite stones are Tangerine Quartz, Amethyst, Blue Calcite, Moonstone, and Jasper. All of these have helped me in some form of my life, whether in healing my mind, getting motivated/ empowered, or aids me in new adventures in my life.

I have honestly spent around $100-200 on crystals, but I don't regret it. There has been no research into if it actually heals, but for me, it has been very beneficial in my life.

I recommend starting with some very popular crystals, like Amethyst, Quartz/ Rose Quartz, or Moonstone. After you get 1 or 2 essentials, build up your collection based on the crystals healing powers that you want. For example, if you are looking for a crystal to help in your love life, you should look into crystals like Dioptase, Larimar, Ruby, or Malachite.

After you get your crystals, you have to charge them. You can charge your crystals with a pretty simple procedure. You first have to wash them thoroughly just with water. Just a quick run through the faucet will do. Next, you should set them out in the sunlight/ moonlight. I usually put mine next to a window/ on a windowsill. Leave them out for a day, but no longer. After you take them away from the sun, you should start to put your intentions into the crystals. For example, if you want your Amethyst stone to help with family bonding, you have to put that into the stone by saying it aloud. After you put your intentions into the crystal, you have to close the ritual. I do this by saying thank you to the universe for being with me in the ritual and asking them to putting the intentions into fruition. I know this sounds like a huge commitment, but it is worth it once you see a change in yourself.

Not only do crystals aid within a specific person, they can aid in groups, too. For example, if you want your family to bond better, put Amethyst on your dinner table when you eat and it will help. Also, they are very aesthetically appealing and will make your home a lot more comforting and inviting. I personally keep my crystals on my dining room table in my dorm. I feel it invites guests in and opens discussion about crystals.

Even though I spent a lot of money and time on crystals, you don't have to. I find they work the best after the charge, but if you don't charge them, they still can work. I think everyone should start a collection because it is extremely life changing.