appreciation

Yoga, Essential Oils and Gratitude

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I have been spending a lot of time in recent weeks looking at my business and figuring out what matters the most to me.

Yoga is my heart and soul.

The practice goes far beyond touching your toes. In fact, I won’t focus as much on the physical aspect of the practice as I will on how we actually show up in the world. We use the physical stuff to help us see areas that might offer growth and healing.

Essential oils are a beautiful compliment to the deeper states of awareness that yoga offers.

Plus they are a natural, safe and effective way to treat our mind and body. You can also clean your homes in a non-toxic way. And, they bring people together in a beautiful way. I have met some of my dearest friends through sharing essential oils and helping others see their is a choice to their families well-being.

Gratitude is at the heart of who I am and something I teach other people to practice.

Developing a formal gratitude practice can be an amazing way to transform your life from a place of not enough, to more than enough.

This is my year of refining my business (and myself) and focusing on the areas that bring me the greatest joy. I realize I need to let some things go, and adjust slightly what is proving to work well. You know, take all that is good and sand off the rough edges to make it all great.

Want to be part of something I might offer? I’d love to connect.

Release

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I love mindfully crafting essential oil blends together for an emotional purpose. Last month I wanted to offer one that could help facilitate a release of the years emotions. It smells heavenly and as apply it to my hands and take in three full complete breaths, I can feel the tension escape my body.

This RELEASE blend that was offered last month isn’t just for the year end. This is a blend to use anytime life shows up and becomes stuck in your body and heart.

Check out what is included in this RELEASE blend.

  • Thyme empties the soul of negativity, leaves the heart open wide. This oil helps with emotional release.
  • Lemongrass is the oil of cleansing. It helps us let go of toxic energy and negativity. It helps release limiting beliefs. It allows us to move past old trauma and to gain clarity to move forward.
  • Cypress is the oil of motion. Ever feel stuck? Cypress will help you let go of worry and the need for control, and help you have trust in the flow of life. It will help with getting unstuck and moving forward.
  • Peppermint is the oil of a buoyant heart. It is a very invigorating oil to both mind and body. It is an encouraging oil that helps us rediscover the joy of life and being alive!
  • Basil essential oil is helpful in dealing with feelings of anxiety, panic, or apprehension, and has been said to be the oil of “renewal”, both emotionally and spiritually. It provides strength and tranquility to the heart and mind, making it perfect for overwhelm, stress, fatigue, and may even assist a person in their efforts to overcome addiction–which makes it a great choice for overcoming ruminating thoughts and self-sabotaging behaviors that often result from toxic relationships
  • Cedarwood oil is a great oil for times of crisis or sudden change, such as when there is an adjustment in households, jobs, and/or relationships. These events often lead to feeling isolated or knocked off balance. Cedarwood provides feelings of stability and grounding when external circumstances threaten your feelings of stability. It also helps lessen fears that deter your ability to realize your potential.
  • Bergamot helps us transfer love back to ourselves. We can be so fixated on wanting other people to make us happy that we forget we can do that for ourselves. Bergamot is uplifting, has natural anti-depressant properties, and helps us to relax and regain self-confidence again. Bergamot oil helps us in the areas of self-love, self-worth, self-acceptance, self-judgment, and self-loathing. It instills validation within, allowing us to accept our own authenticity, and not spend so much time worrying about the opinions of others.
  • Frankincense. In addition to alleviating and eliminating depression, Frankincense is known as the “Oil of Truth”, revealing deceptiveness and false truths. It invites the individual to let go of lower vibrations, insults, and negativity. This oil helps create new perspectives based on integrity and enlightenment. Frankincense is a powerful cleanser of the spirit. It assists in removing malevolent energies attached to a person, allowing them to open to enlightenment. Addresses the emotions of abandonment and spiritual disconnectedness.
  • Lemon. In addition to its bright aroma, lemon is also a great cleanser and purifier. This is a perfect choice to bring clarity, focus and brightness to the end of the year.
  • Smokey Quartz–The Smoky Quartz crystal is a grounding stone known for its ability to help you move on from difficult or painful experiences. It guides you to a higher state of being, a place where you can let go of the past and welcome in the future.

Emotions and Thoughts

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Emotions are indicators of where our thoughts are. (Both conscious and subconscious).

It’s also why I reach for essential oils more than ever to help process and uplevel my emotions.

Every time I inhale an oil, I intentionally take 3-4 breaths and with each breath, think of something I’m grateful for.

Notice when you do this, it’s very difficult to hold a lower emotion at the same time.

Here is a reference to assist in shifting emotions if needed.

In times of great change, it can be a challenge to bring Gratitude into your Heart. This may help to elevate an emotion or neutralize it to peace and calm.

All emotions are valid and feeling through them is helpful

At times I am very Grateful for my Breath!

Much LOVE. To learn more about the basics of essential oils, check out this gorgeous ebook.

Self-Care and Healthy Exercise

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Self care can have a bad rap. It is not all bubble bath and manicures. We better get a better mindset when it comes to self-care or we might suffer burnout.

I spent WAY too many years giving and giving without much thought about myself, and especially about self-care and self-love.

The result; I was angry, toxic, fearful and incredibly overweight. I had no mind-body connection. I was clueless as to what my habits were creating in my mind, body and spirit.

I began with small changes; daily walks, bubble baths, buying myself a small treasure here and there, and surrounding myself with positive people.

Now, I practice self-care DAILY and the result is I am more peaceful, healthier, I sleep better and my stress is way down.

However in my quest for health I used to punish myself with exercise. I believe that I caused harm to my body physically (and emotionally) with excessive exercise.

Now, I enjoy a nice walk in nature, a gentle yoga class and pilates. Kickboxing, racing myself up steep hill and 100 mike bike rides are a thing of the past. I am okay with it. And do you the best part, my body is actually healthier now than ever.

Celebrate your body today!

Soothing Salve

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This is the easiest and most effective salve for the aches and pains, especially when it occurs in the legs at night. No more chemical filled stuff for your body! This is calming, soothing and smells amazing. Plus it’s super easy to make!!

My clients love it when I bring a batch with me and pass little tins around for all their little aches and pains.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup grapeseed oil

1/2 cup almond oil

2 tablespoons beeswax

10 drops Lavender

10 drops Cypress

10 drops Lemongrass

10 drops Marjoram

5 drops Frankincense

Here is a link to all the oils you need to make this and have many uses for your home! Sleep, cleaning, cooking, skin care, mood support and much more! When you get started you’ll get a free wellness consult with me, all the goodies to get you started and you’ll have access to mentoring and education!

Curious how versatile oils are for your family? Check out this free downloadable ebook!

Instructions

  1. Melt beeswax with almond and grapeseed oil in a mason jar placed in a pot of simmering water.
  2. Once combined, set aside for two to three minutes.
  3. Add essential oils and stir.
  4. Pour in container and allow to set for two hours.
  5. To use, apply to legs and feet or on area of discomfort. Rub up the legs for great circulation.

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Wild Orange

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And this is why I go through so many bottles of orange ??

Seriously though, I use this oil more than any other in my personal use and sharing in my yoga classes. It is super affordable and just amazing. I love to add wild orange to my drinking water or plain yogurt. Diffusing this one gives your whole house a smell of fresh, uplifting goodness.

Also, Wild Orange is the “Oil of Abundance” and encourages the individual to let go of scarcity mindsets and reminds the soul of the limitless supply found in nature. What you focus on, expands! When you give, you receive so much more.

Check out this gorgeous ebook to learn more about the basics of essential oils!

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The Exhale

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Have you ever noticed how throughout the day our breathing tends to get faster and shorter?

Over the last fifteen years or so I have worked hard on re-learning how to breathe the way that our bodies are supposed to breathe—slow and full.

When we take short, quick breaths it is usually a sign our body is in distress, or fight or flight. The more we breathe like that, the higher our cortisol goes.

In fact, I read a recent research article that stated people who have poor posture and as a result smaller breaths (less lung capacity when you are hunched), have higher cortisol levels. People who have straight posture and as a result greater lung capacity, have lower cortisol.

Cortisol=disease.

So take a REALLY long breath in, and a REALLY long breath out. The exhale is most important.

Check out the benefits:
•Deep breathing can improve your energy level.
•Deep breathing slows your heart rate.
•Deep breathing helps to clean out the lungs.
•Deep breathing reduces anxiety.

Additionally, when you add essential oils to your space or your body you can help to increase respiratory function. I love eucalyptus, ravensara, melaleuca, lemon and peppermint. Order my faves here.

Top Essential Oils for Sleep

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If sleep is an issue in your house, here are some of the top essential oils that can support you or your children and hopefully provide restful sleep throughout the night. The chemical constituents within each essential oil or doTERRA blend are highly supportive of bringing a sense of calm and peace during nap time or at night time.

Favorite Sleep Essential Oils

LAVENDER – is one of the most popular essential oils for restful night sleep. It’s floral, fresh, clean, and the calming scent is perfect when using in a nap time or night time routine, and is excellent for a beginner. Diffuse 4-5 drops of Lavender in the diffuser in your child’s room during sleep time, or apply on the bottoms of the feet about 20 minutes before bed.

JUNIPER BERRY – has been used for years, and is a favorite essential oil for emotions, irrational thoughts, reoccurring nightmares, and disruptive sleep. It has a deep earthy scent and is perfect for diffusing at night or nap time. Add 2-4 drops to a diffuser, or apply on the bottoms of the feet or across the forehead.

CEDARWOOD – has an earthy, warm, woodsy smell that is both comforting, relaxing and offers a feeling of being supported. Diffusing 4-5 drops in a diffuser can create a calming atmosphere, and applying on the bottoms of the feet promote rest.

PEACE -is a blend of Ylang Ylang, Vetiver, Lavender, Frankincense, and other essential oils. This fragrant oil is a beautiful addition to the baby’s night time or nap time routine. It has light citrus, yet calming aroma. Diffuse 3-4 drops of this oil in a diffuser, or apply on the bottoms of the feet.

CALMER – from d?TERRA’s kid’s collection, a blend of Lavender, Cananga, Roman Chamomile and Buddha Wood essential oils. It also contains fractionated coconut oil, which is a nourishing carrier. This oil blend is perfect for bedtime, bringing a calmer aromatic environment with a comforting scent. It is a d?TERRA blend specifically designed for kids and babies. It is pre-diluted ideally so you can apply on the feet, down the spine, wrists, or chest.

SERENITY – is a blend of Lavender, Cedarwood, Ylang Ylang, Ho Wood, Marjoram, Vetiver, Sandalwood Vanilla, and Roman Chamomile. It has a tranquil yet woodsy scent, making it pleasing to inhale when applied to the skin. Apply to the bottoms of the feet or diffuse 4-5 drops 20-30 minutes before bedtime.

Check out this handy guide on the basics of essential oils!

Essential Oils and the Mind

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HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS AFFECT THE MIND?

Your sense of smell is much more accurate than any of your other senses. Your ability to smell comes from sensory cells called Olfactory Sensory Neurons, found in a small patch of tissue very high in your nose. Those cells connect to your brain.

Each of those sensory neurons has one odor receptor – and molecules released by substances around us stimulate these receptors. Once your neurons detect your molecules, they send messages to your limbic lobe of your brain.

Our sense of smell is 10,000 more sensitive than our other senses. Scent travels faster to the brain with smell than it does with sight, or even sound.

The limbic lobe is a group of brain structures that is below the cortex of the brain – it includes the amygdala and the hippocampus. Your limbic lobe (system of brain structures) is directly connected to the parts of your brain that control many aspects of your body – hormone levels, stress, memory, breathing, heart rate, and more.

The only way to stimulate the emotional brain is through your sense of smell – which is one of the reasons why Essential Oils can work so incredibly well. Feelings of depression, fear, anger, happiness, joy and even anxiety all originate from the limbic lobe of the brain.

Essential Oils can help alleviate symptoms at a cellular level through their therapeutic properties. Stimulation of hormones and chemicals can drastically affect physiology and behavior.

Essential Oils can be stimulating (Peppermint), calming (Lavender), sedative (Cedarwood), balancing (Frankincense, and so much more.

Top Five for Emotions:

Roman Chamomile: Helps support feelings of peace, love and acceptance.

Cedarwood: Helps support healthy focus and encouragement while also grounding.

Lavender: Helps support relaxation and calming. This one also helps with communicating feelings.

Bergamot: Uplifting and will help support healthy confidence levels. This one also helping foster self love and self worth.

Frankincense: Powerful cleanser of the spirit – grounding and can help during times of negativity.

REFERENCES:
How do Essential Oils Affect our Mind and Our Emotions. Retrieved from http://www.biospiritual-energy-healing.com/essential-oils-affect-our-minds.html

Want to learn more? Check out this free guide!

Passion Into Purpose

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About 14 years ago I had a vision to teach yoga to people who couldn’t easily access a traditional class. I saw in my mind a class filled with people of all abilities, specifically those with developmental disabilities.

When my heart told me to pursue this I walked into my local recreation services department and pitched my idea. They said yes and the rest is history. My business has grown from volunteering once a week to being contracted with a variety of agencies, reaching hundreds of people and now I have been asked to do public speaking on my method.

One of my agencies is making some changes and the class I have been teaching is coming to a close. This week a group of adults with Down Syndrome presented me with a painting that each individual helped create that has my 2020 word—reverence.

The circle is complete. What you give, you get. I gave pure love, they returned it.

That is magic.?