In these uncertain times I find myself longing for what I know and for what brings me a sense of feeling grounded. For many years I come back time and time again to this poem. I share it with those who I know are willing to meet me in the space of vulnerability and see me from the heart of compassion. For me this poem invites me into myself and reveals the truths of who I am, or who I strive to be.
The Invitation
By Oriah Mountain Dreamer
It doesn’t interest me what you do for a living. I want to know what you ache for and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart’s longing.
It doesn’t interest me how old you are. I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love for your dream for the adventure of being alive.
It doesn’t interest me what planets are squaring your moon… I want to know if you have touched the center of your own sorrow if you have been opened by life’s betrayals or have become shriveled and closed from fear of further pain.
I want to know if you can sit with pain mine or your own without moving to hide it or fade it or fix it.
Iwant to know if you can be with joy mine or your own if you can dance with wildness and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes without cautioning us to be careful to be realistic to remember the limitations of being human.
It doesn’t interest me if the story you are telling me is true. I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself. If you can bear the accusation of betrayal and not betray your own soul. If you can be faithless and therefore trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see Beauty even when it is not pretty every day. And if you can source your own life from its presence.
I want to know if you can live with failure yours and mine and still stand at the edge of the lake and shout to the silver of the full moon, “Yes.”
It doesn’t interest me to know where you live or how much money you have. I want to know if you can get up after the night of grief and despair weary and bruised to the bone and do what needs to be done to feed the children.
It doesn’t interest me who you know or how you came to be here. I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back. It doesn’t interest me where or what or with whom you have studied. I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.
Tell me what do you love or admire about yourself?
I asked this question in all of my adaptive and traditional Yoga classes last week as we delved into the idea of Self-Love. The answers often are so sad when it comes to my students with brain injuries. You see these people have lost what most of us value and are having to rediscover the aspects of themself that they actually like. Most have lost their livelihood, their purpose, their families, their independence, their freedom to come and go, and oso much more. When they look in the mirror they often see the challenges and the impact of the injury so finding the qualities within can usually be really challenging. I also have enjoyed asking my group of students that are all over the age of 85 and living in assisted living. I am startled that so few of them can proclaim something that they love about themselves. Perhaps it is a generational thing where they didn’t spend as much time as younger people these days who seem consumed with the Self.
The answer seem to be so hard for them to find.
I ask the question anyway and the answer is usually that they are blank on what they love about themselves.
I keep asking, though.
On one particular day in a class that included a range of ages and abilities, I asked a woman living with a brain injury who is close to my age and is often very down on herself the question. When I asked her what she liked about herself her eyes dropped down to the ground and she quietly said, “nothing”. She was hunched over with her arms on her legs looking so hopeless and sad. This woman is so kind, so willing, so sweet and is so beautiful.
I knelt down so that I was in her eye gaze and asked again. And again, I got the same response.
I knew that I was about to open a beautiful can of worms and an opportunity to teach exactly what Rumi was saying.
I turned the question around. I asked this woman what she liked about me. She looked at me and easily said, “You are brave, and strong and so beautiful”.
We smiled at each other and I looked into her eyes.
My response wasthis—I am simply a reflection of you. What exists in me is also in you otherwise you would not recognize it. We are indeed a mirror reflection of each other.
She sat tall and said, “really?” Yes my sweet friend, really.
I learned this concept many years ago and try to always remember it, especially when I am with someone who feels that they are not enough or someone who struggles with identifying what makes them special. I ask them to think about someone they admire and what qualities do they see in them that they like? It is those qualities that also exist in ourselves.
Consider that. What you see in others exists in you. Kindness, integrity, compassion, love, bravery, beauty, honesty, humor, etc. If it was not part of you and familiar, you would not recognize it.
The tricky and often sticky part about this is that when we also see a quality within others that we find less appealing, it is because that too is familiar in us. When this happens to me I say, “ahhhhhh yes, there you are to remind me what I am here to work on”.
When we stumble through those ordinary days of self doubt and wondering what is really good about ourselves this can be an amazing concept to return to. When we feel burdened by life’s hardness and separate from the ideals in which the world has attempted to create, and we feel so less than, simply look into the eyes of someone you admire and know that the only way you can see those qualities is because they also exist in you.
It is familiar. It is a mirror reflection of yourself.
“You may find that making a difference for others makes the biggest difference in you.”
Over the years I have had the opportunity to share my story a few times through interviews and podcasts and each time I get to tell it I realize that it wasn’t until I literally woke up and stepped into acceptance and gratitude that my life began to transform into greatness.
We all have a story and hopefully we all have opportunities to tell it and use it as a springboard to inspire others. This recent interview cut right to the chase of what I do and why.
What’s your business, and who are your customers?
I teach adaptive Yoga and wellness to individuals living in an assisted living setting with traumatic brain injuries.
Tell us about yourself
I am the mother and caregiver to an adult daughter with a disability, and I had initially found yoga for myself to help with stress and self-confidence. I soon realized that it was much more than that. I believe that when I allowed healing to come to my heart and sadness and find acceptance for the struggles I had been a single mom to three little kids and one significantly disabled, I was able to see that perhaps my girl was a beautiful door that opened for me to share yoga with those unable to access traditional yoga settings. I am now contracted with over 100 individuals per month with TBI and have become a success in my field. I am motivated by my students and their resiliency and how their trauma has influenced them to be their best selves. I am inspired by them in every class I get to share with them.
What’s your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment has been showing individuals that yoga is not about the physical body and that the intent is to find wholeness within themselves. I am so proud of the method that I have developed that has shown over a decade of success using yoga as a modality to find contentment, inner awareness, and life after injury.
What’s one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
The hardest part is having enough time to reach all my students, learning to say no, and keeping myself healthy in mind, body, and spirit to be able to continue to show up as my best self.
What are the top tips you’d give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
Market effectively.
Be yourself and use your passion to fuel your business.
Having the opportunity to share Yoga and wellness in the community with individuals unable to access a traditional setting has been life changing for me. I hope that you find ways that your story can influence and help others. It is through our own growth that we give others permission to do the same.
It’s not joy that makes us grateful, it’s gratitude that makes us joyful.
Brené Brown
Think about that. So often we misunderstand that if we had all the things and our life is packed with goodness, we would then be grateful.
Actually it is not that way.
I have read and even taken a course with Brené Brown and yet I still continue to learn and soak in more every time I hear her speak.
Last night I was watching a talk she gave to teachers and other leaders. She was describing what happens when we think that we cannot be happy with what we have and we are constantly seeking joy through external things. We have all heard “when I take that vacation” or “if I could have that ____”, then my life would be good. This is called scarcity thinking. Scarcity thinking is when we think what we have is not enough or what we have will be taken from us.
Huh.
Years ago I had that mindset. Thankfully through the work I’ve done I no longer have that reaching for something. If a moment sneaks up on me and I do start to feel that what I have isn’t enough, I just have to go to my office and grab one of EIGHTEEN years worth of gratitude journals to see that my life is really quite full.
For some a gratitude journal feels daunting. That’s okay.
There are countless ways to cultivate a genuine gratitude practice. Here are some great ideas:
pause before eating to recognize all that took place to bring you that plate of food
step outside and look at the sky and just breathe for two to three minutes
look at a stranger through the eyes of peace
say thank you throughout the day as doors get opened, people say hello, words are exchanged
smile more
before you begin your busy day sit for five minutes and gaze around your space and not see the tasks undone, but see instead your roof, your furniture, your safety
exchange gratitudes of the day with your family or friends before eating
Research shows that with a genuine gratitude practice, we can shift from scarcity thinking to joy. Imagine your life shifting from disappointment to deep appreciation. Think about how your relationships and business could flourish with an attitude of enough.
Over the years I have shared my story and the path that has lead me to who I am and what I do as my purpose in the world. We all have a story that has put us on the path, or maybe you’re still seeking the path?
Here is what I know and believe wholeheartedly—the path is there, we choose to take the steps or turn away.
The way is right there. We know it in our gut, and yet like myself for many years we deny the way. We look elsewhere for love, joy, purpose, and contentment but when we take that first committed step on the path that is appearing, and despite the fear and unknown, we keep going and sure enough in time that path becomes the way.
I’m forever grateful for the hard years of my life because it led me here. I am here. I am on my way. I am.
If you’re feeling lost and without purpose or love I encourage you to stop. Close your eyes. Breathe. Listen.
You already know.
Take that first step. Open up to your life and your happiness and your purpose. It’s yours. Own it.
I had a recent conversation with someone about body shame. For many years of my adult life I was heavy and carried around an extra 80 or so pounds. I have experienced fat-girl shame. It isn’t fun. And yet, I have also experienced skinny-girl shame. That isn’t fun either. I wonder sometimes why we can’t just be kinder people.
The answer for me came in the way of self love. I didn’t love who I was—not because I was fat but because I was toxic and heavy in every area of my life.
It was exhausting so I decided to love instead.
Simply love myself. As I began to love myself it became inherently easy to love others, too.
With my new found self love I came to know that I am an enneagram one. I am a perfectionist and I hold myself to high standards. I also am an overcomer of obstacles. I rarely see something as unobtainable or impossible. I see the good in most everyone and am exploding with positivity. It is unusual for me to be emotional (something I am trying to open myself up to). I am steady as steady can be. I thrive feeling safe.
Taking control of my health and my body fueled me and I began to thrive.
No shame in owning that.
I also struggle with daily chronic pain. It takes a ton of discipline to continue to work my body into its best health. I honor my body and refuse to let her down by focusing on pain or limitations. Instead I look her in the eye and tell her she can do it. I have a strong sense of self and am in awe of what my body can do.
No shame in owning that either.
As years go by, I continue to tenderly speak to the large sized woman I once was and thank her for being patient with me.
Being on both sides of the size spectrum and feeling both types of shame I am convinced we need to lose the shame game. Give people the grace to be who they are.
When you do some good work and if it inspires others, then you have just created the ripple effect. -Mohith Agadi
If you have been reading and watching awhile you know I have chosen a single word for my year for 19 years. This word acts as a compass for my thoughts, words and actions throughout the year. I create graphics, post notes, make screen savers, buy bracelets with the word embedded on it, I create essential oil blends to support my intention, I talk about it ALL THE TIME, and I basically embody the essence of the word and watch as my life adjusts. Sometimes the word and intention literally kicks my butt within days of declaring my intention and sometimes it takes months of work to reveal its magic.
It is a deep practice to me and one that I believe changes lives. For the entire month of January I basically ask anyone in my life what their word of the year is. If they look at me like I am crazy, I immediately dive into the readers digest version of the process and how we are all creators of our life.
I recently shared this lesson with the agencies serving adults with traumatic brain injuries that I teach adapt yoga and wellness in. Imagine my heart exploding when I learned today that over 30 individuals have chosen a word or theme for their year and have created affirmation cards for their bedroom. These are people with tremendous impact of disability and yet, they are showing up and doing the work.
I am so proud that one little (huge) lesson has impacted so many. This means that 30 people will be focused on living their best life, despite many challenges. It means that they will shift their focus from their limitations to what they want to create in their life.
They could choose to just be angry and wait until life takes them. They could be focused on being a victim and losing everything. They could be focused on the should have beens. They could have made excuses as to why it will never work.
Instead, they embrace a lesson and run with it.
That is the ripple effect that happens when someone does the work and then shares the life changing lesson with anyone willing to listen (or not). These brave people will be creating their best version of their life through the power of intention, and in return it will impact others. That is powerful.
So, are YOU ready to choose a theme for your year? Are you ready to create the life of your dreams?
“All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Part of my wellness coaching is offering my clients an alternative to address common everyday ailments like sleep trouble, mood support, and general detox. These simple tools are appropriate for most populations and can be used with or without medications. I can almost guarantee tho that when you see how simple and easy (and natural) it is to treat common things you wont be reaching for the over-the-counter stuff that is packed with side effects. Here are my most requested and popular samples. I hope that you will soon see all of the versatile ways you can use essential oils in your home. It is hard to choose my favorites and keep it simple and approachable but let’s go! Just click on the highlighted text to learn about each one!
Using Essential Oils
Safety Precautions:
• doTERRA essential oils are extremely potent and some should not be applied directly on the skin without diluting them first (Cassia, Cinnamon, Clove, Thyme & Oregano to name a few)
• All citrus oils are photosensitive and should not be used on the skin for 12-24 hours prior to sun exposure
• Some but not all doTERRA essential oils are safe for internal use. Do not ingest an oil without triple checking if it is safe for dietary use
• Babies & the elderly are more sensitive to oils and extra dilution may be required
Balance (grounding blend). This powerful blend promotes tranquility, connectedness and well-being and has a powerful effect on the central nervous system. I like to apply to the back of my neck and under my nose throughout the day and before bed.
The warm, woody aroma of doTERRA Balance Grounding Blend creates a refreshing environment. We perfectly blend Spruce, Ho Wood, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, and Blue Chamomile with Fractionated Coconut Oil to offer an enticing fragrance that creates a tranquil and relaxing atmosphere. Spruce, one of the oils in doTERRA Balance, was used by Native Americans for health and spiritual reasons and is still used today to bring harmony to the mind and body.
Primary Benefits
Adds to a relaxing massage
Creates a calming atmosphere
When diffused, provides a tranquil aroma
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Direct Inhalation: add two drops to your palms, cup your nose and breathe.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. I love to add to unscented lotion and apply to my shoulders and neck. This is also lovely in the bath.
Lavender: Sourced from France + Bulgaria this is often considered the ‘swiss army knives’ of essential oils because of its versatile uses and safety for all ages, and animals. Lavender is a beautifying and calming oil.
Lavender oil has been used and cherished for centuries for its unmistakable aroma and variety of benefits. In ancient times, the Egyptians and Romans used Lavender for bathing, relaxation, cooking, and as a perfume. Its calming and relaxing qualities, when taken internally, continue to be Lavender’s most notable attributes. Applied topically, Lavender oil is frequently used to reduce the appearance of skin imperfections. Add to bath water to soak away stress or apply to the temples and the back of the neck. Add a few drops of Lavender oil to pillows, bedding, or bottoms of feet to relax and prepare for a restful night’s sleep. Due to Lavender’s versatile properties, it is considered the must-have oil to have on hand at all times.
Primary Benefits
Soothes occasional skin irritations
Taken internally, Lavender oil reduces anxious feelings and promotes peaceful sleep
Helps ease feelings of tension when used internally
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Direct Inhalation: add two drops to your palms, cup your nose and breathe.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area (feet are a favorite place for this at bedtime), or on any scrape, bruise, cut, burn or abrasion. This is also great added to epsom salt in the tub.
Wild Orange: Sourced from Greece and Brazil the essential oil is expressed from the peel. It’s powerful aroma is energizing and uplifting when diffused or added to the palm of your hand to breathe in. I like to add one drop to sparkling water, smoothies and greek yogurt to flavor without having additional sugar. It supports toxin elimination from the body and stimulates the lymphatic system. It’s also excellent for disinfecting – whether you add a few drops to your diffuser to cleanse the air or add 10 drops to 1/2c vinegar + 1/2c water and voila – instant all purpose cleaner!
Packed with antioxidants, Wild Orange oil offers many benefits. Taken internally, Wild Orange essential oil supports digestion and cleanses the body. When diffused, Wild Orange refreshes and purifies the air with its bright and energizing aroma. Diffuse throughout the day during periods of low energy. It can be helpful and invigorating while studying or doing tedious tasks. You can also make a Wild Orange spritzer to freshen the air and cheer you up and to dispel fatigue and tension.
Primary Benefits
Diffuse, or inhale the aroma directly with help with anxious feelings
Topically apply on the belly for help with digestion
Diffuse or Topically for trouble sleeping
Topical use for nervousness
Internal use supports healthy immune function
Uplifting to the mind and body
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Direct Inhalation: add two drops to your palms, cup your nose and breathe.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid or in a plain yogurt, added to brownies or a smoothie are a few of my favorites
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. This is a great oil for belly aches, especially in children. Apply with a carrier oil.
Peppermint: Sourced from Washington where the highest amount of menthol is found in the peppermint leaves. My favorite essential oil for relieving tension headaches. Simply apply 1 drop to your hand and rub hands together. Take a deep inhale and then massage into temples being mindful too avoid the eyes. It is also fantastic to add a drop to your drinking water especially if you feel bloated/gassy.
The peppermint plant is a hybrid of watermint and spearmint and was first described by Carl Linneaus in 1753. A high menthol content—like that found in the doTERRA Peppermint essential oil—distinguishes the best quality Peppermint from other products. Frequently used in toothpaste and chewing gum for oral hygiene, Peppermint also helps alleviate occasional stomach upset and promotes healthy respiratory function when taken internally. Peppermint continues to be one of the bestselling favorites among doTERRA essential oils.
Primary Benefits
When ingested, promotes healthy respiratory function and clear breathing .
Promotes digestive health when taken internally.
Repels bugs naturally. You can put around the doorways and windows where ants and other insects enter.
Helps relieve occasional tension, aches and pains
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Direct Inhalation: add two drops to your palms, cup your nose and breathe.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 8-10oz of warm water to aid in digestion.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. I love to apply this to my neck and jaw if I am having head tension, and I LOVE to use this in my shampoo, body wash and even a bubble bath.
Deep Blue (soothing blend). This is a game changer for anyone who experiences sore, tired, aching muscles and joints. The chemical constituents penetrate deep into the tissues to reduce discomfort. I just add 1-2 drops to a 1 tsp of carrier oil and massage into the area.
doTERRA Deep Blue is perfect for a soothing massage after a long day of work. Wintergreen, Camphor, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang, Helichrysum, Blue Tansy, Blue Chamomile, and Osmanthus work together to soothe and cool. After long hours on the computer, try rubbing Deep Blue proprietary blend on your fingers, wrists, shoulders, and neck. A few drops of Deep Blue Soothing Blend diluted in doTERRA Fractionated Coconut Oil can be part of a cooling and comforting massage.
Primary Benefits
Soothing and cooling oil blend
Comforting part of a massage
Excellent choice for aches and pains
Directions for Use
Topical use: Apply to desired area. Dilute with a lotion or carrier oil to get best coverage and absorption.
Adaptiv Calming Blend oil is perfect for life’s most stressful moments. Useful when a big meeting is coming up, or for other important events, Adaptiv Calming Blend helps improve sustained attention while easing the body and mind.
When stress and tension seem to be relentless, Adaptiv Calming Blend is the precise solution. Use Adaptiv to help get comfortable with new surroundings or situations. When a big meeting is coming up, or for other important events, keep Adaptiv Calming Blend on hand. In preliminary studies, the scent of Lavender, a main ingredient of Adaptiv, has been found to contribute to an environment conducive to performing tasks requiring sustained attention. Lavender, Magnolia, Neroli, and Sweetgum provide stress-relieving effects while Wild Orange and Spearmint energize and uplift. Copaiba and Rosemary soothe anxious feelings to round out the calming blend. Whether you’re feeling fatigued or restless, indecisive or irritable, Adaptiv Calming Blend is part of the toolbox to help the body and mind to stay balanced. Use Adaptiv Calming Blend in combination with the Adaptiv capsules for synergistic results.
Primary Benefits
Helps boost mood
Complements effective work and study
Increases feelings of tranquility
Soothes and uplifts
Calming and relaxing aroma
Directions for Use
Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Direct Inhalation: add two drops to your palms, cup your nose and breathe. I like to swipe this under my nose and behind my neck.
Topical: this blend makes a great bath bomb or added to epsom salt.
There are over 200 different essential oil companies in North America – but they vary greatly in their chemical constituents. In fact about 98% of these other companies are only interested in the aromatic effects of their oils – many of them using synthetics to create that aroma. There are 3 reasons I chose to use doTERRA in my home + coaching:
All doTERRA oils are independently tested through 54 processes to ensure that the CPTG label represents the purest and most potent oils on the market today.
The oils are sourced across the globe where the plant grows abundantly as that is where the highest chemical constituent will be found for that plant.
The company culture is incredible. This was what drew me the most – I feel very aligned with the vision they have and the impact they are having on the world. I believe that your ‘vibe attracts your tribe’ and this is so evident in doTERRA.
It’s because of these 3 things that they became the largest essential oil company in the world. They have the respect of both the growing community across the globe & the medical community where the opportunity to use a therapeutic grade oil is evident in research and practice.
I know once you take the caps off – you’ll see the difference right away.
In addition to supplying the highest quality essential oils doTERRA is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of farmers, harvesters, and distillers who contribute to doTERRA’s oil production.
Co-Impact Sourcing creates shared value for all stakeholders in the supply chain by being at the source and intentionally implementing environmental stewardship and/or social impact initiatives. Co-Impact Sourcing seeks to develop long-term, mutually beneficial supplier partnerships while creating sustainable jobs and providing reliable income in underdeveloped areas. doTERRA is committed to the ethical treatment of its suppliers by providing on-time payments at fair prices. Growers and harvesters are encouraged to form cooperative groups to share collective benefits and bargaining power while improving skills and capacity.
Additionally, the doTERRA Healing Hands Foundation® helps support development projects in sourcing communities. Projects include schools, health clinics, improved infrastructure and clean water systems.
What I love so much about Co-Impact Sourcing is that I know that when I use a drop of oil or share samples with people like you, I am also helping families all over the world. How awesome is that?
Embracing Spirit Essential Oil Community
There is something so powerful when like-minded people come together to learn and grow together. I realize that you can choose to buy your essential oils from anyone, but I hope you will resonate with my energy and vibe and feel like you fit and belong. I have a great community and opportunities to not just learn about essential oils and wellness, but a chance to grow as an individual and be encouraged to be the best version of yourself. In addition to essential oils, I also teach topics like gemstones, meditation and mindfulness, and yoga. Feel free to check out my other services and learn a little bit more about me. I would love to link arms with you.
In addition to the ongoing support and mentoring that you will receive in your essential oil and wellness journey, you will become part of a beautifully soulful tribe of women who are all linked in bringing light to the world.
Plus when you get started with me you will get a wonderful welcome package from me that includes resources, glass bottles and other fun things to get you started.
How Would You Like to Change Your Life?
Now you know how and why plant medicine is so powerful, but how would you like for that to create change for YOU and your family?
Would you like to feel more energy? Would you like to experience less pain? Would you like to feel happier and more joyful? Would you like to feel less anxious? Would you like to breathe better? Would you like to have a stronger immune system? Would you like to sleep better? Take just a minute and jot down your top health concerns…All the areas you would like to see improve!
If you’d like to personally connect with me, go over your health concerns and create a wellness plan with essential oils just click the button below! I look forward to connecting with you!
You have two options that I recommend the most to get essential oils into your home. You can buy essential oils at retail price, or you can become a wholesale customer (think along the lines of how SAM’s and Costco work…) and get 25% off retail prices!
The wholesale customer fee is only $35 to join, but if you get a kit that membership fee is waived! I love these kits because they are a sampling of the most widely used essential oils. It gives you the opportunity to get a bundle of essential oils at a huge discount.
This is my favorite bundle and covers everything you’ll need to get started.
$160 WHOLESALE
doTERRA Healthy Start Kit (5 mL Bottles)
Lavender
Lemon
Peppermint
Tea Tree
Oregano
Frankincense
Deep Blue®
doTERRA Breathe®
doTERRA On Guard®
Brevi® Stone Diffuser
Wellness Advocate Introductory Packet
FREE Wholesale Membership
Welcome Gift
The biggest mistake is investing in essential oils and then not knowing how to use them. I will make sure that you have everything you need to get started.
Your welcome package will include a resource book, a few glass bottles to start making your own blends, and a few other goodies.
Once you get your essential oils in your hands we will set up a personal meeting (virtual or in person) to answer questions and go over some initial protocols for getting started using your oils.
Plants are our food, oxygen, and medicine. Some even say they are one of the most pleasurable experiences on earth! From the flowers to the trees and the seas filled with coral dreams; the earth’s natural flora has inspired and enhanced humans for as long as time can tell. That’s why the power of plants is the key to unlocking our enjoyment of life.” ? Natasha Potter
Essential Oils are similar to other things we try to help ourselves feel better in the fact that each oil is not going to have the exact same effect on every single person. So if you use an oil and don’t get the results you are looking for, that’s OK, we can try something else. I like to say that learning to use essential oils is much the same as learning to cook–some trial and error, a good book and someone you can ask questions is the way we learn! Check out this free downloadable ebook to get the basics!
Stacie believes that it is her life purpose to share the gift of Yoga with anyone who is willing to say yes. In addition to raising a family and being an advocate for those with disabilities, Stacie is founder of Embracing Spirit Yoga which specializes in bringing adaptive Yoga into community centers and rehabilitation clinics. Bringing her depth of compassion to the mat–or the chair–she offers students the opportunity to grow as an individual in all aspects of their life.
With over fourteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, Certified Brain Injury Specialist, Life Wellness Coach, Senior YogaFit Instructor, Mind/Body Personal trainer, Stress Reduction and Meditation Instructor, Pilates Instructor, and Barre Instructor. Stacie is also certified in Integrative Movement Therapy™and is also a believer in the power and application of essential oils for health and wellness and proudly shares doTERRA essential oils.
Stacie brings her personal life experience of raising a daughter with a disability and over 12 years working in special education to her everyday Yoga classes.
In addition to teaching a variety of Yoga and Wellness classes, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.
This soup is absolutely delicious and is one of those soups that tastes even better the next day.
Add some crusty hot bread for an extra treat. It is warm and satisfying and perfect all year long.
Ingredients 2 tablespoons coconut oil 2 large onions, peeled and chopped 4 cloves garlic finely chopped or pressed 1 tablespoons fresh ginger root, minced 1–2 drops Lemongrass oil 4 tablespoons tomato paste 4 carrots, peeled and chopped 4 tablespoons curry powder 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes 8 cups vegetable broth 2 cans coconut milk 4 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped 3 cups dried red lentils 4–6 handfuls baby spinach Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Heat coconut oil over medium heat; add onion, garlic, and fresh ginger. Cook until onion is translucent then add carrots and sauté five to seven minutes.
Add tomato paste, curry powder, and red pepper flakes; cook for another one to two minutes stirring constantly until all vegetables are coated and flavors combined.
Add vegetable broth, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, and lentils. Cover and bring to a boil on medium high heat; reduce to simmer (low heat).
Add Lemongrass oil and cook for approx. 30 minutes until lentils are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Add spinach and stir until wilted.
Garnish with one tablespoon fresh chopped cilantro and one tablespoon sour cream.
Tip: Add some brown sugar for a sweeter curry taste. Adding a drop of Lime oil to the cilantro and sour cream garnish is also delicious.
Using essential oils in a variety of ways including internally should be done with some education and awareness. Choosing essential oils that are tested for purity is key.
Learn more about how to use oils and which ones are helping humanity and the planet here. I’d love to walk you through choosing the best for your family.
Deliberate is defined as done consciously and intentionally.
I chose DELIBERATE as my word for 2022 because I wanted to be more in tune with the choices I was making and what I was saying yes to. It has become a it overused to say “boundaries” and I wanted a softer approach to how I began to create some space in my life. I opted to think of my choices as filling the margins rather than having boundaries around my time or myself. I knew that after my previous year of refining my life I was ready to take it to the next level with pausing before I said yes to anything, and also being very intentional with my communication.
Early in the year I decided to carve out Friday as my day to only choose things that led to life I was trying to create. Previously I had a tendency to say yes to everything and everyone except myself which led to me often feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and at times resentful.
I am amazed at how setting an intention, pausing before saying yes and acting with a more conscious approach to life has become now a lifestyle. Of all the years I have been choosing a single word (about 18), this one had the most evident change in several different areas of my life.
Of course one of the biggest changes to my life was choosing that one day a week to be fully aware of what I put into the margins of my day. However, there were subtle changes to my style of communicating with others, especially under emotional strain. I took the same principle of pausing before speaking and the results were a much more peaceful commutation style and way more listening happening. I found that by slowing down I was able to clearly communicate my feelings and needs without sounded ungrateful or demanding. This was across people and situations. It was really amazing to see the shift in my communication enhancing my relationships.
I also found that as I commuted twice a week, driving sometimes up to 300 miles, I was very deliberate on the road and it became a very calm, focused almost meditation. The results were that as I became more intentional of my own driving, I was far less reactive to other peoples. This created delightful drives to work and I entered into my job with a very peaceful state.
As I flip back through my planner for the year I smile as I see how many great things happened on Fridays. Some of the adventures included:
•picking up golf clubs again and doing surprisingly well!
•hiking in my old favorite spots and rediscovering some of my old trails.
•lingering coffee shop dates alone where I could write or think or simply enjoy my coffee.
•mastering a pull up and a chin up became a late in the year goal and I claimed it! So fun!
•reading books during the day instead of just before bed where I usually read only a sentence or two before my eyes became too heavy.
•crocheting a few easy hats for myself and others is a great happy hour at home pastime.
•miles and miles of walks filled each day but I was able to log longer ones on Fridays.
•developing a deeper yoga practice was important to me this year and I found having a little more time allowed me to linger a bit on my mat.
•cultivating an amazing garden has been a pleasure of mine for years and each year it gets better! Fridays were weeding days and it is so soulful.
•massages are so important for my wellness and I found Friday afternoons to be the prime time for getting one.
•strength training became a must-do habit and I could not be more thrilled. I am so much stronger and have successfully achieved a pull up! I will never not life weights again.
I am so proud of myself for making this word stick and for the essence of what it means to be deliberate and to have it become a habit. I am way more balanced and definitely happier. I intend to continue my deliberate Fridays into next year and beyond.
Did you choose a word for your year? How did it play out in your world?
Seriously? Lotion in a bar form? YES! These glide over your skin making your body feel (and smell) amazing. Using all natural ingredients you eliminate toxic junk from going into your body. Remember our skin absorbs EVERYTHING you put on it so those store bought bottles lotion contain lots of stuff that can be harmful over time for our bodies.
Making these is quick, easy AND fun. Plus, they make awesome gifts!
Ingredients
1/2 cup beeswax
½ cup coconut oil
½ cup cocoa butter
1 teaspoon vitamin E oil
15 drops of doTERRA essential oil
Recommended essential oils: my favorites are Citrus Bliss, Peppermint, Lavender.
Directions:
Measure all ingredients, except for essential oils, in large glass jar.
Place jar in saucepan with one to one and a half inches of boiling water.
Stir ingredients until combined.
Once melted, remove from heat. Let rest three minutes.
Add essential oils and stir or swirl jar.
Pour mixture into silicone mold.
Massage lotion bar on skin for moisture.
Wrap in a fun paper and tie with twine for a cute gift.
These are so fun! You can find the molds in my Amazon shop listed below and if you check out this handy ebook you can learn more about essential oils and how you can get the most pure and potent in your home.
Gratitude is the #1 way to shift out of low frequency emotions like fear, grief, shame and lack… and into high frequency emotions like joy, peace, trust and love. Gratitude produces dopamine! Dopamine is our brain’s pleasure chemical. The more we think positive, grateful thoughts, the healthier and happier we feel. Amazing, eh?
What if you started saying 5 DIFFERENT things you’re grateful for every single day. Try it! it has changed my life!
Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude.
I hope you enjoy this diffuser blend today and I invite each of you to pause for a moment, and recognize all that is GOOD!
Gratitude Essential Oil Blend
• Siberian fir; breaking negative emotional and spiritual patterns
• Frankincense; raise awareness, shine your bright light
• Grapefruit; appreciate who you are
• Wild Orange; abundance and bright future, gladness to the heart
• Geranium; heart opening, realize security in what you do have
• Clove; instills power, sense of protection, integrity
Amber chips—A fossilized tree resin, amber radiates laughter, vitality, and courage. This stone holds the protective energy of our beloved trees, the guardians of Earth. Radiating the golden ray, amber shines light on new paths as obstacles become the stepping stones of growth. Amplifying one’s life force and physical drive to fulfill one’s destiny of simply being human. Amber is a powerful healer and cleanser of the body, mind and spirit. It also cleanses the environment. Amber draws disease from the body, healing and renewing the nervous system and balancing the right and left parts of the brain. It absorbs pain and negative energy, helping to alleviate stress. Amber clears depression, stimulates the intellect and promotes self-confidence and creative self-expression. It encourages decision-making, spontaneity and brings wisdom, balance and patience.
