Resistance, Surrender, Peace

About eighteen years ago I was referred to rheumatology for a positive antibody test result. What came next, and over a series of extensive blood work and discussions, was that I had several autoimmune diseases and needed to start medication. This was long before I was an advocate for myself or was even aware that I had choices when it came to what I put in my body. So I started the medications with zero research, zero questioning and zero information.

I stopped them as quickly as I started them.

Something in me just knew that it wasn’t the right time for me. It was during this season of my life that I was also beginning what I refer to as my “wake up”. A period where I was moving from being an angry, heavy toxic woman to someone who lived peacefully and in alignment with her greatest vision. I embarked on a journey of wellness that took me from over 200 pounds to a mere 145 pounds, but more than the weight it allowed me to find my soul and live in a way that was perfectly fulfilling in every aspect.

After stopping the medication, I went full on resistance to anything my rheumatology doctor had to say. Every visit was a heated battle of wills, until one day when she basically fired me as her patient. I went a year or so before I finally chose to drag my little tail between my legs to see her, and asked for a chance to start over. We talked about diet, herbs and exercise and although she was not a huge believer in any of it playing a large role in auto-immune disease (AID), she agreed to listen to me rant about how I believed that my extreme exercise habits and strict diet was keeping my symptoms away. Were they, or was I so resistant to the medications that I refused to acknowledge the pain I was really experiencing day after day?

My every-three-month visits and lab work came and went for many years and I was determined to have a lifestyle that was everything living with AID isn’t–active, vibrant, and full of living.

My resistance began to shift into surrender about five years ago when I was starting to have more and more periods of pain and fatigue. I told my rheumo that I would trust her to tell me if my body was taking a toll and when it is really time to start medications, not just based on a positive blood test. She agreed to watch and wait. I agreed to finally trust her expertise. I surrendered to the idea that I would likely have to start mediations if I wanted to keep my active life, and my sanity. I was by no means ready to start the medication, but I surrendered to the inevitable time that it would be coming.

The time has come. My body needs the help of medication to reduce the amount of flare ups that I experience. I walked into her office last week in total peace for the decision. The day I took the first dose, I rode my bike for miles and miles and marveled at the young woman who had so much well -served stubbornness and the need to do it her own way for over a decade. I watched in my mind how she matured into a common sense surrender of what IS, and then the wise woman who has softened into peace.

I wouldn’t trade a second of my seasons and am definitely proud of how I have handled the huge decision to know when. Believe me when I say I wanted essential oils and meditation to be enough, but I am the first to say for me, it isn’t enough. Sure, those things are my #1 and #2 choice for anything going on in my life (physically, emotionally or mentally), but I also realize that there is a time when western and eastern meet and good things happen. The oils and holistic life is one I will never trade, but I am proud of knowing myself enough to trust when something else can be added to make my life even better.

Resistance served me well. Surrender allowed me the grace to know. And, peace welcomed me into her arms.

Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

Crystals for Anxiety

Maybe it’s been an incredibly busy week, coupled with the unknown of the future and the overload of technology this week, or maybe it was the cortisone shot in my foot that has been ramping me up, but either way I have been dealing with anxiety lately.

For 18 years I have been wearing and using crystals for a variety of reasons and yesterday it struck me that since being home, I haven’t been wearing my usual crystal jewelry or putting them in my pocket. Crazy, right?

I immediately put on my rose quartz necklace and my moonstone pendant. I added a Labradorite bracelet and I had a much better day.

Check out the benefits.

Rose Quartz—opens the heart, promotes self-love, and blocks negativity

Moonstone—balances emotions, reduces anxious feelings, cools the mind

Labradorite—relieves anxiety and brain stress, strengthens the will

If you’d like some encouragement and guidance on using crystals, send me a message. I’d be glad to help…and I have a large stash I’d be happy to share.✨

Crystals and Essential Oils

If you haven’t started using gemstones with your essential oils, you’re missing out! Seriously amazing.

When it comes to understanding how these two work so well together it starts with the basic knowledge that it’s all about vibration: everything in the universe vibrates. This vibrational energy surrounds all beings, even those objects generally perceived as inanimate. Through the phenomenon of resonance, the vibration of one object can affect another object without its even touching it. This happens because vibration is an energy that travels through space. So, each individual is affected by the vibrations of people and things around us.

This relationship can be used to our advantage, especially when it comes to our emotions. For example, if energy our levels feel low, in addition to resting and staying well-hydrated, we can select a crystal or an essential oil (or a combination) for a pick-me-up.

“Crystals and essential oils, like yoga and meditation, are tools to help us feel our best,” explains crystal expert Heather Askinosie, co-founder of Energy Muse and author of CRYSTAL365. And in the same way that other healing practices pair well together, crystals and essential oils work together to enhance the energy you seek to create.”

So what do crystals and essential oils have in common? Well, they’re both made from earth’s natural resources and often used for healing purposes — crystals are naturally-occurring minerals found all over the globe, while essential oils are distilled directly from plants, trees, and flowers. Using essential oils for healing is wildly popular, as these potent plant essences are touted for their physical and emotional benefits, and used in various forms for different types of ailments (they can be applied topically, diffused in water, and sometimes even ingested). Additionally, crystals are revered for their purported healing benefits and cultures around the globe have used crystals for healing for thousands of years.

My favorite crystal varies depending on what is currently going on in my life, emotionally and physically. Lately, I have been really drawn to the cooler gems like larimar, turquoise, aquamarine, fluorite, green aventurine and amethyst. For many years I tended to be drawn towards warm and denser gems like carnelian, garnet, jaspers, hematite, tigers eye and citrine. Af ew months ago, my body (and mind) needed some cooler vibes and I switched up my crystals into a few of my daily blends of oils.

I personally love these gemstone rollers that pair fabulously with my high quality essential oils. To learn more about the basics of essential oils and how to order, check out this free guide.

Benefits of Massage

Are you a believer in massage?

I used to think that massages were an added luxury that only divas indulged in.  That was until I developed chronic pain and had a series of orthopedic surgeries.  Now, I know that I could not live without them.  I also used to think that I did not have the money for massages.  Now, I choose to invest in my health instead of in other things.

While more research is needed to confirm the benefits of massage, some studies have found massage may also be helpful for:

  • Anxiety
  • Digestive disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia related to stress
  • Myofascial pain syndrome
  • Soft tissue strains or injuries
  • Sports injuries
  • Temporomandibular joint pain

Beyond the benefits for specific conditions or diseases, some people enjoy massage because it often produces feelings of caring, comfort and connection. Did you know there are so many other benefits of massage?

These are the 10 most common benefits reported from massage therapy:

1. Reduce Stress

A relaxing day at the spa is a great way to unwind and de-stress. However, clients are sure to notice themselves feeling relaxed and at ease for days and even weeks after their appointments!

2. Improve Circulation

Loosening muscles and tendons allows increased blood flow throughout the body. Improving your circulation can have a number of positive effects on the rest of your body, including reduced fatigue and pain management!

3. Reduce Pain

Massage therapy is great for working out problem areas like lower back pain and chronic stiffness. A professional therapist will be able to accurately target the source of your pain and help achieve the perfect massage regimen.

4. Eliminate Toxins

Stimulating the soft tissues of your body will help to release toxins through your blood and lymphatic systems.

5. Improve Flexibility

Massage therapy will loosen and relax your muscles, helping your body to achieve its full range of movement potential.

6. Improve Sleep

A massage will encourage relaxation and boost your mood.  Going to bed with relaxed and loosened muscles promotes more restful sleep, and you’ll feel less tired in the morning!

7. Enhance Immunity

Stimulation of the lymph nodes re-charges the body’s natural defense system.

8. Reduce Fatigue

Massage therapy is known to boost mood and promote better quality sleep, thus making you feel more rested and less worn-out at the end of the day

9. Alleviate Depression and Anxiety

Massage therapy can help to release endorphins in your body, helping you to feel happy, energized, and at ease.

10. Reduce post-surgery and post-injury swelling

A professional massage is a great way to safely deal with a sports injury or post-surgery rehabilitation.

It is also important to me that my massage therapist uses pure essential oils on my body during massage. The aromatic as well as the physical benefits create an all around amazing experience for the mind, body and soul.

Some of my favorite essential oils are:

  • Lavender. Safe for all ages, massage into the skin to promote calmness.
  • Ylang Ylang. Reduces effects of daily stress and leaves a soothing floral aroma.
  • Cypress. Soothing when applied on its own, use with a citrus oil for an invigorating massage.
  • Eucalyptus. Helps to create feelings of open airways.
  • Lemongrass. The perfect massage oil to use after an especially intense workout.
  • Marjoram. Used to target specific tired or stressed muscles.
  • Deep Blue® Soothing Blend. A blend that is both cooling and comforting, it also comes as Deep Blue® Rub for a lotion-like application.

Screen Shot 2019-07-11 at 10.41.30 AM.png

 

 

 

 

Categories of Essential Oils

Not sure which essential oil you need? Keep this handy chart tagged until you are familiar with which category does what.  I tell people when they are  learning to use essential oils is similar to learning to cook–in the beginning we need cookbooks and recipes but in time we become more confident and intuitively begin to know what we are doing.  Essential oils are much the same.  The more you use, the more you begin to know.  Trusting yourself and listening to your body helps, too.

🌸 when you have anything skin related, the FLORALS will help soothe and calm your skin’s irritants (burns, insect bites, cuts).  FLORALS are also great for calming emotions and helping to reduce feelings of stress in the body and mind.

🌿 when our bodies start to take on symptoms of an illness reach for your HERBS to help knock out the germs (thyme, oregano, basil, marjoram, etc).  These powerhouses work so well at helping the body return to health. Many herbs produce soothing and renewing feelings.

🌲 the constitutes in TREES helps to relieve uncomfortable aches in the muscles and joints (cypress, Siberian Fir, Douglas Fir, birch).  Emotionally TREES are grounding and balancing.

🍋 when you find yourself feeling low, just reach high up on the tree for a CITRUS and feel the immediate lift both energetically and emotionally. CITRUS = happiness, plus CITRUS oils are detoxifying and cleansing for the body.

Check out this handy guide to learn more about the basics of essential oil use.

57456921_298032457776258_8299476098484273152_n.jpg

 

Oils & Gemstones

This morning in my meditation it came to me to create a custom essential oil blend for my surgery and recovery. I included heart opening gratitude oils as I prepare to receive the ultimate–someone’s body part who died so I can be pain-free. I also included cleansing oils for my cells and emotionally healing oils. I chose to set the blend with some healing gemstones outside in the shade for some Mother Earth time.

In the blend there is frankincense, basil, birch, ginger, wild orange, immunity blend, lavender and spikenard.  These combined and layered will offer me cellular support, a calm mind and an incredibly grateful and open heart to receive the talented surgeon’s ability, the care of the staff, the prayers that surround me, and mostly the donor’s part.

The gemstones are rose quartz, malachite, citrine, lapis, hematite, obsidian, and quartz crystal. These beauties will assist me with energy that brings healing and contentment as my body endures this.

Awesome isn’t?

21192853_10156614290762995_8037895201957558574_n.jpg

Inner Strength

Following some emotionally grueling days, I debated about going to a Yoga class.  My mind made up stories as to why I was “too busy” to go.  Instead of listening to those false thoughts, I went to Yoga and it was one of the best decisions I have made in a long time.  Not only did I overcome the all too common beliefs that I should not make time for myself, but I had a much needed–and not anticipated–release of emotions.

The tears came following my second set of the posture known as bird of paradise. I was at first taken back by the instant stinging of tears.  As I made my way out the pose and the teacher began to guide us into the next posture, I gathered up my breath and allowed myself to feel whatever I was feeling.  The sobs erupted when I easily moved into the arm balance flying crow. It is not often that I practice arm balances especially ones that I am less familiar with.  Rather than stay within my usual conservative practice, I went where the teacher led me.  My heart rounded inward as the strength in my arms prepared my flight. As I steadied my breathe in the pose, I heard a booming voice of “yeah, that is right……you ARE strength…..you ARE empowered…..you ARE capable”.  The tears kept coming.  Months and months of stifled pain pouring out through sweet droplets of tears.

The crying did not cease.  Following the pose, I laid there allowing anything and everything to swell up in me.  The tears kept coming.  I cannot say that I had sadness.  Instead I had a deep knowing of my inner strength that has recently been questioned by fear.  An inner reserve of empowered knowing.  Worthiness that has been stifled.

It was all there for me to bask in. And the best part, I totally embraced it.

Yea, Yoga heals.

cropPhoto.php