healthy

July Inspiration

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“The beginning of freedom is the realization that you are not “the thinker.” You realize that all the things that truly matter – beauty, love, creativity, joy, inner peace – arise from beyond the mind. You begin to awaken.”

— Eckhart Tolle

Summer is in full swing! I hope that you are all enjoying the season of growth! The warm days, lemonade, watermelon and summer activities are happening! My garden is flourishing and I love to see the changes that each day offers! All the rain we have been getting is making my veggies super happy. I had a big lesson last month about the impatience I was showing toward the seeds I had planted–even so much that I was convinced a squirrel stole them when in fact, they grow on their own time, not mine. This year I ventured into growing some other things like Brussel sprouts, edamame, and broccoli along with the usual garden varieties of squash, peppers, tomatoes and lots of green beans.

It may surprise you to learn this about me, but I am a hustler and find joy in hard work. (sarcasm). Despite my hard work schedule, I have come to realize that choosing time to fill up my own cup will only bring more value to my work. I have been focusing on carving out time each day to make sure I get a walk (or two) in, that I enjoy time on my patio with a popsicle, or time on my bike, and that I am pausing each day to take in more of LIFE around me. I believe that personal growth is one of the most empowering things we can do. I hope you’ll consider joining me in some personal growth and balance.

I have a plenty of fun classes scheduled this month and I am excited to continue Monday Evening Yoga in my studio, as well as yoga in the park. I also have a couple sunset Yoga classes to celebrate the warm evenings.

As always, I am here for consultation and questions related to yoga, health, essential oils and living a mindful life.

Celebrate you, your life and enjoy the summer days!

Much love,

Stacie

Read this lovely blog post about a lesson I learned last year about what freedom really is.

Yoga

YOGA IN THE PARK

Join me for Yoga in the park two Saturdays at 9am (7/15, 7/22) at Jackson Elementary Park (1111 Holland Park Blvd) for some sunny yoga in the park. Cost: suggested donation $10-15

Can’t make Saturday mornings? How about Sunset Yoga? Join me in the same park 730pm-830pm July 12th and July 26th. (weather permitting). Cost: suggested donation $15-20

IN STUDIO YOGA

Do you prefer to practice inside and in a more intimate space? My studio classes are Monday evening Slow Flow Yoga at 515pm. Please register below by a simple email to me with the dates you’d like a spot—they will up fast!

Register for July In-Studio Classes

ONLINE YOGA & PILATES

My online access classes are and always will be donation based. I am believer in making my classes accessible to anyone, regardless of ability, or income. However on a much deeper level, this means I trust that those who can pay, will. And those that truly cannot, will still be able to practice. You can learn more about donation yoga by reading my blog post.

Enjoy this sampling of what you’ll receive when you choose to access my videos. You can choose between yoga, chair yoga, pilates and mediation, or choose them all!

Online Yoga and Pilates

Essential Yoga–FREEDOM

If you missed the Essential Yoga in June, I am excited to offer it again in July, but this time it is recorded and ready for you to view at your convenience. Just click on the link below and you’ll have access to the online class. Donations are appreciated.

Essential Yoga–Freedom

Are you a current yoga teacher? I am also offering a yoga teacher mentoring program to help yoga teachers learn how to modify and teach to those with different abilities. Ask me more!

Essential Oils & Wellness

Many of you know that I use and rely on essential oils to maintain the health of my mind, body, and spirit. I use them throughout my home from cleaning, to pain management, energy, sleep, mood and much more. We have been waiting for a long time for the in-depth product developers to perfect their natural, mineral based sunscreen and the wait does not disappoint!

Did you know you can create you own bundle of oils, cleaners, skin care and now sunscreen and the wholesale pricing fee ($35) is waived! How awesome is that? You’ll get wholesale pricing just like me for an entire year and there is never a requirement to keep buying (though I know you’ll find lots of great things!)

Once you get started you will also get an awesome welcome package from me, access to my VIP community group, education and mentoring and much more. It is easy to get started! I am also happy to chat personally with you to create the perfect options for your needs.

Get Started

I offer FREE wellness consultations to talk about your goals and desire for a healthier, mind, body and spirit ANYTIME whether you are an oil user or not. Together we will create a personalized plan. Schedule yours today!

Free Wellness Consult

This month’s special and unique essential oil and gemstone blend features some earthy and mellow aromas to open the space in yourself to find that feeling of FREEDOM from all the stress being human can bring. It is delicious and smells amazing. It’s also rich in color and beauty. You can pick one up here.

DIY

Did you know you can use essential oils to make some awesome summer treats? Not just will the flavor be amazing but you’ll also get the benefit of the essential oils!

A few of my favorite summer recipes are listed below.

Raspberry Limeade

Lemon and Orange Granitas

Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

Tropical Dream Smoothie

Wild Orange Vanilla Popsicle

Lavender Blueberry Shake

French Cucumber Salad

The Benefits of Play

Summer is a great time to make time for play. In our hectic, modern lives, many of us focus so heavily on work and family commitments that we never seem to have time for pure fun. Somewhere between childhood and adulthood, we stopped playing. When we carve out some leisure time, we’re more likely to zone out in front of the TV or computer than engage in fun, rejuvenating play like we did as children. But play is not just essential for kids; it can be an important source of relaxation and stimulation for adults as well.

Playing with your romantic partner, friends, co-workers, pets, and children is a sure (and fun) way to fuel your imagination, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and emotional well-being. Adult play is a time to forget about work and commitments, and to be social in an unstructured, creative way.

Play helps:

  • Relieve stress. Play is fun and can trigger the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
  • Improve brain function. Playing chess, completing puzzles, or pursuing other fun activities that challenge the brain can help prevent memory problems and improve brain function. The social interaction of playing with family and friends can also help ward off stress and depression.
  • Stimulate the mind and boost creativity. Young children often learn best when they are playing—a principle that applies to adults, as well. You’ll learn a new task better when it’s fun and you’re in a relaxed and playful mood. Play can also stimulate your imagination, helping you adapt and solve problems.
  • Improve relationships and your connection to others. Sharing laughter and fun can foster empathy, compassion, trust, and intimacy with others. Play doesn’t have to include a specific activity; it can also be a state of mind. Developing a playful nature can help you loosen up in stressful situations, break the ice with strangers, make new friends, and form new business relationships.
  • Keep you feeling young and energetic. In the words of George Bernard Shaw, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.” Play can boost your energy and vitality and even improve your resistance to disease, helping you function at your best.

Go find a playground and swing awhile or shoot some hoops with a friend. You’ll be surprised what an afternoon of play can do for you mind, body and spirit.

Thank You

So many of you have been so supportive of me over the years. I am so blessed that I can continue to share my passion and touch your life. It means a lot to me that you know that you are very important to me, and I am incredibly grateful that our paths have crossed. I believe that now more than ever, we need to recognize the people and meaningful connections that we all have.

As always, it is my hope that you stay healthy and happy in your mind, body and spirit.

Much love and light to you!

xo, Stacie

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About Stacie

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 sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an E-500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, 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 classes at a variety of local centers and health clubs, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.

Soothing Foot Salve

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DIY Soothing Foot Salve with Essential Oils

Our feet carry us through every season of life, often working harder than we realize. By the end of the day, they can feel tired, dry, or sore — reminding us just how much care they deserve. A simple, homemade foot salve is a wonderful way to restore comfort, soften skin, and give your feet the love they’ve earned.

This DIY soothing foot salve blends nourishing butters and oils with carefully chosen essential oils to calm, refresh, and rejuvenate. Not only does it moisturize deeply, but it also offers the grounding and therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy. Making your own salve is easy, economical, and ensures that you know exactly what ingredients are going onto your skin.

This foot salve is a beautiful way to slow down and practice gratitude for the body that carries you.

Ingredients:

  • One cup almond or fractionated coconut oil
  • 2 heaping tablespoons beeswax
  • 1 tablespoon shea butter
  • Melt in a glass jar that is placed in a simmering pot of water

Once it is melted, add 10 drops each of the oils below and pour into glass or metal container. Find my favorites in my amazon shop listed below!

Try this salve and then let me know how you like it! Also, check out this gorgeous free ebook that has some great tips for using essential oils.

If you love my content and want more tools for mindfulness & movement, check out my digital products

Looking for the tools and products I swear by? Visit my Amazon storefront for a handpicked collection of my favorite finds—from kitchen gadgets to wellness essentials. Click here to explore and shop my must-haves.

Interested in being part of my essential oil community and are ready to start using pure essential oils, shop here or email me for a free 1:1 consultation.

Self Study

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The term Svadhyaya literally means ‘one’s own reading’ or ‘self-study’. It is the fourth Niyama of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and has the potential to deepen our yoga practice way beyond the mat, or in the case of many of my students the chair.

The word itself is made up of Sva, meaning own, self, or the human soul, and Adhyaya, meaning lesson, lecture, or reading, and can imply the practice of studying scriptures, as well as a practice of studying the Self.

And the Self I am speaking of is the divine Self, the true Self, not the labels and attachments we have about who we think we are, or the ego. When we listen to the ego, we often do things that don’t always align with our true beliefs, values or intuition. The ‘I’ or small ‘self’ is mostly concerned with survival, which usually entails getting what it wants in all situations, and proving it is indeed ‘the best’. The small self judges, criticizes, fears, conditions, doubts and is essentially the cause of the chitta vrittis, or ‘fluctuations of the mind’. That ol’ monkey mind that constantly floods our thoughts.

By paying attention to, or ‘studying’ our ‘self’, we become more aware of the things we do that harm us, and also those which serve us and bring us closer to that process of ‘yoking’ or ‘uniting’ with the true Self. The ultimate purpose in Yoga is the yoke or find union.

So many of my students lost who they identified with prior to their accident or diagnosis. The job titles, letters after their signature that represented their years of schooling, the size of their bank account, their successes, etc. These amazing people have been forced into deep self study, and I am in constant awe as they step fully into the Self. The willingness to look at their behaviors and thoughts are outstanding and inspiring. Their courage invites me to do the same.

Self Study requires a willingness to read the some of the ancient texts of Yoga that lead us towards a direction to the Self. We do the work, but the texts are a roadmap. The Yoga Sutras are the framework in which we actually live yoga off the mat or outside of the chair.

Studying our habits on the yoga mat (or chair) can go a long way towards recognizing our habits outside of the physical practice. The way in which we practice yoga is actually very reflective of the way we practice life…. and a person’s physical yoga practice often reveals a lot more about them than they may think.

When we’re on the mat or in our chair there’s nowhere else to go and hide behind. The daily distractions of phones, chores, emails, and TV are no longer there to take our minds away from ourselves. We have the chance to ask and then listen.

We also actually have to pay attention…. This can be a little intimidating at first, and a yoga practice can sometimes reveal more about where our problems are rather than how perfect we are – which as we know, is very good for destroying the ego.

In a Yoga session it is imperative to ask yourself where am I holding tension? The jaw, forehead, neck, shoulders and upper back are common places we tend to store our fears and worries. Ask yourself why this tension might be present, and how often does it arise during your practice? How often does a negative commentary about your abilities (or lack of) enter your mind? How many times do you compare or compete with who you think you should be? Where does your mind go in an attempt to distract the sensation of breath and body?

Watch your thoughts, they become words; watch your words, they become actions; watch your actions, they become habits; watch your habits, they become character; watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.

Unknown

Svadhyaya in the sense of studying our selves in daily life though, requires us to really take our yoga practice off the mat or out of the chair.

Knowing what we’re doing in each moment requires us to pay attention, but asking the question “why am I doing this?” requires us to be aware and fully present, which is ‘paying attention’ on a whole other level. Questioning our actions is something we may often avoid, as it is usually a catalyst for change, and as humans we don’t often like change. We prefer the static way of predictability in our daily lives so much that even changing the slightest thing can cause a ripple effect of angst.

I encourage students to practice this willingness by not always choosing the same spot to set up their mat or chair. I offer movements that are not predictable and not always a traditional way of teaching. We may turn to the rear of the mat rather than face the front to actually practice doing something that isn’t the same old routine. For my adaptive yoga students I am constantly challenging them with small changes as it increasing mental resilience and flexibility of the mind and shows them that the minor emotional deregulation in the safety of a Yoga class actually builds confidence that they can in fact handle changes and apply them to their life in the community which is constantly changing.

I often say to students we practice here what we will apply there.

The practice of taking a proverbial step back and observing and questioning our actions can eventually allow us to disentangle ourselves from those aspects of our lives that are harmful to our wellbeing.

Observe yourself as though you were watching someone else; observe the way you speak to friends and family, the way you react when plans change, the way you hold yourself when walking or sitting, or even just the way in which you get dressed each morning… it all tells the story of who and how we are in this moment.

The practice of svadhyaya requires satya (honesty) in order to view ourselves from an honest standpoint, tapas (discipline) – because taking an honest look at ourselves isn’t always something we like doing…. And ahimsa (non violence) which reminds us to look at ourselves without judgement or criticism.

That is the beauty of self study. A peek inside of ourselves at the Self level and then polishing off the smudges that take away our light. Ideally this study happens both in a practice and in every moment of our lives. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to be a better version of themselves each day?

The first step is looking inward and removing all the things you think you are and looking at Truth. From there we see the habits, the patterns, the nonsense and we gracefully remove the things that are getting in the way of the true Self.

Feel like taking a deep dive into your self by practicing some Svadhyaya?

Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the Self”

The Bhagavad Gita

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. Stacie is currently contracted across the country in a variety of residential programs for adults with traumatic brain injuries and other disabilities.

With over sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is a E-RYT 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher with Yoga Alliance, a 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 classes in her studio and in the community, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.

June Inspiration

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“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”

Roy T. Bennett

Happy June! I hope that you are welcoming in the changing season and whatever joy that brings into your world. My backyard is looking fabulous and I am loving all the outdoor time. I am also loving my vegetable garden and look forward to a bounty of harvest this year. I am all planted and now the practice of patience begins. For me, I tend to struggle with the process of patience so this is a really good thing for me.

Last year, I challenged myself to do a random act of service DAILY for the entire month of June. It was such a wonderful experience that I decided this spring to give random people packets of flower seeds. What a joyful thing that was to see people smile! I want to continue to sprinkle goodness and inspiration into the lives of others this month. I believe small acts of goodness can have a powerful impact on the world, little by little. I crafted a gorgeous blend of essential oils, crystals and dried flowers that I have named INSPIRE that includes eucalyptus, cardamom, peppermint, ravensara, cinnamon, ginger, clove, jasmine, citrine quartz and calendula flower. It is amazing and I cannot wait to randomly gift someone with it.

We are half way through the year and it is a great time to check in with your intention you set way back in January. I chose to bring vulnerability into my life. It has been an interesting process for me and I have been challenged with many opportunities to be vulnerable. Opening myself up a little more has been difficult as I tend to be incredibly private and low-key about the emotional side of myself. I have had several medical things pop up this year that offered me some lessons around being vulnerable. I have also had some new work opportunities and have had to navigate that bravely. It is all good, but I think I am good and could use a little break from being vulnerable.

If your intention this year was to ramp up your health, watch for a great series that I will be offering in July that will take us back to the basics of health and wellness in all areas of our life. This will include information on mindfulness, taking control of our choices, yoga and meditation, nutrition, getting brave, and so much more. I also offer wellness consultations to get a plan together for you!

I began an online forum for yoga teachers to learn more about how to take yoga into assisted living settings and successfully offer the practice to those with neurological conditions. This has been a great outlet for me to share more about my work and hopefully inspire others to take that leap and offer it in their communities. If you are a yoga teacher, social worker or mental health worker or know someone who is, pass along this to them.

Enjoy this new month and all the growth that June brings. Take lots of walks, bike rides, or sit for hours on a porch swing and soak in the summer air. And of course find ways to INSPIRE others.

xo, Stacie

About Stacie

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 sixteen years experience, Stacie Wyatt is an E-500 RYT with Yoga Alliance–, 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 classes at a variety of local centers and health clubs, Stacie also continues to offer Yoga and Wellness coaching individually to those seeking private sessions.

Purchase this Blend

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Scar Protocol

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“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

Maya Angelou

When I first started using essential oils over twenty years ago it was all about the smell for me. I loved the way that they blended together to make a custom perfume or to use in yoga classes. It wasn’t until many years later that I actually started to learn that the powerful molecules in plants are actually incredibly beneficial for our bodies. Let’s face it, prior to a Walgreens on every corner our ancestors used plants to heal many ailments–peppermint, chamomile, aloe, etc. In time I have filled my house and my work with essential oils for all purposes and I am so glad that I did. When I get a headache or a belly ache, I know that I can reach for something as simple as peppermint to soothe my body. Pure and potent without any side effects or long term risks that can come with over the counter medications.

One of the most common ways I use oils on a daily basis is on my skin. Growing up at a swimming pool and being a redhead lends its self to some sun damage. I couple of years ago I did a horrible treatment on my skin and chest to kill pre-cancerous cells. You basically put a very strong cream on and for two weeks and wherever you had cancer cells, the skin would turn black and die. My entire chest was covered in raw, red, black dying skin. It was horribly painful. My face surprisingly did not have much.

Once the process of that was over, I have been consistently applying essential oils to my chest to help the brand new skin stay rejuvenated and healthy. And of course, I wear sunscreen every day on my body and my face.

Despite the torture of the cream and a couple biopsies, Basal Cell has made its way into my life again. Thankfully I have an incredible dermatologist who is on it. Yesterday I had to have an area on my collarbone cut out and stitched back up. Once the stitches are out I will be addressing the scar and tissue with essential oils.

Since having to deal with the issue for the last two years, I have never leaned on my oils more to support my skin.

Here is the process of what oils I will use for scar revisioning and healthy skin.

Full face application: Immortelle followed by Yarrow|Pom, focuses on the scar. Applied morning and night.
Magnolia and Rose Touch, floral oils are

INCREDIBLE for skin health and regeneration.
Custom Blend: 15 drops Yarrow|Pom, 10 drops Helichrysum (promotes great blood flow), 10 drops Frankincense, 10 drops Sandalwood, 10 drops Myrrh. Topped with Fractionated coconut oil and I will apply it probably every 30 minutes or so…it is also soothing so will help with any discomfort.

Not only are these oils incredible for skin rejuvenation, but they also help with the huge swing of emotions that have come along with this process. Flowers are so soothing for the mind and really foster a sense of love so as I walk through this I am reminded of love for my body, the process and deep trust. The investment is big, I get that. However, these oils are versatile and can be used for may things beyond just the skin. If you only used them on your face and chest this investment will literally last you months if not years. Think of how many garbage products you have used on your skin that aren’t pure and are filled with extra junk and the money literally tossed down the drain.

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Raspberry Smoothie Bowl

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I am not a fan of drinking my meals so smoothies are my least favorite thing but I get the nutritional benefit and the ease of it. Smoothies are a delicious, convenient way to get in your fruits and vegetables for the day.

This smoothie bowl recipe includes antioxidant-rich raspberries, as well as Lime essential oil which is often used as an internal cleanser. Whether you want to start off your day with a nutritious breakfast, or blend up an afternoon snack, this raspberry smoothie bowl is a delicious addition to any day of the week. I LOVE active stacks protein and this keeps me full for hours.

Ingredients:
  • 2 cups frozen raspberries
  • 1 cup light coconut milk
  • 1 large frozen banana
  • tablespoon chia seeds
  • 1 scoop chocolate active stacks protein
  • 2-3 drops Lime Essential oil
  • Shredded coconut
  • Shaved dark chocolate

Instructions:
  1. In a blender, combine frozen fruit, coconut milk, chia seeds, and Lime oil.
  2. Puree until mixture is smooth.

    Tip: For desired consistency, add more frozen fruit if too thin, or more water or coconut milk if too thick.
  3. Pour mixture into bowl and top with shredded coconut, shaved dark chocolate, and any other desired toppings.

Yum! And you get the benefits without having to drink it! I have a gorgeous ebook that gives you tons of ideas on how to use essential oils in every area of your home!

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Divine Feminine Energy and Aromatherapy

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Spring is the perfect time to dive into personal growth right alongside of nature. The month of May is perfect for tapping into the divine feminine energy to foster some nurturing for the growth ahead.

if you’ve been following along with the the last few months, you may have caught my theme of personal growth. Back in March we learned how to prepare our “soil” in the garden in our heart by removing the trash, twigs and weeds that take can take over when left unattended. In April, we took some intentions into our hearts and planted them within with hopes that we will grow in an area of ourselves that we may be lacking. I personally chose to grow some acceptance after I worked hard on removing some disappointments.

Nurturing the Seeds

Now, this month we continue on by looking at how do we nurture these “seeds”? What types of things will act as sunshine and water for the precious intentions we have cultivated in our spirits? 

One of my favorite ways to work with the energy of nurturing is to really tap into the divine feminine energy.

Divine feminine energy is of receptivity and stillness.

Divine feminine energy is of non-doing.

Feminine energy dwells in the shadows and is connected the the lunar energy. Feminine energy is the receptive side of us that is softer, slower, still, and welcoming of ideas and thoughts.

Slowing down in general especially on the days where you do not have to be doing and going. Society glorifies busy. Then burnout happens.

How to work towards the still, peaceful moments that connect you to a deeper part of yourself.

Also attempting to tap more into your intuition is another aspect to living more in the divine energy flow of life. Having daily rituals is important to stay connected to this energy. Mastering self care rituals which include bubble baths and time alone in the garden. Waking early and spending some quiet time alone. These little moments in a busy day help to keep the divine feminine energy there.

This month in my personal practice as well as my teachings, I intend to move on my mat in ways that nurture this energy. Coming into flowing and graceful movements while then holding postures in stillness and looking inward. Slowing down my body on the mat to lean into the stillness within will transfer to my life which is the true purpose of yoga.

Aromatherapy and Divine Feminine Energy

Also part of my slowing down softening the edges of myself, and being more intuitive and intentional about things includes using aromatherapy. I love to use essential oils to help the process of connecting. It sounds crazy, but essential oils and plant therapy have been used for centuries in various forms and during rituals. Most modern medicine is derived from the properties of plants and I love using the purest form of the plant.

In my experience, the higher noted citrus oils or flower-scented oils offer a strong connection to the divine feminine.

Once you have experimented with scents and their effects, you may like to also integrate yoga and crystals into your practices to tap into the divine feminine. It took me some experimenting to find what I love, and what I need.

Suggested Essential Oils for Awakening the Divine Feminine:

  • Bergamot — The oil of self-acceptance and self-love. Also promotes self-confidence and the knowing that you are enough.
  • Geranium — The oil of love and trust. Geranium helps us forgive, become more tolerant and gentle. It eases heavyhearted emotions and feelings of abandonment.
  • Lavender — Oil of Balance. If all else fails, this oil is one of the most versatile. If you’re up and not grounded, lavender is the anchor. Conversely, if you’re down, lavender is the sunshine to shift the clouds.
  • Ylang Ylang —The oil to release. This oil helps us feel playful, free, intuitive and emotionally connected. Ylang Ylang helps us release bottled up emotions. This plant also opens up our playful side and inner child.
  • Clary Sage — The oil of clarity and vision. This beautiful oil helps develop spiritual clarity, intuition and open-mindedness. It teaches us how to use our divinely given feminine gifts. It also helps balance hormones.
  • Rose-The oil of divine love. It supports you as a queen and symbolises pure divine universal love. Rose dissolves fear and awakens our inner goddess. Rose helps us feel more compassionate, tenderhearted and accepting, drawing out those feminine qualities. Rose allows us to choose to receive divine love. 
  • Cedarwood — Oil of Community. Cedarwood inspires the feeling of belonging and assists the heart in opening to receive the love and support of other people.”
  • Magnolia — Oil of Compassion. Magnolia encourages all individuals on a profoundly spiritual level to interact without causing pain or suffering and to refrain from seeing others as somehow less than oneself.
  • Thyme — Oil of Releasing & Forgiving. This herbal essential oil is beautiful for becoming more openhearted and understanding. Thyme “assists in addressing trapped feelings which have been buried for a long time.”

Ideally when we use essential oils to support feminine energy, we are looking to feel all the feelings we’ve likely been suppressing–self love, acceptance, intuition, and the softness of our spirit.

Using these oils will gently soften and bring out the feminine side of you. They are a lovely way to self empower and value add to any self-care activity you are undertaking to better your life and mindset. I love to make a roller blend with these oils during this month to tap into the feelings of nurturing my divine feminine and start to really give the seeds in my heart that I’ve been working on planting the last month or so.

I have a gorgeous free ebook that walks you through the use of essential oils in everyday life for your family. Whether you opt for the more energetic and emotional uses or the practical everyday remedies, you can check it out here.

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Crispy Kale Chips

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I admit it. I was once a kale hater. Then I found a few ways to make it and now it’s a regular item in my house. Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense foods you can eat. Just one cooked cup has 36 calories and provides a whopping 1,180% of your daily-recommended intake (DRI) of vitamin K. That’s more than any other food on the planet. Crazy!?

One of the ways I love to make kale is seared with shallots, garlic, chicken stock and red pepper flakes. Once it’s cooked I drizzle it with balsamic vinegar and goodness, is it ever amazing.

I also love to have kale chips on hand when I am wanting a little snacky crunch.

Kale chips are a delicious, easy, and inexpensive way to get more greens into your diet. Try this recipe for original flavored kale chips or spice them up with other herbs and essential oils for more options. I like garlic powder, Parmesan cheese, and Lemon oil for an Italian twist, or cumin and Lime oil for Mexican-style chips.

Ingredients
1 large bunch kale, washed and torn into bite-size pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 drops Lemon Essential Oil
Salt & pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200° F.
  2. Wash and dry kale thoroughly.
  3. Combine olive oil and Lemon oil in large mixing bowl.
  4. Add kale and toss. Make sure kale is well coated with oils.
  5. Once coated, place on baking sheet in single layer.
  6. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
  7. Bake on the center rack for 45–50 minutes or until crispy.

Besides cooking with pure essential oils, you can also support your health, your mood and bring non-toxic cleaning into your house. This gorgeous ebook walks you through the versatility of essential oils. And when you choose to get started, I load you up with goodies, mentoring and education, and a free wellness consultation!

I hope you’ll learn to love eating kale like I did. It’s truly one of the greatest foods you can eat and once you find a few ways to make it, you’ll be hooked!

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Morning Routine

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What are your morning rituals? What does the first hour of your day look like?

Many years ago I would get out of bed and just start “doing”…. I was asleep living my life and just going through the motions of existing.

Then I started a ritual of being quiet and still. I made a commitment to getting up a little earlier before the house woke up and began making time for myself. I say this a lot, but when I WOKE UP to living, I became a better person. Part of the waking up process was cultivating a morning ritual. 

The results were amazing; I yelled less, I reacted less, I was angry less, and I was peeling off all the garbage I had accumulated through my life. It was clear to me that anger had eroded every cell of my being and I was a perfect example of what that looked like.

I was toxic mess in every aspect of my life. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally. A toxic, heavy mess.

And then I began this simple morning ritual. I started the great wake up of my life where I went from unconscious living to conscious and deliberate living.

The rest is history ?

Here is how I start my day: I usually take 30 minutes to do some of these things before the day gets busy.

  • I am a big intention-for-the-day person and I almost always pull a positive card that gives me something to think about throughout the day.
  • I note all the goodness in my life and welcome in the day with an open heart by breathing mindfully for 5-10 minutes and sitting with all that IS.
  • I enjoy my coffee with mindfulness. I practice the art of tasting it, smelling it, and enjoying the warmth.

After this part of my morning is complete and my spirit is cared for, I go and take care of my physical body with movement. Right now I am enjoying short walks and time on my yoga mat or pilates reformer.

Once I have had a little time for myself I can be ready to give to others. You know the old saying you cannot pour from an empty cup.

What’s your morning routine like?

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How Fast Do Essential Oils Work?

/ embracingspirit / 3 Comments

when you know better, you do better

Maya Angelou

Think essential oils just smell good? Back when I first started using them, I did too. I have learned through the years that they are actually working inside your brain and body to support every cell within our body. Crazy, eh?

Think about it. Long before pharmacies came to town, our ancestors used plants to help our bodies. Peppermint plants, homemade salves from herbs and tree parts, teas and much more. We strayed from these methods but I think more and more people are coming back to them.

People often get overwhelmed when learning about essential oils and I admit, it can be confusing at forest. But, using essential oils is really pretty simple.

Stop for a second.

Ask yourself what you are feeling. (Stressed, tired, overwhelmed, in pain, etc)…..then ask yourself what you WANT to feel. (Happy, calm, energized, peaceful, content, etc), then grab an oil that will offer that.

The simplest terms of beginning to learn about aromatherapy is to think of a tree. The higher up on the tree you go, the more uplifted and energized you’ll feel (citrus), the lower to the ground and close to the tree the more grounded and calm you’ll feel. (trees, roots, barks, flowers). Mints and herbs are low growing and provide unique properties. Mints will be both soothing and uplifting and herbs are typically used for ailments and brain support (basil and rosemary and excellent brain supports).

Pick one.

Put a few drops in your hands. Cup your nose and breathe. Apply the extra to the back of your neck and chest.

There ya go. Aromatherapy 101! I have a great downloaded ebook that explains it all. Once you get started, I will hook you up with education and mentoring plus a fabulous welcome gift.

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Healthy Shamrock Shake

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Here’s a healthy shamrock shake recipe for you to enjoy this St.Patrick’s Day instead the sugary, dyed version from the drive thru. It’s all fun until you actually look at the ingredients and calories. Have you ever looked up the ingredients for McDonald’s shamrock shake? Do a quick Google search. I promise you’ll never want to eat another one again after you see what’s in it.


This version takes the same amount of time to make as it would take you to sit in the drive thru and it is packed with nutrients and the perfect amount of healthy fat and protein.


This lightened up version with the pure Peppermint essential oil will definitely help you feel amazing and might even bring some luck your way!

Here is a homemade version of the Shamrock Shake that tastes great and is so much healthier.

Please be sure to use an essential oil that is safe to consume. Many are not. The bottle will have a supplements facts label on it if it is safe to eat. It’s also not recommended to consume any essential oil you’ve bought from Amazon or other unknown sources. Even if it has a tamper proof cap on it. Many are adulterated a posed to look like the legit thing. Crazy, I know.

Whip this up for some shamrock fun!

Ingredients
• 1 ripe Avocado
• ½ cup milk of choice Almond, Coconut, etc
• ½ cup frozen banana
• 1 scoop active stacks Vanilla protein powder
• ¼ cup ice
• 2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil. Make sure to use one that is labeled safe for consumption. I use doTERRA brand.
• 1 scoop doTERRA Greens. Or use your favorite dried greens. Leave it out if you don’t have it.


Instructions
• Combine all ingredients in your blender and blend well. Add more liquid if necessary.

Amazing and way better for you than the sugar filled green treat! Plus, you might get some extra luck on your side! ?

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I Chose

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No matter what the situation, remind yourself,
“I Have A Choice.”

Deepak Chopra

Think about it for a moment and see the possibility that this may be truth. I know for me I made a a series of conscious choices many years ago that I DO believe led me on the path of creating this beautiful life.

Certainly, the double edge sword comes when things show up that we cannot change, like chronic pain and disease, HOWEVER, we can chooose how we approach and deal with those obstacles. That we can choose.

My first lesson of choice was when realizing that my daughter born with a rare genetic disease was going to be a lifelong challenge that I would have to face. Being a caregiver for life felt daunting. My husband made his choice to leave me with three little kids to raise and no true sense of income. What do I choose? Bitterness? Giving up? Or grit?

I chose grit.

Spending my twenties and half of my thirties overweight, toxic and angry was a choice. At age thirty-five I chose different. I chose intentional eating, gratitude, movement and life.

I chose life.

I once had a job that was somewhat fulfilling. I was an advocate for adults with disabilities. I helped them navigate the adult world and find opportunities for them to grow. It was good, but not everything that I wanted. I took a giant leap and left security to teach adaptive and traditional yoga full time. I deliberately stepped into being self employed and trusting that I would succeed. I chose to listen to my calling.

I chose purpose.

Since I was thirty years old I have dealt with ongoing chronic pain, multiple autoimmune diseases, surgery after surgery to repair joints and tissue. I could choose to identify as that. Or I could choose to master the art of pull-ups, walk everyday no matter what, lift weights, practice yoga, be in nature, move my body, eat well and live a life beyond identifying as a disease. I could choose illness or I could choose health.

I chose health.

Tell me, what do you choose?

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