holistic

Living with Chronic Pain

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Living with chronic pain can feel overwhelming but when you put a few tools into your toolbox you can start to feel empowered versus defeated. I have found combining traditional treatment with some holistic approaches is the perfect balance for living with chronic pain.

When I was first referred to a pain management specialist I was in my mid-thirties and had no real idea what it all meant. I knew that I was there to address chronic and ongoing back pain but was a little clueless about empowering myself with a few tools to help manage the pain. Over time I have gathered quite a bit of knowledge and found what works for me.

Tools for Living with Chronic Pain

A holistic approach to living with chronic pain means you bring together a variety of tools to help support you. Being open to trying things is key when looking for the right tool for you. Here are my top four tools in my toolbox.

Gratitude

Please don’t skip past this part because you think that there is no way gratitude can help your physical pain. Hear me out. Gratitude CAN in fact reroute your thinking from dwelling on pain to a better place. Get yourself a small notebook, a free app, or a document section on your computer and start with 3-5 things each day you are thankful for, and why. Listing off your family, friends, house and dog is fine and dandy, but discovering the feeling that is evoked in your is where the magic really is. Next, do a quick google search on the benefits of gratitude and you might just be convinced to give it a try. It is my #1 tool I reach for time and time again to help me live my best life while also living with chronic pain.

Self-Care

Find something, anything, that gives you comfort and joy. Allow this self-care practice to evolve and change over time and circumstances, but no matter what, you MUST care for yourself. This can be something like a bubble bath, a special cup of tea, a massage, learning a new skill, reading a book, buying yourself a special lotion, or anything else that comforts you. This is a daily requirement.

Movement

Nearly two decades ago, my rheumatologist told me that if I don’t move it, I will lose it. While there are some days living with chronic pain it seems inconceivable that moving would make me feel better, but it truly does. I have a little rule I follow–if I sit for 30 minutes, I must move for 15 minutes. A lap around the block usually does it. This constant motion keeps my joints lubricated and my muscles supple. I also incorporate water exercises, yoga, and mild strength training into the mix. Motion is lotion and I am firm believer in that. Those individuals who succumb to the aches and pains and opt to binge on Netflix day after day are probably in more pain than they would be had they chosen to move a little more. Try it and you might be surprised.

Reframing Your Thoughts

It is a slippery slope to think about, talk about and identify with a diagnosis. Learning to be mindful in the thoughts and words we chose as it relates to our pain is a powerful tool. I have found that catching my self saying things that “feed” the pain and diagnosis is something that I needed to nip right away. Rather than saying, “my pain is killing me”, I opt to think or say “my pain is present and I need to do something about it”. Or I simply feel it and then move on. Becoming consumed with the details of the diagnosis can overwhelm you and you can quickly sink into identifying as the diagnosis and lose yourself.

Listen to this podcast for more details about the power YOU have to build your holistic toolbox because you are so worth it.

Essential Yoga–Alignment

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With the right alignment, everything you want makes it way into your experience. You are the keeper of your own gate – Esther Hicks

In this workshop, we use essential oils and yoga poses specifically designed to create holistic alignment. Moving more slowly through our practice and holding specific postures will help us notice the subtle shifts in our body, mind and spirit that the oils assist in creating, as we realign and balance ourselves to the core of our being.

Essential Oils

CYPRESS (AROMATIC/DIFFUSE):

PHYSICAL: Energizing aroma used to bring energy and vitality to the spirit. Promotes clear breathing. Eases muscle tightness and tension–excellent to apply following physical exertion. Supports healthy movement of fluids of our lymphatic and circulatory systems. Used topically on the skin to smooth the appearance of legs and hips.

EMOTIONAL: Oil of Motion & Flow. Creates energetic flow where there has been stagnation. Helps those mentally or emotionally stuck, stiff, rigid, tense, over-striving or perfectionist tendencies. Perfect for our practice today–helps us diffuse the need to force or try to control what is around us, recognizing that this need stems from fear. Allows us to have perfect trust in the flow of life –to cast aside our worries and let go! Used in today’s workshop to help us let go of those things pulling us in undesired directions so we can begin to return to balance.

GRAPEFRUIT (INTERNAL/DRINKING):

PHYSICAL: Comes from the rind of the fruit. One of the oils in the Slim & Sassy Metabolic Blend to help manage appetite and weight gain. Supports the healthy movement of fluids in the body’s circulatory and lymphatic systems —-similar to Cypress oil we are diffusing. A wonderful cleanser –perfect for supporting a healthy and effective digestive and metabolic systems. Uplifting and balancing aroma–so as we take a sip, we breathe in its calming scent.

EMOTIONAL: Oil of Honoring the Body. Encourages us to direct love and respect toward our body & listen to our body’s needs. Releases deep-seated tension, frustration, irritability and moodiness. Helps control emotional, stress-eating that often results from inner anger. Lightens our spirit and helps us recognize our BEAUTY –you are perfect as you are! Used in today’s workshop to help us cleanse thoughts & feelings to prepare our mind and heart to recognize that we are beautiful, we are strong and we are doing exactly what we are here to do in this lifetime.

FRANKINCENSE

PHYSICAL: Powerful and rare oil that is very diverse in its use on/in/around the body. The “one” oil you want if you can only have one! Known historically as a holy oil used for anointing and sacred ceremonies when spiritual awareness is desired. Distilled from frankincense tree resin harvested from a small region in the Middle East & Northern Africa. Highly researched for its ability to helps build and maintain a healthy immune system and function. Known to support the rejuvenation of skin and other epithelial tissue.

EMOTIONAL: The Oil of Truth. Connects us to our spiritual selves creating a healthy attachment to our actual father or the father figure in our lives. Reminds us we are loved and protected with a gentle, loving Divine spirit (God). Helps release us to break free from our past, making it an ideal oil to use for those seeking spiritual awakening and evolution through meditation and prayer. Used in today’s workshop to bring our spirit into alignment with our mind and heart.

MARJORAM

PHYSICAL: Comes from a common herb found in kitchens around the world. Also known as “wintersweet” or “joy of the mountains”. Very effective for its calming properties –applied topically to soothe tired, stressed muscles. As we calm tissue in the body, the body can direct each of its parts to relax and open. Particularly beneficial for respiratory and nervous system health and support. Aroma invokes peace, calm and restful sleep.

EMOTIONAL: The Oil of Connection. Encourages us to have trust vs fear and therefore creating close relationships. Good for those who tend to be aloof and uncommitted with others, thereby sabotaging hopes of long-term relationships. Assists individuals to soften their heart and warm to new relationships –knowing it is safe to connect and share love with others. Used in today’s workshop to help us open and realign our entire body-mind-spirit in practice…relaxing so we can open to others.

DEEP BLUE BLEND

PHYSICAL: This blend includes Wintergreen/Camphor/Peppermint/Blue Tansy/BlueChamomile/Helichrysum/Osmanthus essential oils. These oils combine to support a healthy inflammatory response in the body. Soothes sore muscles and joints and supports healthy circulation. Wonderful tool for home use for adults of all ages, and professional body workers to rub onto achy muscles and joints.

EMOTIONAL: Oil of Surrendering Pain. Generally used for physical pain, but can also help us if we resist addressing the emotions that underlie our pain. Gives us strength to observe our pain but stay calm, cool & collected to face it. Transformation is possible when we excavate what lies beneath our outward expression. Allows us to see pain as a teacher as we let go of resistance….it dissipates. Used in today’s to help us begin pulling out what lies beneath any misalignment in our lives so that we can make conscious change where needed, when we are ready.

BALANCE BLEND

PHYSICAL–Blend of Spruce, Frankincense, Blue Tansy, HoWood and Blue Chamomile. Designed to help us ground our emotional and physical body –to keep us centered or balanced about whatever challenges cross our life’s path. Soothes and relaxes sore muscles and joints. Assists the nervous system to remain healthy and balanced. Harmonizing blend –connecting body, mind and spirit together and calming anxious feelings. Frankincense in the blend is known to support cellular health and overall well being.

EMOTIONAL— The Oil of Grounding. Calming tree and flower oils that brings tranquility to our spirit. Helps us reconnect or settle into our “roots”–very important to help those who spend a lot of time thinking, speaking or in spiritual activity. Good for those who tend to avoid long-term commitments to root down like a tree rather than finding themselves drifting on to the next thing, with the wind. Applying it helps us stay present in the moment to achieve our longer term goals –as a tree grows slowly over time.

To purchase the essential oils needed for this class, just click here. The oils can be used in so many versatile ways and included in your investment is a personalized virtual wellness coaching session with me to learn how to use them in your daily life, not just on the mat. To take a peek at the may ways you can incorporate essential oils into your life, check out this gorgeous and free ebook on the basics.

The Gentle Yoga Practice to accompany these essential oils can be found here. Enjoy!

Purpose

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I didn’t follow the traditional path when it comes to becoming a yoga teacher. I knew early on that my path would lead me to sharing yoga with those who are unable to easily access a traditional setting. I got many small certifications and began teaching before I even thought about getting a 200 hour accreditation. And to be really honest, I still cringe when someone asks me “where did you do your 200 hour?” I cringe because so many times our culture puts a focus on a title or a perceived standard. As my favorite poem the Invitation says—“it doesn’t interest me where or what or with who you studied, I want to know what sustains you on the inside when all else falls away”.

My path to becoming a yoga teacher was the same old monkey on my back that I carried because I didn’t take the common path and go to college. Instead, I got married and became a mom. I didn’t take a college class until I was 43 years old! Until I was able to see my own success I always felt less than others because I chose a different way.

What I have come to learn is that the path we take is OURS. There is no space for comparison when you are fully engaged with your purpose. I knew I was supposed to be a young mom and I also knew that I was supposed to teach yoga a certain way. I knew then and I know now that the paper certificate or who I studied with is irrelevant—it is how I show up on the world that matters. And that is with divine PURPOSE.

Let go of the distraction to compare and compete and instead step into who you really are. You’ll find a treasure within yourself that will change the world in many ways.

Categories of Essential Oils

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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.

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Essential Oil Chakra Blends 

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I am so excited to be putting these together! I had to cleanse and charge the crystals before mindfully putting them into each chakra blend. I meditated and put so much good vibes and love into each bottle. Keeping our chakras open and balanced is critical for the overall health of our mind, body and spirit.  Using gemstone and plant vibrations that resonate with our energy centers, along with affirmations,  is a beautiful way to begin to find harmony.  

•Root: black tourmaline; cypress, sandalwood, balance, vetiver and cedarwood. I AM.

•Sacral: carnelian; clary sage, patchouli, bergamot,  ylang and wild orange I FEEL.

•Solar plexus: citrine; cinnamon, coriander, ginger, clove, and peppermint. I DO.  

•Heart: rose quartz; lavender, cypress, lemon, orange, whisper and sandalwood I LOVE.

•Throat: sodalite; bergamot, peppermint, spearmint, eucalyptus and lavender. I SPEAK.

•3rd eye: amethyst; cedarwood, lemongrass, frankincense, marjoram, sandalwood. I SEE. 

 •Crown: quartz crystal; frankincense, myrrh, Roman chamomile, lavender and rosemary. I UNDERSTAND. 

*Also each blend has a clear quartz crystal inside to amplify the crystals chosen in each blend. 

Message me if you would like to purchase a set of these love filled blends.