Navigating Change and Revitalization

Usually, in the past years, springtime has been energizing in moving out into the world and creating new course content and aromatherapy products. This year has been quite different.

Several months ago, I realized that we needed to start clearing out old documents that we have had for over 20 years. It was a whole process of constant document shredding. Then this movement engulfed the rest of the office and the entire environment inside and out. This cleansing also encouraged me to look at what was happening in my body, mind, and consciousness, clearing and cleansing out anything that was not useful anymore. It has been quite a journey revisiting all the different items, documents, and courses that have been written over the last decades. It has been an empowering journey of reviewing my business and personal life, assisting me in realizing and appreciating what has been created.

Typically, springtime in the Sangre de Cristo mountain and valley areas receives a lot of different types of moisture of spring snow and rain. This year it has been extremely dry with high winds of dust and smoke from the fires in New Mexico. The Wind has never been one of my favorite elements. I have finally learned to be grounded with these environmental energies and realized that it could be helpful to energetically use this wind element to clear whatever I needed to let go of it this time.

There are so many changes and upsets and extreme weather throughout the world. Yes, it can make me quite sad for all the humans, animals, trees, and plants. I realize from past experiences that this is part of the process of change which is inevitable for our personal growth and the environment.

I always come back to the foundational base that I have created for myself: using essential oils, herbs, and flower essences, nurturing self-care for my body, eating nutritious and cleansing foods, and getting more active physically. I have found it to help ground me and release any mental confusion.

I want to share an aromatherapy blend with you that I found helpful in clearing stagnation and is also uplifting.

Clearing and Revitalizing Blend

This blend can be used in a nasal inhaler, in 1 oz. of carrier oil such as jojoba oil (Simmondsia chinensis), or in unscented body lotion.

· 5 drops Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) is uplifting

· 5 drops Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is a giant tree that creates stability and opens the respiratory system. In the five elements, the lungs are related to the emotions of grief and sadness; the other side of that is courage and moving forward.

· 4 drops Clary Sage (Salvia sclera) even has the Latin definition of Clarus, "to clear."

· 3 drops Ylang Ylang (Cananga odorata) offers the blend a sweet aroma and is calming.

This blend is a different combination of essential oils than I would usually put together. I encourage you to hear the calling of what essential oil blend might work best for you.

PRECAUTIONS for the essential oils in this blend: Bergamot - can be a skin irritant if old or oxidized. Not the best choice of essential oils for the bath. Cold-pressed bergamot is phototoxic. A rectified FCF/Bergaptene-Free version of cold-pressed Bergamot Oil is available that dramatically reduces the oil's phototoxicity.

Eucalyptus - avoid use with children under 10: due to the high 1,8 cineole, which can cause breathing problems. Avoid in cases of epilepsy or neurological imbalance. Avoid if taking homeopathic remedies or certain anti-cancer medications. Eucalyptus is stimulating in nature and is not advised for use four to six hours before sleeping.

Clary Sage - Avoid during pregnancy. Moderate risk of skin sensitization. Narcotic effect and exaggerated drunkenness if used while drinking alcohol.

Ylang Ylang - Avoid using on hypersensitive, diseased, and damaged skin. Avoid with children under two years old. Safe during pregnancy; in moderation and very low dilution (.05%). Overuse may cause light-headedness, headaches, or nausea.

In my life, I've found that when adversity comes, I take time to go more internal to feel what changes or revitalization need to take place. It always gives me a more profound sense of peace, stability, and the ability to move forward with grace and ease.

I wish you the best in whatever changes or challenges you may be experiencing to know that each moment is different. On the innate level, we have the ability to make these changes, at least for ourselves.