The "Gift" of Giving

The essence of giving is not just a wrapped present or money. A "gift" can be shared with a simple smile, a kind word, or a gesture. Kindness, when freely given with no expectations of return, is unconditional love.

Moment to moment, I choose to live my life with gratitude for the love that fills my heart, the peace that rests within my spirit, with a foundation of hope and resiliency that all things are possible in the future. Shanti Dechen, CCAP, CAI, LMT

The act of giving can create a "warm glow," which activates regions in the brain associated with pleasure, connection with other people, and trust. There is evidence that, during gift-giving behaviors, humans secrete "feel good" chemicals in our brains, such as serotonin (a mood-mediating chemical), dopamine (a feel-good chemical), and oxytocin (compassion and bonding chemical).

Some health benefits associated with giving can include:

• Lower blood pressure.

• Increased self-esteem.

• Less depression.

• Lower stress levels.

• Longer life.

• Greater happiness and satisfaction.

We recently reached out to our graduate teachers and students to share their own life experiences of giving, receiving, appreciation, and gratitude. Thank you to all who came forward and contributed their voices to share with you.~

Giving comes on many levels, big and small. Give according to your ability to do so. A heartfelt gift is better than one of wealth with no heart. Each action of giving with positive intent goes a long way in transforming the universe. Give with love; that is the simple action.

Gregory Carter, CCA, CAI, LMT, ND

I've always enjoyed doing favors for people, remembering their birthday, or buying a special gift I knew they would enjoy. But I fully realized the true joy of giving seeing my small children opening their gifts from Santa on Christmas morning.

In our current world, restrictions due to a pandemic, changes in our jobs, concerns about getting sick affect our daily lives in myriad ways. Giving, whether it's material goods or gifts of our time, relieves us from focusing on ourselves.

These days, I joyfully prepare aromatherapy products and give them to friends, neighbors, and others during the holidays. Not only does the recipient feel like the most special person in the world, but I do as well. The more you give, the more comes back to you. I cherish the beautiful souls sharing this lifetime with me. Natalie Zalenka, CCI, CCA

With the addition of knowledge in natural wellness, I used aromatherapy inhalation and topical application of essential oil blends, herbal teas, flower essences, tinctures, and other natural therapies at different times along the way. I have created a petal-like, smooth and lightweight, simple-minded, and hearted wellness for myself. I have learned to keep my own goals first and simplify as much as possible in areas I am willing to be and stay simple.

This holiday season and every day, I am most thankful for my family and nature's health and wellness. My gift to you this season is a wish of courage and strength to continue your wellness journey and to experience the mindful and healthful place you truly want to live. Health and wellness wishes! Jamie Michaels, RN, CCA, CAI

One of the most important things is giving positive energy and healing light to the moment or person I connect with. I believe 100% thought and energy is vital for a positive outcome of experiences and everyday life. I think this falls under anything that I make as an aromatherapy product or formulation. Positive attracts positivity, and a positive ripple is the best gift to give or receive.

I also want to thank you because I already have the gift of learning from such great teachers, and Shanti Dechen is definitely one of them!

Hilda "Marie" Wardlaw, CCI, CCA

Thoughts of Gratitude: When I wake up, I write what I am thankful for on my calendar. It is an excellent way to start the day! Next to my calendar, I have a small board made of wine corks that I glued together. I wrote thank you in Czech, German, and Italian, which are my grandparents' native languages, and in English, which is my native language. When I look at it, it reminds me of them, and I feel a deep sense of gratitude and appreciation for my ancestors.

Theresia Daniel, Level 2 Professional Aromatherapist, MS, CPT, Z-Health Master Practitioner

The Seed of the Future

Close your eyes. Envision yourself as a tall, robust, and beautiful tree, with your roots filled with Earth's energy and love. Feel the warm glow flowing through your body, through your heart and hands, shared with all that cross your path.

Recently I have been reminded of "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein, which I read to my daughters when they were young. It was about a tree who loved a little boy who willingly gave him everything and asked nothing in return.

Sometimes we get caught up in the gathering of branches and neglect to nourish the roots. When gratitude is reciprocated, we become nourished, we blossom, and we thrive.

The art of giving is measured by your intentions of love and kindness, conservation for the resources surrounding you, and being mindful of the energy you express. We must always replenish self-care, liken to what has been taken to keep the tree growing. Giving is a seed for the future in the forest of life. Humans tending to the needs of one another is how we grow. And the people were happy.

Love and light, shining, and sharing.

Amber Goss, Level 1 Aromatherapist, LMT, owner of Bella Vista Massage and Spa

We all wish you vibrant health and radiant holidays, and a splendid year to come!