Emerging from the Covid Cocoon

Emerging from the Covid Cocoon

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

We have had a rough 18 months with the covid situation.  Lengthy and ever-changing health directives, governmental mixed messages, job insecurity, social isolation, family break-ups, financial hardships, increased mental health issues, inconsistent health care and support have taken a toll on all of us.  Yes, we are resilient.  Yes, we are strong.  Yes, we will find our way.  And so begins life as we emerge from the Covid Cocoon.

 

A few things were our “normal” for a very long time.  It will take a period of adjustment to feel comfortable once more in our homes, workplaces and communities. Some will adjust faster than others, mainly because of their confidence in the vaccines. Others will need a bit more coaxing to relax their vigilance.  For over a year, we’ve practised:  proper hand washing and hand hygiene; social distancing or avoidance if infection is suspected; staying in our “bubble” with no public gatherings; wearing masks and shields in all public places; relying on the internet to connect us with work, worship, health care, education and family events.  Now, we are opening up to the new way of doing things in a post-pandemic world. Or at least we are taking baby steps forward in this endeavour.

 

As a nurse, I am thrilled that folks have learned the importance of hand hygiene!  This is one of the gifts from the Covid Cocoon lockdown that I’m hopeful will remain firmly entrenched in everyone’s behaviour.  With proper hand hygiene, we have an opportunity to halt many viral and bacterial nasties. It’s not just colds and flu that we can limit.  Cross-contamination from all sorts of infections in hospitals, schools, workplaces and care centers, food poisoning from improperly handled and prepared food, injury or post-operative wound issues, and many other situations are lessened if everyone involved uses proper hand-washing and sanitizing technique.  Soap and water are super-heroes in my opinion!

 

For some, this is an exciting time as we have an opportunity to renew our family ties, community supports, sports and all sorts of social interactions.  As humans, we are naturally social beings, so the Covid Cocoon has kept us in a most unnatural state.  How precious it is to finally have a sit-down dinner at a home or in restaurants sans masks with friends and family.  So much to catch up on!  Even going to the grocery store or hardware store is exciting as we encounter facial expressions again; how wonderful to experience smiles and laughter without being blocked by the masks and shields.  If it is true that 90% of human communication is through non-verbal means, then those masks blocked a lot of our connection with others. But now, we can begin reconnecting more completely again.

 

Yet some folks are afraid of being out in the world.  The Covid Cocoon created a safe haven from the possibility of contracting the virus. And for some, it validated their underlying fears of people and places as being inherently dangerous.  Trust, safety and security are suspect;  fear, insecurity and mistrust rule.  With the media constantly beating the fear factor into its viewers for months on end, it was hard to think of any other alternative.

Yet living an isolated life, away from others, has had its own drawbacks.  This has been evident with the level of mental health deterioration, increased substance abuse, financial and business bankruptcies, and family breakdowns seen throughout the pandemic. And we are still seeing the fallout from these events as deaths from delayed medical diagnosis and treatments, regressed physical and mental abilities due to delayed rehab therapies, unresolved grief to deaths of family and friends during covid, higher unemployment and family stresses continue to mount. As we open up the world again, it is time to address these issues and find solutions that work for everyone. We must find a way to move forward and find our comfort so we can participate in the world again.  But how?

 

Trust reflects a level of faith that we are complete and safe in and of ourselves.  It is within us and is under our control.  When the world is constantly changing, we need to go within to find that place of peace and stillness. Chaos is how the universe works – get caught up in it at the expense of your personal peace.  We have a poster here at the Centre which reads, “Live by what you trust, not by what you fear.”  The covid situation has emphasized Fear, so to counterbalance this, we must use Trust.  Trust yourself and your intuition first. Base your findings and actions on real information, not jargon or “interpretation” from unreliable sources. It is within your right to question things that are confusing or not sitting right with you. Use your common sense because it is a gift that many people have ignored or extinguished.

 

Once you know what you trust, open up your world at a pace that makes sense and feels right for you. Remember that not everyone is going to respond to you as you think they should, as we are all finding our own way out of this Covid Cocoon. Respecting each other and each other’s comfort level will go a lot farther in keeping our world safe and secure than using a demanding, threatening or demeaning approach.  We went into this cocoon one way – we will come out of it another way.  Like the caterpillar who thought its world had ended, when it came out of the cocoon as a butterfly, it was amazed! Such can be our transformation, too.

Simple Pleasures

Simple Pleasures

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

As we begin the second half of the year, let’s pause, notice and give thanks for the simple pleasures we have in our world.  What we give our attention to, will grow – so let’s be mindful of where our thoughts, feelings and emotions are leading. With an attitude of gratitude, we set a cascade of wonderful energy forward.  This energy will help us to attract even more simple pleasures our way.  It’s about the energy and intention we use!  So let us begin ….

When I think of the simple pleasures in my world that start my day, I think of great coffee in the morning, a morning newspaper with good comics, clean water and functional plumbing in the house so I can have a wonderfully refreshing shower and a selection of jewelry that makes me smile just choosing what to wear that day.  A hug, kiss and “Love you” from my amazing husband help to set forth the positive vibes for my day.  A walk around my gardens and planters before I head off to work reminds me that there is much beauty in the world, so I take the time to inhale, touch and offer loving encouragement to the plants under my care. The plants are a living example of creation and manifestation at their finest!

As I get into my car, I realize how fortunate I am to have a reliable vehicle that also has a great stereo system to play my favourite music – and play it at a volume that is to my liking! I am grateful to have the health and abilities that allow me to have my driver’s license as I know it is a privilege, not a right. And then I head off to work.

The Wellness Centre offers me much comfort and joy.  I love the work I do; I love my business friends and neighbours; I love my clients and customers who come by and share their stories with me.  I have great aromas, crystals, books and cards there that support my health and happiness; I can use them every day, all day.  It feels magical to me.

Home from work, I am again greeted by my amazing husband and his loving energy.  Then, I wander my gardens in my bare feet and feel the cool grass below – how grounding it is. I get excited seeing the changes in the gardens that have occurred while I was away.  Birds are singing, hummingbirds are humming because they don’t know the words (I know, it’s an old joke!) and the robins are having a pool party in the bird bath.  I sit on the deck and take it all in.

As the day comes to a close, I have opportunities to relax, reflect and prepare for my sleep. I am grateful for living in an area that is considered very safe. I am grateful for the comfortable bed upon which I can sleep.  I am thankful for the fact that I am able to sleep and dream deeply.  This replenishes me on all levels.

You are likely wondering why I’ve gone into so much detail about my day.  Truth is, this is just a sampling of the simple pleasures I am grateful for.  I use this to illustrate how we need to develop mindfulness in our lives in order to recognize the many pleasures and blessings we truly have.  Turn to most media presentations (including social media) these days and all we seem to see/hear are the negatives and what is wrong with the world.  This negativity is a toxin to the body ~ mind ~soul.  By choosing to limit that negativity and focus more on what is right and wonderful in my world, I have a better chance of staying calm, centered and happy.  I’m not advocating for a Pollyanna approach to the world – full denial or ignorance is not healthy either.  But perhaps a more balanced way of looking at the world can help us strengthen our health, happiness and hopefulness.

Summer is here.  The covid restrictions are lessening.  Now is a great time to take notice of the simple pleasures all around you.  Then watch how your world responds back!

Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

Vetiver: The Oil of Tranquility

by | Aromatics

Our 21st century living has created a pandemic of a different kind.  This pandemic has crept into people’s hearts and minds, giving rise to feelings of anxiety, fear, uncertainty and worry.  Difficulty making decisions, concentrating on daily tasks and a rising lack of confidence begin to erode our sense of purpose, accomplishment and personal power. What is this pandemic?  Very bluntly, it is called Stress.

 

Stress can be of an acute or chronic nature.  Acute stress comes on quickly and resolves quickly.  The mind-body connection can recalibrate and return to normal balance in a relatively short time. The mind-body loves normal, healthy balance; it functions best when this is its default setting.  Chronic stress is different.  A mind-body undergoing relentless stresses cannot find the way back to normal healthy balance in a short time.  The longer the stress level remains, the more exhaustion is experienced in the mind-body.  This can lead to physical illnesses and low immunity.  But the toll on the emotional functioning is overwhelming – and this affects all aspects of healthy, happy living.

 

Research has shown that certain essential oils have a calming effect upon the mind-body and if used correctly, can help balance out the over-reactions to stress. In Ayurvedic medicine, the stresses of the 21st century are said to have a negative effect upon the Root Chakra.  The Root Chakra is a foundational energy center – it is where our sense of security, trust and vitality “take root” so to speak! When we are not feeling grounded (“rooted”) in these qualities, it is difficult to proceed with daily activities, decisions and courage.  The Root Chakra is the base upon which all other chakras can draw strength. Stress knocks us off our Root Chakra.  In its place, we experience mistrust, fear, indecision and exhaustion. Exhaustion can occur on all levels of functioning:  mental, emotional, physical and spiritual.  As you can see, none of this is a healthy, happy place to be.

 

Enter Vetiver essential oil.  Vetiver belongs to the botanical family Poaceae (formerly Graminaceae), the botanical genus Vetiveria and is a cousin to sugar cane and lemongrass.  There are two naturally occurring species:  zizanoides and lawsonni.  The essential oil is distilled from the fibrous, filament, extremely long roots and is extensively used in perfumery as a fixative.  It has a deep, woody, earthy, sweet aroma. Its high concentration of sesquiterpenes accounts for most of its calming, centering effect upon the mind-body connection. Vetiver essential oil helps with resetting the nervous system, strengthening the immune system, improving local circulation, and reducing inflammation of joints, muscles and connective tissues.  For thousands of years, this grass has been used in India to prevent erosion along waterways and is currently used in several parts of the world for just this purpose.  Vetiver is used to improve the quality of drinking water.  It is said that a powder of this root, when added to wells and reservoirs, will transform cloudy, smelly and stagnant water into clean water. And that’s just the short list of what it can do!

 

During this covid year, we have seen more and more people succumb to the stresses placed upon them, their families and communities. It is no surprise that at the Wellness Centre, we have incorporated Vetiver essential oil into most of the blends that people are using.  The “Oil of Tranquility” has offered a much-needed break from the underlying, relentless stresses they feel.  Resetting one’s stress meter to a more manageable level is, in fact, a way of “circuit breaking’ the effects of stress on the mind-body.  Being such a calming, centering oil and because it is derived from the root of the plant, it has an affinity to help with the issues surrounding Root Chakra imbalance or blockages.  Strengthening and balancing the Root Chakra energy means strengthening and balancing one’s foundation. This translates into having a more positive effect upon the feelings of trust, security, confidence and vitality.  In turn, this affords the person a way to improve their level of concentration, decision-making, activities and courage.  And up the Chakra ladder it goes!

 

Vetiver essential oil helps ground after experiencing a shock. It helps one to get centered and assists with lessening flashbacks. This oil can assist with improved sleep. It helps to process grief. Vetiver offers a steady hand when the world seems topsy-turvy. And it helps support the adrenal glands, which are over-worked and/or exhausted because of prolonged stress. Spiritually, Vetiver is said to invoke wisdom, compassion and self honour. It helps one feel connected to both Earth and the Universe – with a knowing/understanding that we are not alone in this journey on Earth. It gives the gift of a sense of belonging.

 

Those who come to the Wellness Centre know that we offer two types of Vetiver essential oil: vetiver and Rhus Khus.   Both come from India, but only Rhus Khus comes from a specific area in northern India.  There is a saying:  All Rhus Khus is Vetiver, but not all Vetiver is Rhus Khus.  There seems to be a stronger, more magical effect associated with the northern Indian Rhus Khus than that of its relatives. However, all Vetivers will help reset the stress meter – some people may need stronger help at certain times than other people do.

 

The Stress Pandemic continues on.  Perhaps it’s time to include the Oil of Tranquility in your self-care practices to help offset the effects stress has on your mind-body-spirit.  This is something under your control at a time when the world seems out of control.  Vetiver is not going anywhere – it has been here to help for thousands of years and will continue to be here to help us navigate this pandemic.  This plant and its oil will not give in or give up!  It’s a great ally to have on our side.

Aromatherapy and Astrology

Aromatherapy and Astrology

by | Aromatics

In recent weeks, there have been several people asking about “magical aromatherapy” and use of aromatherapy with astrology.  I often answer with, “Isn’t all aromatherapy “magical” in its way of creating changes to our thoughts, feelings and actions? Is it necessary to link a scent to a sign?”  Looking at their faces, it was apparent that these were not the answers they were looking for.

It is true that aromatics have been used for thousands of years to invoke the blessings of the supernatural, receive support from the otherworldly and obtain protection strength, wisdom and love from celestial beings and guides.  The ancient belief and action that our prayers and wishes were sent to the heavens on aromatic smoke can be found in many cultures from around the world.  So it could be that there have been certain scents associated with the planets, signs and elements used in astrology.

So I went looking for some information on astrology and aromatherapy connections and found what I was looking for in Richard and Iona Miller’s book, The Magical and Ritual Use of Perfumes. Here are a few notes taken directly from their book.

The attributes of scents in Astrology can be divided into three types:

  1. Scents that correspond to the four elements
  2. Scents that correspond to the planets
  3. Scents that share harmonies with the signs of the zodiac

The simplest division of the astrological signs of the zodiac is into the four elements: 

Fire element:       Aries, Leo, Sagittarius
Water element:  Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Air element:        Gemini, Aquarius, Libra
Earth element:    Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn

This division reflects the division of the circle, as a symbol of wholeness, into four quadrants.  This division is an expression of the potential characteristics of Balance, Solidity and Regularity. Historically, attributes assigned to these four elements were used to explain our existence.  Fire and Air were thought to express masculine qualities – active, positive, creative.  Water and Earth were thought to express feminine qualities – passive, negative, receptive or yielding.  These qualities could be found in both women and men. If balanced, one was considered “whole”.

Those of you familiar with Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) will recognize the use of 5 elemental categories for diagnosis and treatment within TCM. Mind-body therapists and many energy healers will describe function, flow and dis-ease with terms relating to the elements. Elements are also considered when classifying the energies and healing potential of crystals.  So it is not a stretch to see that astrology also attributes elemental properties to its practice.  Each astrological element is further described in Millers’ book – see if you can identify the similarities to elements found in TCM, energy healing and crystal therapy:

Fire is known as the spiritual element and is associated with aspiration, energy, purification and transformation     (action, passion, destruction & rebuilding)

Water is the universal medium, the unfathomable depths of the human subconscious
(all about emotions & feelings)

Air is associated with breath, soul and flights of the imagination
(thoughts, thinking & analysis)

Earth expresses solidity, practicality and represents the physical body
(substance, grounding & foundation)

The ideal, or perfected, person is one who is a combination of all these forces/elements in balance.

Some of the aromas associated with these four elements include:

Fire:       Coriander, Basil, Cinnamon, Olibanum
Water:  Jasmine, Lemon, Birch, Spikenard
Air:         Galbanum, Fennel, Lavender, Mastic
Earth:    Vetiver, Verbena, Dill, Rose

It is thought that when one needs to balance their elements, you can inhale and/or apply an aroma from the element or elements you need in order to restore balance and wholeness.

Most people know their zodiac sign. The Millers list several aromatic oils for each of the 12 astrological signs.  These were chosen for their ability to support the tendencies and traits of each sign. Other authors may have other aromas to add, but this is a fair place to start:

Aries:       Coriander, Pine, Basil, Cinnamon, Tarragon, Cardamon
Taurus:    Geranium, Dill, Jasmine, Myrtle, Patchouli, Vanilla
Gemini:   Anise, Lavender, Mace, Basil, Mastic, Bay
Cancer:    Jasmine, Aloe, Lemon, Lavender, Orris, Spikenard
Leo:          Cinnamon, Myrrh, Nutmeg, Ambergris, Olibanum, Allspice
Virgo:       Mastic, Olibanum, Lavender, Spearmint, Fennel, Bergamot
Libra:       Rose, Birch, Galbanum, Cypress, Spearmint, Cedar
Scorpio:   Musk, Pine, Allspice, Galangal, Ginger, Violet
Sagittarius:  Hyssop, Dill, Clove, Aloe, Cedar, Pine
Capricorn:    Cedar, Vetiver, Wormwood, Myrrh, Bay, Cypress
Aquarius:     Myrrh, Spearmint, Pine, Bergamot, Cypress, Eucalyptus
Pisces:          Violet, Patchouli, Nutmeg, Cedar, Anise, Pine

And so, you may ask, how would you use these oils?  Good question!  Find your zodiac sign and its element and choose an oil that you like.  Sit quietly and gently inhale this oil with the intent of supporting the qualities of your element and zodiac sign that you feel you need or want to enhance.  Feel the aroma enter every cell in your body as it infuses you with these qualities. Visualize yourself with these qualities. As you go about your day, have your chosen oil handy for sniffing any time you need to remind yourself of the qualities you are strengthening.  This is an “aromatic memory anchor” that will help you to stay on track with your plan.

Another way would be to take an aromatic bath using oils that support your sign and its elemental category.  Luxuriate in the aroma, warm water and quiet time just for you!  Or make yourself a massage oil and apply it to areas where you have stress or areas that are known to be associated with your astrological sign.  Drops on a tissue, in a spray or on your pillow at night are other ways to invite the aroma into your world.

This is just the tip of the iceberg, so to speak.  Have fun exploring the oils and aromas associated with your sign.  Discover for yourself what works / doesn’t work for you.  Support the positives and diminish the negatives. Know that you are following an aromatic tradition that goes back many, many generations.  The power of the perfumes is for real!

Hands and Life Connection

Hands and Life Connection

by | Energetics, Life Reflections

While cleaning up the Spring gardens, I became acutely aware of the look, feel and strength of my hands.  I suppose when one is crawling under and over things to get those last few weeds, then dumping and spreading 18 bags of manure, compost and soil to bump up the gardens, it becomes crystal clear that none of this could be done without working hands.  And as is my habit, once I get a revealing thought, I take it an extra mile!

Hands.  In Chakra energy theory, the hands are an extension of the Heart Chakra.  They will either push away or pull towards using the energy of the Heart.  The hands have their own chakras – the palms of our hands are powerful transmitters of Heart Chakra loving energy. Think of hugs, caresses and any activity that brings you joy. Those same hand chakras in an unbalanced state may shut down and refuse to send out loving energy.  Think of slaps, fists and anything that brings you grief, anger or hate.

In her book, A Gift for Healing, Deborah Cowens writes:

“The hands are themselves great works of art.  They possess beauty, power and utility.  In the hands, raw strength, miraculous precision and musical dexterity become one.  The hands can build bridges, sculpt stone, type, tie flies and perform surgery.  All the power of our minds, hearts and souls are concentrated in our hands, which is why they are capable of reshaping the world.  Who can deny that they possess a unique and even awesome power?  That power flows from your hands and you can use it to heal.”

Hands help us learn about our world, participate in our world, connect with that which offers us pleasure, joy, pain, sorrow and more.  Create, destroy, nurture, ignore, discover or retreat – hands help us do all this and much more.  Young hands in search of new adventures. Older hands understanding how it all comes together.  A place for everyone and every hand.

It is quite common to hear of people having issues with arthritis in their hands. Arthritis is an inflammatory process with stiffness of the joints which can, over time, create permanent damage.  It can also be a result of the wear and tear of everyday life on specific joints in the body that eventually wear out. There are many types of arthritis – some are easier to manage than others.  In mind-body connection theory, arthritis is connected with our innermost feelings about the movement we are taking, what we are doing within that movement or the direction we are going in.  According to Debbie Shapiro in her book, The Bodymind Workbook, she describes arthritis in more detail:

“There may be a sensation of the energy pulling back from moving forward, maybe out of fear of the movement or because we would really rather be doing something or going somewhere different.  This state also indicates self-criticism (stiffness), lack of self-worth, fear, anger (inflammation) and bitterness (pain).  There can be a sense of being tied down, restricted, restrained and confined.  There can be also a developing inability to bend, to be mentally flexible or to be able to surrender. This can reflect a lack of self-trust as well as a hardening attitude toward life.  These feelings are usually about ourselves but rather than being acknowledged inwardly, they are usually projected outwardly towards others.”

If our hands are expressions of Heart Chakra energy and connections to our world, then the arthritic condition may be indicating our true inner wish for a different direction or different situation to help us feel more joyful in this world.  The longer we deny our true feelings and wishes, the more prevalent the arthritis can become.  What would it take to decide that our own feelings and dreams deserve to be heard and respected?  What would it take to surrender into our own inner sanctum – our inner heart – for self love and acceptance?  Or surrender into the arms of the Divine to just be and know that we are Enough?  Answer these questions and you open up opportunities for growth, love and joy.  Always your choice and under your control.

In the book, Earth Prayers from Around the World, Dianne Neu wrote a poem/prayer entitled, “Blessed Be the Work of Your Hands”. It is a fitting ending.

Blessed be the work of your hands, O Holy One
Blessed be the hands that have touched life
Blessed be the hands that have nurtured and created
Blessed be the hands that have held pain
Blessed be the hands that have embraced with passion
Blessed be the hands that have tended gardens
Blessed be the hands that have closed in anger
Blessed be the hands that have planted new seeds
Blessed be the hands that have harvested ripe fields
Blessed be the hands that have cleaned, washed, mopped and scrubbed
Blessed be the hands that have become knotty with age
Blessed be the hands that have wrinkled and scarred from doing justice
Blessed be the hands that have reached out and been received
Blessed be the hands that have held the promise of the future
Blessed be the work of your hands, O Holy One.