How to Use Essential Oils Topically

Learning how to use essential oils topically is not as complex as it may seem. Although most essential oils can be used topically, HOW they are used will vary with different oils and skin types.

Topical application of oils allows them to quickly enter the bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. As the oils are applied and absorbed into the skin, the scent is inhaled giving off even more benefits (read: Aromatic Usage of Essential Oils).

Where Can Oils Be Use Topically?

Logic often dictates where to apply an essential oil. Most often, applying directly to the affected area is most effective. For instance, to relieve a headache, you would apply oil to the point of pressure. For skin rashes, apply to the effected area. Stomach pains or indigestion would call for direct application on the abdomen. Additionally, the soles of the feet and reflex points are great points of application.

Common Topical Application Methods

• Massage: Massage is an enjoyable way to use essential oils topically. Massaging the oils into joints, muscles, and tissues is relaxing and beneficial. Always move toward the heart when working on the arms and legs and avoid a heavy hand, or moving over the spine or other sensitive areas, with too much pressure.
• Energy Center Application: The chakras or energy centers of the body are simply fields of energy that are associated with balancing emotions, physical conditions, and our internal makeup. When the chakras are balanced, life is balanced. Read more about chakras and essential oils here.
• Reflex Points: Did you know that the largest pores in your body are on the soles of your feet? Apply oils to your feet allows quick and efficient absorbtion. This is also the gentlest option for using essential oils, especially for sensitive skin, children, or elderly. The feet especially are beneficial because of the large pores that will allow the oil to absorb quickly into the blood stream, but are tough enough to make the likelihood of irritation much less if your skin is prone to reactions. The reflex points of the hands and ears are also common and effective points of application (scroll down for images)
• Hot or Cold Compress: Soak a cloth or towel in cool water with drops of your favorite essential oil to place over the area of concern. Or wrap the cloth/towel in a hot water bottle to use as a warm compress.
• Bath: You can add essential oils to your bathwater, to your bath salts, or to a foot bath to soak in. 
• Personal Care: You can use essential oils as a natural deodorant, as part of a skin care regimen, added to lotion or moisturizers, and so on. 

Know your Skin Type 

While many oils can be safely applied directly to the body, not all skin types are the same. Do you tend to have sensitive skin? Diluting your essential oils with coconut oil, lotion, or any oil that is safe for your skin will yield maximum benefits. Are you not sure? Test an area of you skin, perhaps your inner arm, before you apply anywhere else. Start with one drop, then increase slowly. And use one oil at a time, so that if you have a negative reaction, you know where the reaction comes from.

Topical Precautions

• Citrus oils can cause a sensitivity to the sun. It's usually recommended to avoid sunlight within 12 hours of applying topically
• Diluting never hurts. It doesn't negatively impact potency, and in fact, might increase the amount of oil absorbed (the carrier oil helps to prevent evaporation). Even if you've used an oil before without problems or don't consider yourself to have sensitive skin, you can still develop a reaction to it with excessive use over the same area of the body. Try to mix it up when possible and dilute as necessary. 
• It's usually better to "layer" oils than to blend them. What this means is that if you're using 2 or more oils topically, apply one, then wait between 5-30 minutes and apply the other over it (instead of mixing a drop of each in your hand and then rubbing this into the skin). Mixing the oils is as much an art as it is a science, which is why we tend to stick to the blends doTERRA has already created, since we know they are safe and effective.
• Take extra care using essential oils on babies or children's skin as it is very sensitive. A 2-5% carrier dilution is appropriate.

Sources: Sustainable Baby Steps, Everything Essential

Balance Chakras with Essential Oils

All living things are created by energy and made of energy. 

You are energy. 

Chakras, by definition, are energy centers within the human body that help to regulate all its processes, from organ function to the immune system and emotions. The ability for your energy centers to function optimally is what keeps you psychologically, emotionally, physically, and spiritually balanced.

Seven chakras are positioned throughout your body, from the base of your spine to the crown of your head. Each chakra has its own vibrational frequency, color, and governs specific functions that keep your body, mind, and spirit functioning optimally. 

The term chakra is Sanskrit for “wheel." These energy wheels transport life force energy throughout the body to promote balance from the inside out. When these wheels are spinning and distributing energy, you are balanced and healthy. When these chakras are blocked, they are unable to transport energy where it needs to go. (also read: Ayurveda and Essential Oils)

A blocked chakra can show in the form of emotional imbalance, mental problems, illness or physical pain, immune deficiency, and other forms of imbalance. 

Balancing the chakras is a process that takes time, concentration, and dedication. You must work from the bottom up - beginning with the Root chakra moving upward and ending with the Crown chakra. 

There are many approaches to balancing the chakras including yoga, meditation, acupuncture, and mantra to name a few. Essential oils can prove a powerful catalyst in achieving balance in the chakras. I use dōTERRA Essential Oils because of their purity and potency. All of the essential oils mentioned below can be found here. Learn more about Essential Oils here.

    The Root Chakra

Our foundation and feeling of being grounded

• Purpose: Survival, Security, Stability
• Location: Base of spine 
• Signs of Imbalance: Fearful, Insecure, Confused, Constipation, Lower back pain - issues with legs, feet, knees, groin, hips, ankles - frequent illness
• Muladhara is the most instinctual of all chakras — it is your survival center.
• Color: Red
• Mantra: I am peaceful, protected and secure
• Essential Oils: Balance Grounding Blend (creates a sense of calm and well-being) Basil, Cedarwood, Cilantro, Myrrh, Patchouli, Vetiver, White Fir, On Guard, AromaTouch 
• Apply topically to the bottoms of the feet and sacrum.

   The Sacral Chakra

Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences

• Purpose: Authentic Creation, Soul Fire, Sexuality
• Location: Lower abdomen, slightly below the navel
• Signs of imbalance: Sexual Problems or Dysfunction, Fear of Sexual or Emotional Intimacy, Infidelity, Needy or Wiithdrawn, Disorders of reproductive organs, infertility, urinary system, spleen, gallbladder, kidney, lack of flexibility
• Svadhishthana is the center of your creativity, desire, emotion, sexuality, and intuition. 
• Color: Orange
• Mantra: I am radiant, beautiful and strong and enjoy a healthy and passionate life
• Essential oils: Citrus Bliss Invigorating Blend (elevates mood and reduces stress), Black Pepper, Cinnamon, Tangerine, Wild Orange, Bergamot, Clary Sage, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
• Apply topically below the navel.

 The Solar Plexus Chakra

Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.

• Purpose: Power, Self Worth, Self Confidence
• Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area, slightly above the navel
• Signs of Imblance: Low self-esteem or arrogance, Egotistical behavior, Feeling abandoned or rejected or feeling the world revolves around you, Difficulty understanding or controlling emotions, Rebellious or too eager to please, Nervous or Stressed out, Addictive behaviors including eating disorders, hypoglycemia, diabetes, eczema, acne, food allergies, chronic fatigue, depression, pancreas, gallbladder, liver issues
• Manipura guides you through life by creating a strong sense of self
• Color: Yellow
• Mantra: I am positively empowered and successful in all my ventures. I do not allow anger and emotions to control my life
• Essential oils: DigestZen (maintains healthy digestive system), Bergamot, Cassia, Clove, Coriander, Fennel, Ginger, Grapefruit, Juniper Berry, Wintergreen, Slim & Sassy, Black Pepper, Cedarwood, Cinnamon, Geranium, Cypress, Lemongrass, Peppermint, Ylang Ylang
• Apply topically below the sternum, above the stomach.

   The Heart Chakra

Our ability to love.

• Purpose: Love, Joy, Inner Peace
• Location: Center of chest
• Signs of Imbalance: Unable to Give or Receive Unconditional Love, Selfish, Jealous, Hateful, Grief Stricken, Excessive Loneliness, Depression, Disorders or the heart, lungs, thymus, breasts, arms, premature aging, upper back pain, circulation problems, asthma, immune system deficiency
• Anahata creates vulnerability, anxiety and dependency but also unconditional love and self love
• Color: Green
• Mantra: I give and receive love effortlessly and unconditionally
• Essential oil: Breathe Respiratory Blend (soothes airways and promotes clear breathing), Eucalyptus, Geranium, Lime, Marjoram, Melaleuca, Peppermint, Rose, Thyme, Ylang Ylang, Serenity, Elevation, Lavender, Melissa, Sandalwood
• Apply topically to the center of the chest at heart level.

   The Throat Chakra

Our ability to communicate.

• Purpose: Communication, Speaking the Truth, Holdings Secrets
• Location: Center of the Neck/Throat
• Signs of Imblance: Poor Communication Skills, Afraid to Speak Up/Represses Feelings, Uncontrolled Verbal Outbursts, Deceitful, Manipulative, Shy or Talks Excessively, Unable to Listen, Fear of offending others, gossiping, loud or dominating voice, tendency to interrupt
• Vishuddha is also linked to our ability to hear – both physically and intuitively; the connection between our sense of who we are inside and how we represent ourselves out in the world
• Color: Light Sky Blue
• Mantra: My thoughts are positive, and I always express myself truthfully and clearly
• Essential oils: Whisper, Lavender, Oregano, Birch, Basil, Bergamot, Roman Chamomile, Peppermint
• Apply topically to the posterior neck and the base of the occipital ridge

   Third Eye Chakra 

Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.

• Purpose: Intuition, Imagination, Wisdom, Ability to Think & Make Decisions
• Location: Forehead between the eyes
• Signs of Imbalance: Non-sympathetic/Empathetic, Judgemental, Over Intellectualizing, Lacks Intuition, Lacks Common Sense, Forgetful, Sleep/Dream/Nightmare Issues
• Ajna is the center of balanced intuition, psychic power, and the energies of the spirit
• Color: Deep Dark Blue
• Mantra: I forgive the past and learn what was there for me to learn. I seek to understand and to learn from my life experiences
• Essential oils: Frankincense, Clary Sage, Lemongrass, Immortelle, In Tune, PastTense, Cypress, Helichrysum, Marjoram, Patchouli, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver
• Apply topically to the middle of the forehead and above the eyebrows.

   The Crown Chakra 

Our ability to be fully connected spiritually, deeper understanding of ourselves beyond the physical or material.

• Purpose: Cognition, Connections to Spirituality & Higher Self, Life Purpse
• Location: The very top of the head
• Signs of Imbalance: Unspiritual, Feelings of Unbalanced Spirituality, Excessive Fear of Death, Unclear of Life or Spiritual Purpose, Feeling Alone in the Universe or Posessing a God-Complex, Feeling Unloved by or Angry at our Creator, Dementia, autoimmune disorders, epilepsy, coma, amnesia, migraines, brain tumors, cognitive delusions
• Sahasrara is the center for trust, devotion, inspiration, happiness, and positivity
• Color: Violet
• Mantra: I cherish my spirit. I seek experiences that nourish my spirit. I am at peace
• Essential Oils: Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lemon, Melissa, Roman Chamomile, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Zendocrine
• Apply to the crown of the head.

If you’re interested in buying certified pure therapeutic grade oils at a wholesale discount, follow these step-by-step directions to get started.

Sources: In Love With Oils, Chakras

Essential Oils 101: What to Know & Why Care?

When we think of essential oils, what comes to mind? A nice smell? Perfume? Something people used to make potpourri or candles?

I used to think the same thing, I had NO IDEA that essential oils were valuable resources for health and wellness, as well as emotional support, skin care, and cleaning & household needs. 

We've heard the old, old story of the three wise men bringing frankincense and myrrh to baby Jesus... makes you wonder if the 'wise men' were really all that wise. What kind of baby shower gifts are those, after all? And what in the world would new mother do with them?

Since discovering the power of essential oils in my own life, my opinion of the wise men greatly improved. It was actually a genius idea. But what are essential oils, anyway? And why would any of us care?

Naturally Occurring Aromatic Compounds Found in Nature

Essential oils are the naturally occurring aromatic chemical compounds found in plants, flowers, roots, bark and seeds. You’ve most likely experienced the aromatic qualities of many essential oils if you’ve ever enjoyed the fragrance of a flower garden, or freshly chopped herbs. But essential oils are much more than a fragrance. They actually serve to protect the plants from disease (strengthening the plants immune system) and even aid in pollination, oxygenation and regeneration. Essential oils are considered the ‘life blood’ of the plant, and for good reason.

Fat Soluble and Water-Based

Essential oils (EO) are fat soluble, water-based phytochemicals. They don’t contain any fatty lipids or acids (such as are found in vegetable and animal oils), so they don’t leave a ‘greasy’ residue (or stain). They’re immediately absorbed into the skin, when the skin comes in contact with the EO. Read more about topical use of Essential Oils here.

The water-based characteristics of EOs allow them to penetrate cell walls. Why this is important: Have you ever been to the doctor and been told you have a virus, so you’ll just have to ride it out? This is because viruses also penetrate cell walls, but synthetic medications can’t. Modern medicine doesn’t have a way to deal with a common cold because of this fact. But, EOs penetrate the cell wall and attack the virus.

(Because of their water-soluble properties, an essential oil can travel to every cell in the body within just a few minutes.)

Aromatic

Essential oils, by nature, have a strong odor associated with them. Besides smelling nice (usually—not all of them have a pleasant aroma), they can clean the air, destroying both odors and toxins.

Read more about The Power Of Scent here.

Powerful Antioxidants

Essential oils are antioxidants that contain oxygen molecules to help carry important nutrients to the cells that need them. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals. They prevent mutations, fungus and oxidation of cells as they work as free radical scavengers in the body.

Destroys Bacteria and Viruses

EOs are antibacterial, antifungal, anti-infectious, anticancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiparasitic, and antiseptic. In testing, EOs destroyed all bacteria and viruses, while restoring balance to the body at the same time. Read: Essential Oils for Flu Season

Blood-Brain Barrier

Some essential oils (such as frankincense, sandalwood, myrrh and others) contain sesquiterpene molecules which are able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. They give oxygen to cells and help erase and/or deprogram scrambled DNA codes. (This is why they’re thought to be helpful against cancer because they can erase the miswritten cancer cells codes while delivering oxygen to those cells—cancer cells can’t survive in).

The American Medical Association (AMA) determined that if they could find an agent that could pass through the blood-brain barrier, they would be able to cure Alzheimer’s disease, Lou Gehrig’s, Multiple Sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease.

This blood-brain barrier passage also helps with brain trauma such as seizures and helping to release emotional trauma.

Complex

Essential oils are very complex. In fact, many of the chemical constituents that make up the different EOs have yet to be identified. For example, an EO can easily contain 800 different compounds, with only 200 of them identified by science.

This diverse complexity aids EOs in their effectiveness by making it difficult, if not impossible, to build up an immunity to a specific oil. (Unlike the simple compounds found in synthetic medications that easily allow for addiction and immunity build up which greatly distracts from they’re effectiveness.)

Detoxifying

Essential oils aid the body not only in fighting disease and healing it, but also in detoxing the body afterwards.

Don’t Expire

Unlike most medicines on the market that have an expiration date, essential oils will remain viable for years, if not forever, as long as they’re properly cared for (kept in dark, sealed bottles, out of extreme heat). How many times have you had to throw out medicines or vitamins because of their expiration? With EOs that’s not a problem! (There are a few exceptions, mainly any oils with citrus in them, which will last for years, but not indefinitely).

How Essential Oils are Extracted?

To obtain essential oils from a plant or other natural source, they must go through a distillation process. The process itself, if done improperly, will destroy the health benefits of the oil. For example, many EOs are used in the cosmetic industry, but distilled by extreme heat (which is easier and cheaper). This process retains the scent, yet destroys any therapeutic value. The distillation process must contain low temperatures and a steam process to be effective for anything other than a nice smell.

Once the EO of the plant is extracted, it becomes a highly concentrated substance, up to 50-70% more concentrated than if you’d dried the plant or herb and used it that way. (For example, one drop of peppermint EO is as concentrated as 28 cups of peppermint tea). A little oil goes a long way. (As a matter of fact, one drop contains around 40 million-trillion molecules because they are super concentrated and extremely tiny.)

Essential Oil Grades

There are several different grades (qualities) of essential oils available on the market. The most common grade is synthetic. This is often the essential oils that are used for perfumes and other health and beauty products. This grade of oil can be a mix of natural EOs and chemicals, with other additives. The EOs are extracted in the cheapest (heat) way possible, destroying the therapeutic benefits of the oils while retaining the aromatic qualities.

The second largest grade of EOs is food grade. These oils are used for flavorings in food, without any concern over the therapeutic qualities of the oils. These also can contain chemicals and almost always are cut with a carrier of some sort, to ‘stretch’ the oil (remember, they’re very concentrated in and of themselves, so even cutting them with oil or alcohol can still makes them seem ‘strong’ to the smell).

A much smaller percentage of essential oils are considered therapeutic grade. These oils, while still potentially cut with other fillers, are much safer to ingest than the synthetic or food grade oils.

The smallest grade of oil is considered Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade (CPTG), and make up only about 1% of the essential oils available on the market. These oils are certified to contain ONLY the essential oils from plant, nothing more, nothing less. Each batch of oil is tested by 3rd party labs to ensure the purity.

Why does this matter? 

For one, the general practices in the essential oil industry allows for things like bottle labels to say “100% pure oil” even if only 10% of that is essential oils, or even if the field of plants was sprayed with a chemical before harvesting. Because of this, if you plan on using essential oils internally, it’s important to pay attention to your source.

It often takes a massive amount of plant material it takes to obtain a pure essential oil, which is why so many companies practice diluting the oils in order to ‘stretch’ the amount of oil they have. To give you an example of quantities, consider Melissa oil, which is made from lemon balm. It takes 3 tons of plant material to extract one pound of pure essential oil. That one pound of pure oil sells between $9,000-15,000. You can see, then, how tempting it would be to double that pound of oil by adding filler oils (such as coconut or almond oil), and reducing your cost by nearly 50%. Often, there’s no way for a consumer to know if the oil they purchased is pure and un-diluted or not because the label says, 100% oil…but, what KIND of oil is it?

Where to Get Essential Oils

Because of the many ways to obtain EOs, it’s important to know the source from which you’re obtaining your oils since you can’t always trust the label.

The good news, though, is that there are companies out there with 100% certified pure, therapeutic grade oils. They, however, make up only a small portion of the oils available to consumers, so be careful who and where you buy oils from (just because you buy it at a health food store doesn’t make it safe).

Throughout history, EO’s have played an important part in health and healing and they are making a strong come back in an age where medicines are failing, health systems are failing, many are left uninsured, addicted, suffering from side effects, or in chronic pain. Although essential oils can’t ‘fix’ everything, they can help many, many things for a fraction of the cost, without side effects and sometimes with the healing people have been unable to obtain from other, traditional avenues.

If you’re interested in buying certified pure therapeutic grade oils at a wholesale discount, follow these step-by-step directions to get started.

Originally posted on Creating Health from Scratch 

How Do Essential Oils Work? The Power of Scent

Essential oils are the naturally occurring aromatic chemical compounds found in plants, flowers, roots, bark and seeds. You’ve most likely experienced the aromatic qualities of many essential oils if you’ve ever enjoyed the fragrance of a flower garden, or freshly chopped herbs. But essential oils are much more than a fragrance. They actually serve to protect the plants from disease (strengthening the plants immune system) and even aid in pollination, oxygenation and regeneration. 

Essential oils are considered the ‘life blood’ of the plant, and for good reason. Essential oils are literally a plant's natural medicine against bacteria, viruses, and diseases that attack its cells. These extracts from plants are 50 to 70 times more powerful than herbs.

It's important to realize our bodies and plants have very similar building blocks. So, when we take these essential oils into our bodies they are in a familiar environment and they go to work on our behalf just as they would for the plant, killing bacteria, inhibiting virus reproduction, cleansing toxins, destroying parasites, oxygenating our cells and boosting our immune system. 

Today we will be exploring the benefits of using essential oils aromatically - the most widely recognized benefit of essential oils. Don't forget to read about the topical ad internal benefits of essential oils.

Aromatic Benefits of Essential Oils

Essential oils, by nature, have a strong odor associated with them. Besides smelling nice, they can clean the air, destroying both odors and toxins. A whiff of lavender releases feel-good hormones and makes us happier, and a hint of eucalyptus improves alertness. Smells can impact many things in our lives, from dreams and emotions, to stress, pain, concentration, memory and romance. 

How Does It Work?

When essential oils are inhaled, they enter the body via the olfactory system, which has a direct connection to the limbic system in the front of the brain. The limbic system is known as the primitive brain and it encircles the top of the brain stem and forms a border linking cortical and midbrain areas with lower centers that control automatic, internal body functions. 

It is associated with feelings such as hunger, thirst, anger, sadness, sexual arousal and pleasure. It is also associated with creativity, learning and memory. This is one of the reasons why so often something that we smell will trigger a memory or remind us of something or someone. (Source: Aroma-Pure)

Dreams

Experiencing floral smells before sleep, such as lavender and chamomile, can lead to more positive dreams. In research at the Sleep Disorders Centre of the University of Heidelberg, men and women were exposed to either the smell of flowers or hydrogen sulphide, or to no smell at all. Results show that the emotional content of subsequent dreams was linked to the smell. Those who had the floral smell had significantly more pleasant dreams than those who had no smell and the people exposed to the sulphur smell had the most negative dreams. Researchers are now looking at whether pleasant smells could reduce the risk of nightmares. 

Insomnia and Stress

Clinical trials have shown that the smell of lavender can help in insomnia, anxiety, stress, and post-operative pain, according to a report from Maryland University. "There is now scientific evidence to suggest that aromatherapy with lavender may slow the activity of the nervous system, improve sleep quality, promote relaxation, and lift mood in people suffering from sleep disorders," say the researchers. A study at Tubingen University in Germany shows that vanilla fragrance has a calming effect, while a Thailand study showed the smell from roses reduces both breathing rate and blood pressure.

Concentration

Peppermint and lavender have been found to aid in concentration. Spraying the scent of lavender during factory tea breaks in Japan has been shown to improve post-break production. Athletes who sniffed peppermint ran faster and had better concentration than those who had no smell.

Memory

Smells are very powerful triggers of specific memories, and are used in therapy to help recover lost memories. Research at Toronto University shows that memories triggered by smells tend to be clearer, more intense and more emotional. One theory is that this is because the part of the brain that processes smell has direct links with parts that are involved in emotion and memory.

Blood Sugar Levels

In a study carried out at Cardiff University, insulin was injected into healthy men once a day for four days and their blood glucose levels fell. Each time they were injected, they were exposed to a smell, but on the fifth day the men were just given the smell... and their blood glucose still fell.

Studies can be cited from the original source at saga.co.uk

doTERRA Wholesale Account: Step-By-Step Sign-up

Are you ready to...

• Learn how to use essential oils?
• Provide natural health options for your family?
• Take control of your health naturally?
• Be more self-reliant with your health?
• Soothe your children quickly and effectively?

Getting wholesale prices on therapeutic grade essential oils has never been easier. You can get started quickly & easily online by following the steps below:

Opening a Wholesale Account

1. Click this link to take you to the simple registration page. 
2. Begin by picking your country and language.
3. Once you’ve selected your country, select “Wholesale Prices”
4. Fill out your name, address, billing address, shipping address and remaining contact info.(Don’t’ be alarmed when doTERRA asks you to list your Tax ID number or SSN. This is for tax purposes only. You are opening a Wholesale Account giving you the ability to generate income. If you make over $600/year, you will receive a 1099 form in the mail, as is required by law. I promise you doTERRA will never share this info with anyone!)
5. The “Enroller ID” and “Sponsor ID” boxes should already be filled in for you but if not, enter 854405 in both boxes.
6. Select your time zone and your own virtual office password.
7. Agree to the basic Terms and Conditions and your Virtual Office User Agreement. Click “Continue”.
8. Select your initial order, meaning, your $35 Introductory Packet plus the first products you’d like to choose a la carte by typing in the names of the oils or products. OR – pick an ENROLLMENT KIT and your wholesale fee is waived!

Benefits of Wholesale Account

• 25% discount off of retail prices
• Earn 10%- 30% back on your qualifying orders when you participate in the Loyalty Rewards Program (optional but highly recommended)
• Enrollment fee is only $35 - or FREE if you purchase an enrollment kit.
• Low $25 renewal fee. dōTERRA will send you a free bottle of peppermint upon renewal.
• Special members-only promotions.
• Online account access to manage your orders.
• Products ship directly from dōTERRA.
• Access to an amazing business opportunity (not required but highly recommended).
• Access to private team Facebook pages (This is an amazing resource!)
• Essential Oil Education
• Exclusive Business Training with a Generous Compensation Plan

You can enjoy wholesale membership without any strings attached – No requirements to buy or sell. I like to compare it to a Costco or Sam’s Club membership.

Questions? Shoot me a message using the contact form or leave a comment below. 

Feel Good & Be Well

XO

Ayurveda and Essential Oils

Ayurveda is a natural healing philosophy with roots in Indian culture, based on early literature from the Vedic period. Over the centuries, ayurvedic practitioners have developed medicinal procedures based on this philosophy.

Ayurveda is based on 5 elements including Ether, Earth, Water, Fire, and Air that compose both the human body and the world around us. These elements are grouped together to create three Doshas. Doshas are important because when they are in balance, the body will be healthy. When they are unbalanced, the body will be out of balance and less healthy.

Ayurvedic theory suggests that each human possesses a unique combination of the doshas and that they define the person’s character and attributes. Think of it as the grandfather philosophy of all of the personality type studies in modern times.

The Pitta Dosha is Fire and Water. The Kapha Dosha is Earth and Ether. The Vata Dosha is Ether and Air. A person can be strong in any one dosha but have attributes of all doshas.

Want to discover your prominent dosha? Take this Dosha Quiz by The Chopra Center.

Once you know your dosha, you can begin to help keep yourself in balance through following the aryuvedic principles for proper eating, exercise, meditation, and essential oils.

doTERRA’s certified pure therapeutic grade oils can be used to help balance the Doshas:

Pitta Dosha: Associated with the elements of fire and water, pittas are passionate and intense. They have a joyful disposition but they are subject to anger, jealousy, and short tempers when unbalanced. There is often a need to cool off and clarity the mind.

If you are a Pitta type, you may need calming and cooling oils to keep the fire element balanced. Oils such as Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang, and Lavender would be great for cooling and calming. Oils such as Grapefruit, Sweet Orange, and Lavender would be good for a refreshing massage. doTERRA’s Citrus Bliss Blend and Serenity Blend would be perfect for the Pitta type. As well as Lavender single oil. Find your essential oils here.



Vata Dosha: Associated with the elements of ether and air, vata types are quick thinking, thin, and fast moving. They are active and creative and have a natural ability to communicate. When unbalanced, vatas can have high anxiety and fast moving emotions.

If you are the Vata type, you may need oils that help to ground, balance, and warm your dosha. Oils such as basil, cypress, frankincense, geranium, and rosewood will help the vata stay balanced. doTERRA’s Whisper Blend and Balance Blend as well as Geranium single oil would be a good fit for Vata types. Add these oils to your routine.



Kapha Dosha: Associated with the elements of earth and water, kappa types are patient, forgiving and slow to anger. They are loving and become easily attached. When they are unbalanced, kaphas can become lazy or stubborn as well as greedy.

If you are the Kapha type, you may need oils to help help lift and stimulate. Oils such as rosemary, eucalyptus, marjoram, melissa, lemon, peppermint would help you stay balanced. doTERRA has two great blends for the Kapha type. Elevation Blend to lift you up and Breathe Blend to clear the air passages. Grapefruit single oil would also be an excellent to help with balance. All three of these oils can be found here.



Get wholesale prices on doTERRA essential oils and other natural wellness products including supplements, weight management, and natural beauty products.

Original content found at Essential Yoga Program. 

How to Deal with an Overly Critical Person

Twas a wise little rabbit that once said, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

While that would be a much more pleasant world to live in, it's simply not the case.

Criticism can be a good thing when it's delivered in the right way and with the right context. How can we ever expect to grow if we are not honest with one another? Constructive criticism is delivered in a positive manner by offering valid opinions about the work of others. This kind of criticism encourages others to grow into a better version of themselves. Many of the great people we know in the world became that way because of constructive criticism.

Then there's the other kind of criticism. The kind of criticism that simply points out all of the negative aspects about a person or situation without offering any advice on improvement. While this criticism can be situation-specific, you may find that the people that deliver this criticism quite often do so in all aspects of their lives. An overly critical person is often hostile, withdrawn, and pessimistic.

Overly critical people often need help and guidance, so simply shutting them out wouldn't be the most fair approach. Here's a few ways to deal with an overly critical person.

Art by Matthew Hoffman

Try not to take it personally.
Often times a critical person is pointing out their own flaws or shortcomings, not yours. Avoid identifying yourself with the words of a critic. A person who criticizes will do so anyway, no matter what your actions or intentions may be. Your value does not decrease by someone else's words.

Hear the words, not the delivery.
Criticism is often paired with anger, frustration, and delivered at an increased volume. What is the point that is trying to be conveyed? Can it be addressed in a calm manner? Remember that the person who loses their temper has lost control of the situation. Stay in control, stay calm and try to listen to the words.

Respond with kindness.
How people treat other people is a reflection of how they feel about themselves. An overly critical person is likely battling many insecurities. Don't let them pull you into their storm, pull them into your peace. Change the subject by pointing out strengths rather than magnifying weaknesses.

Just because you listen doesn't mean you have to accept.
Some people just need to be heard. I feel that to be a basic human right. All too often, we listen only to respond and attempt to fix problems when we haven't been recruited to do so. It is not necessary to react to everything you hear. Simply lending an ear can make a big difference.

Avoid the situation.
When all else fails, remove yourself from the negativity. It's hard to live a positive life with a negative mind -- even when it's not your mind that is negative. Unfortunately, you cannot help a person who doesn't want to help themselves.

Slow Down & Simplify: 5 Minute Meditation

Have you ever noticed that in times of anxiety & stress, your breathing tends to be staggered, shallow, and high up in the chest? Pay attention next time you are feeling this way and you'll likely find this to be the case.

The reason we can feel so closed off, overwhelmed, and drained sometimes is that we've stopped the energy from flowing within our bodies.

Anxiety is usually caused by the brain working too hard by cultivating unnecessary thoughts, imaginary paths, worst-case scenario stories and illusions that often tend to consume our energy.

The brain requires more oxygen than any other organ in the body. When the oxygen intake is low, the brain is fed first and the body gets whatever is left... most likely, not enough to be aware of what's happening in the rest of the body.

It's a simple fix, really. Don't let the energy stop flowing. 

Meditation helps to calm the mind & relax the body, bringing you into the present moment -- the only moment where life truly exists.

5 Minute Simple Meditation

Find a comfortable seat that allows the breath to flow freely, a seat that feels balanced and can be easily maintained for a few minutes. If necessary, sit on a blanket or pillow so the knees naturally descend from the hips. Rest your hands on your thighs so that the elbows hang from the shoulders, removing any effort from there.

Allow your eyes to softly close and begin to shift into a state of mindful present awareness. Relax the base of your tongue,  soften the hinge of your jaw, and smooth out your forehead.

Find comfort in knowing that this place right here, right now, is exactly where you need to be. Nothing else matters. Let go of the pressure that attempts to take you away from this moment.

Listen to the sounds around you. Sounds that are far away, sounds that are close.

Now allow those sounds to fall silent and only listen to the sound of your breath. Find a gentle, calming rhythm to relax into.

Notice the thoughts in your mind, the sensations in your body, the rhythm of your breath. Don't try to silence your thoughts, you will find it to be a useless and frustrating task. Just notice them, be aware of them, but remain an observer without attaching any feelings. Start to peel away the layers of problems that cannot be solved at this moment, of thoughts that drain your energy, and things that make you feel anxious. Feel your shoulders and neck become lighter as the weight rolls off your back.

Now bring your awareness to the tip of your nose and feel your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Begin to deepen your inhalation and lengthen your exhalation, drawing out each breath as long as comfortably possible. As you inhale, feel your belly rise and chest expand, and as you exhale, feel the belly softly fall back toward your spine.

Allow any thoughts that come to mind play out like a movie on a screen, not fixating on one image for too long.

Bring your attention back to your body as a whole. Feel the energy pulsating within you, the vibratory quality of aliveness in your body.

Notice the path that energy flows through your body, and begin to notice any areas where the energy may seem blocked, heavy, or simply in need of attention.

Imagine you are able to change the route of your breath to send it to those areas that need your attention. Each inhale draws in fresh energy to cleanse and heal, and each exhale creates a pathway for heavy feelings or dead energy to exit the body.

Breathe here for as long as you feel necessary.

When you are ready, bring your attention back to your body. Take a few breaths to ground yourself and arrive back into your space. Notice the thoughts, feelings, and sensations in your body. Slowly open your eyes and take in the brilliance that is the world around you. Try to maintain this feeling of mindful present awareness for the rest of the day. 

Yoga Helps Me Be a Better Parent (and vice versa)

Balance. It's something every yogi practices in their physical body. That shaky feeling in your tree pose can easily be stabilized with steady breathing and clear focus. Balancing in my yoga practice has usually come fairly easy to me, but my balance has never been tested as much as when my family began to grow.

We had 2 kids less than 2 years apart, and needless to say it was quite an adjustment. As stressful as it was at times, I wouldn't change a thing for the world. Among the many, many things that my son and daughter have taught me about love and life, they've inspired me to strengthen my yoga practice and become a more confident teacher.

Finding my center in crow pose? No problem.
Balancing work, family, home, a relationship with my spouse, meal planning, doctor visits, a social life, diaper changes, laundry... then somehow finding time for myself in there? Alignment cues don't do much for real world problems, but many aspects of yoga have helped me grow into a stronger and more confident parent.

Many yogis may know that the physical practice of asana is just the tip of the iceberg. Here's a few ways that my sweet children have encouraged my yoga, and how my yoga has strengthened my parenting.

You're a Master on Adjustments

During pregnancy your body changes a LOT and you've got to find comfort somehow. I learned a heck of a lot about my body through pregnancy. Like where my sciatic nerve is for example -- yikes. But it forces you to learn your anatomy a little better and in a way that you really retain. I also pay a lot more attention to our childrens' anatomy. When my son woke up with a sore neck, he was delighted to join me for some neck circles and shoulder rolls.

Monkey See Monkey Do

Kids are little sponges, especially in those glorious toddler years. They become tiny little parrots revealing the good and the bad things about what they see in the world around them. No matter what you say to them -- especially when it's what not to do -- they see through that if your actions don't agree with your words. It can be the sweetest and the most terrifying thing all at once. We had to remove some words from our vocabulary shortly after certain words started popping out of our son's mouth. But it can also be a wonderful thing. Take for instance my son, who caringly attempted to comfort his cousin in the midst of a crying fit by showing her how to take deep breaths. My heart was soaring. In short, if you want your kids to be good role models, look into the mirror and see what they see.

The same can be said of students in a yoga practice. Two teachers can teach the exact same class and it will still be different. The teacher who teaches from the heart and from true knowledge will connect with students more, and will empower them with that passion. Be present in every moment and live what you feel in your heart.

Because My Family Counts on Me

It's quite a struggle caring for others when you can't care for yourself. I know that because I've lived it. Being overworked, overtired -- fuses get shorter and tension grows higher. It's not fair to make your loved ones suffer because you can't take care of yourself. Use your energy wisely. Do something that makes you feel alive, like you matter, and like you are special. When I take my kids to the park, I like to practice my handstands against the tall trees because it reminds me that I get to have fun, too. So be responsible and take time for you.

Use Support

My yoga classes usually call for blocks, straps, bolsters, blankets... pretty much anything available. We don't always use them, but as I tell my students I'd rather have them and not need them than vice versa. Sure, you can practice your forward bend without any tools, but wouldn't that block to support your head really make it more enjoyable? And the cushy pad of a blanket under your bum? Then why not make it the most accessible version for you? The same can be said of balancing the needs of your family. Ask your partner to load the dishes, send the kids to Grandpa's house for a sleepover, or just take a break when you feel exhausted. Use all of the support available to you and don't feel guilty about it. Using support does not mean you are lazy, it means you are wise.

It's Still About You

Yoga has become so sacred to me since our family has expanded, because it has become the only time I really have just for me. After you have kids, priorities change a heck of a lot. It's not all about you anymore. But just because it's not all about you doesn't mean your life ceases to exist or your passions fizzle out. I'll admit that after giving birth twice and nursing each for a whole year I felt like I was little more than a vessel or a tool to sustain this life I've created. But after that first year it gets easier. You learn to ask for help when you need it and slowly you get little bits of 'me time' here and there. Yoga makes me feel alive, so that is how I spend 'my time.' Whatever it is, do what makes you feel like you.


Parenting is not an easy job. It's challenging on its own and even more challenging when you have to balance your time & energy between a career and a family. Everybody has bad days, but love always shines through. No matter how much frustration and exhaustion show through, the gleam of unconditional love is always there and nothing can change that.

Releasing Anger Toward Yourself

I had just wrapped up a week of classes exploring the 8 limbs of yoga. We focused on ahimsa, or non-harming, then moved onto santosha (contentment). I spent extra time planning classes that week. My regular students are so kind and so thirsty for knowledge that I felt like I had to come prepared with fresh fun ideas. To be honest, I was diving into material I hadn't studied in 4 years. Here I was reading these words that I'd studied, teaching a class that had been recycled a few times, without really being able to connect to the words that came out of my mouth. I was angry with myself for not having enough time to pour my heart into what I do. When I got home from work, I was angry at myself for not spending enough time with my kids. 

Even though I love my job and it brings me so much joy, I'd been working too much. I was losing steam and I knew it. This is what helped fuel the anger. My boyfriend lost his job and we'd finally started the serious discussion about getting married. The only thing that held us back? Money. It's amazing how clever the universe can be.

The pressure kept building and the need to be successful was growing. One day after yet another discussion about marriage, a person I care about a lot was put in a compromising position because of me. Sane Sarah says be calm, breathe, and stay in control -- practice what you preach, right? If only... I blew up and dug myself a hole which will take a while to repair. Once the ground is broken, it can never truly be mended. 

I was really angry with myself. Once again I'd let my anger get the best of me. I was ashamed, embarrassed, and worst of all is that I was mean. Really mean to a person that I love so dearly. I felt a heaviness against my chest like I couldn't breathe. Who was this person? What was this anger inside of me?

Change the Internal Dialogue

I was filling this void in my life with unhealthy habits -- junk food, mindless television, alcohol. Basically, I was filling this toxic environment with even more crap to stew on.

I had been holding onto this feeling of inadequacy because I wasn't married. We tend to get fooled into this thinking that everything will be better once we make more money/get a better job/finally share the same last name as your children and the man you love. But it's not like that. It never will be. 

I failed to see what was already in front of me. I was searching for this validation through working too hard and exhausting myself, as if trying to prove something to the world -- or maybe just to myself.

The real truth is that the only way to release anger is with love. 

If you want to create a loving relationship with the world, you have to love yourself first. Take care of yourself. Don't be so hard on yourself. It won't happen overnight and it is not easy, but it is worth it. Of all the people in the universe, you are most deserving of your own love. 

Be an observer of your thoughts & feelings.

You are not ruled by your emotions. You can sit there and beat yourself up over mistakes & stew on your anger, or you can acknowledge these thoughts and feelings, allow them to unfold while remaining in your present state of mind. Your emotions should not feel like bondage being put upon you -- the bondage is all in your making.

Make time for peace & quiet.

Be alone with your thoughts often. Address the struggles in your life and really take the time to see how you feel -- mentally and physically. Take time to connect with your breath and clear your mind. Slow everything down. 

Let it go.

All the anger, sadness, anxiety, heaviness. It drains your energy. Forgive others, forgive yourself. 

Love.

Reiki Energy

I discovered Reiki shortly after I was lead down the path of teaching yoga. One of my roommates performed Reiki on me after I was badly injured and I will never forget that feeling. The next day I was in better spirits and able to move much more freely.

For as long as I can remember, I knew I wanted to be a healer. I just had no idea what path to take. 

Veterinarian was my first choice because of my love for animals, but after failing Chemistry I realized I wasn't cut out for it. Nursing was my second choice. I even completed my CNA. Clinicals at both the hospital and an Alzheimer's unit at a nursing home had me in tears, much too emotional for that.

If I could help people heal themselves through yoga practice, the addition of Reiki seemed like a given to me.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is known as the universal life force. We are all made of up energy, and sometimes that energy can feel clustered or clogged (headaches, digestion issues, anxiety, etc). Reiki helps to connect the energy centers of the body and help the body heal itself. Anyone can do Reiki. It is a force that is waiting to be tapped into, available to all.

While I had knowingly performed Reiki on myself prior to becoming certified, I noticed a big change after completing my Reiki course.

A certified Reiki practitioner receives an attunement from a Reiki master. In this process, the master transfers wisdom and power to the student. I had my attunement with Lisa Powers about a month ago and felt the difference in my Reiki over the next few days. My intuition was heightened and I could feel and read energy much more effectively. I felt the difference but had to share with others to find out for sure if it was real.

One of my lovely yoga students suffers from abdominal discomfort due to past medical issues. During savasana, I wave my hand over the front of her body and I can feel the vibrations and the warmth in her midsection from above her, so I place my hand there. I place my other hand on the crown of her head, in hope that the wisdom of the mind can better connect with the body. I stayed there for about a minute as tears began to roll down her cheeks. She told me that she could feel the vibrations. I'm not sure if it has helped her health just yet, but am pleased to know that she felt something.

Interested? Let's talk! Reiki is a gift to be shared with the world. Distance Reiki sessions are available as well.

I'll leave you tonight with the Five Reiki Principles written by Reiki Master Dr. Mikao Usui. It's a reminder that every day is a chance to start anew.

Just for today, I will not be angry

Just for today, I will not worry

Just for today, I will be grateful

Just for today, I will do my work honestly

Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing

Stay Calm on a Tough Day with Stress Busting Breath

Some days, life is tough from the get-go. Anxiety and stress can build up so much that you're left feeling vacant, empty, and just plain worthless.

Some days the weight of the world is just too heavy.

And when it all builds up, it can feel like life is enjoying watching you struggle, as you feel like you've been handed one shitty hand after another.

It's easy to feel drained, angry, and sad when things don't go smoothly. It's even easier to look for someone or something to blame. Someone I love dearly likes to proclaim, "God is laughing at me!" when he's having a bad day.

The truth that many of us forget is that no one can make you feel any certain way. 

While outside forces may have a great deal on the mood that we outwardly project, every feeling we display is a choice of our own.

The happiest people in the world don't have perfect lives filled with rainbows and butterflies, they've just made the decision to be happy.

The trick is taking control over these feelings and consciously deciding whether or not to let them affect your mood. Sure, someone cut you off in traffic--but how will getting angry and yelling at that person affect the situation? You'll get yourself more worked up, leading to more anger, more anxiety and continue on a downward spiral.

So how do we face stress, anxiety, sadness, and anger head-on with a smile on our faces?

Practice the following breath for 2-5 minutes, or until the stress has subsided. 

Stress Busting Breath

Find a quiet place where you can close your eyes and find silence for a few minutes. Take a seat or lie down. Close your eyes. Place hands on the belly, chest, or relax them at your sides. This breath will be practiced through the nose.

• Inhale deeply into your belly for 4 seconds
• Hold that breath in for 4 seconds
• Exhale completely for 4 seconds

Each time you exhale, think about attaching any heavy or negative feelings to that breath and invite softness to replace those points of tension. As you practice this breath over time, see if you can begin to extend the inhale, adding one second on each few breaths. See if you can gradually work your way up to doubling the duration of your exhale as compared to your inhale. 

When this breath is finished, come back to your normal nasal breath and rest for a few moments before you return back to "the real world." Set an intention that will help you maintain this feeling for the rest of the day, such as I am happy, I am well, I am peaceful (credit to Bhante Sujatha for this mantra) or something of the sort. 

Each time you feel your calm self being compromised, come back to this mantra, and back this breathing exercise if necessary. 

Be calm, be happy, be peaceful. You deserve to enjoy your life and live it in a happy manner, no matter what the circumstances. 

Sunburn Relief Spray with Essential Oils

Tis the season for fun in the sun, which also means sunburn is likely to follow.

Sunburn can put a major damper on summer plans, but it doesn't have to. Try this DIY blend for sunburn relief with essential oils.

DIY Sunburn Relief Spray

Here's what you'll need: 

• 16oz. glass spray bottle  
• 1 cup + 1 tablespoon Aloe Vera Juice 
• 1/4 cup Fractionated Coconut Oil 
• 1 teaspoon Vitamin E 
• 8 drops Lavender essential oil 
• 8 drops Melaleuca essential oil 
• 8 drops Roman Chamomile essential oil 

Read the complete directions here on the DoTerra Blog

Stop Letting Doubt Hold You Back

For those that think the job of a yoga teacher is to show up for an hour and bust out some cool moves to some cool music, I wish I could say you were right. Teaching yoga means lots of planning, preparation, and research before each and every class. Personally, each time I plan for my classes, I make sure to review the anatomy of any new or spotlight poses that we may cover in the class in case any questions arise.

A couple weeks ago in the middle of a hip-intensive class, I set the class up in Pigeon pose and glanced around the room to look for any signs of struggle. Looked pretty good, considering there's usually at least one student in every class that struggles with this big hip stretch.

Then the silence finally broke right beneath me.

Here was this student in full Sleeping Swan, anatomically perfectly in line and saying, "I don't feel this."
"Try flexing your foot," I answered as I squatted down next to her and observed her form. Yep, hips square and all.
"Still nothing," she replied.
"Alright, scoot the foot a little further away from you, bringing the shin closer to parallel with the front of the mat." And she did. Foot flexed and all.
"Nope," she returned.

I walked her through a twisting version and even a King Pigeon... after a couple different suggestions to no avail, it was time to move on and I couldn't help but feel like I hadn't done my job. I let her down, and I let everyone else down who was there to witness it.

I'd told the class in the beginning, as I do every class, "Yoga should feel good. If it doesn't, or you don't feel it, let me know. There is a variation of a pose for everyone." I thought to myself,

Maybe she was just really flexible. 
Maybe I'd forgotten a variation.
Maybe I should have passed out blankets.
Maybe I'm not as good of a teacher as I thought I was...

Sound familiar?

Why do we go down this road?
Why do we beat ourselves up and bring ourselves down when we are presented with a challenge that we can't automatically tackle?
We're so quick to place blame wherever we see fit--and all too often on ourselves. But why? What has placing blame every solved, or even made any matter better?

My story continues at the end of class, when it was revealed that this particular student had given birth just 6 weeks ago. The relaxin was likely still flowing through her body making her extra flexy, and let's face it--a pigeon pose is far less intense than pushing a human being out of your body. To be honest, I felt a lot better about myself after speaking with her, but then I felt even worse for myself about how I was so quick to doubt my abilities.

So the lesson here is this: STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF.

Does anyone expect you to be perfect? NO.
Have you given it your best shot, coming from a place of love? THEN STOP WORRYING.

Stop worrying about how your efforts might not be good enough.
Stop letting others' criticisms and doubts change how you feel about yourself.
Do all things from a place of love & kindness and you will never need to feel inadequate.
Find comfort and peace knowing that your best is enough.

Acceptance

Life is full of critics. Some even get paid to criticize work that others may have poured their entire life into; scrutinizing every single detail of their work, and often times attacking their character for no reason whatsoever. Some just walk among us, claiming that they're "not going to sugar coat" their opinions which, in my opinion, are usually better left unsaid. Sometimes it comes to you through a filter--he said, she said--which is equally as unnerving.

While criticism can certainly be constructive and helpful, it is quite often not the case.

And honestly, sometimes it hurts.

They say you should toughen up, don't take it too seriously--but in all honesty, it's hard not to take it personally.

I've been described as a sensitive person, which I'm okay with. Sometimes I take things too personally, read too much into situations, or take dialogue too literally. I know I can't make everyone happy, but it has never stopped me from trying.

This comes into my life more personally in my line of work. I see so many faces come and go in my classes and I want to make each and every one of them smile & feel good. The way I see it, that's my job. But the truth is, it is not possible to make some people happy.

"Share as much love as you can, but be okay when people can't return it. Others' opinions don't need to alter your mission, so stay strong to what makes your heart beat."
-Kathryn Budig

I had a student get up and walk out of my class during savasana a few months ago. No words were spoken, no eye contact, she simply left. Maybe she had somewhere to go, maybe she didn't feel well, a hundred things could have happened--but she hasn't been back.

I had one particular instance where a student's favorite teacher was out of town that particular weekend, so she reluctantly came to my class instead. From the moment she entered the room, I could tell that there was no way I was going to please her. She slumped on her mat, frowning and sighing, as if she in the waiting room of a doctor's office instead of a relaxing yoga class.

Bottom line: she wanted her teacher, and no matter how hard I tried I couldn't give her that. Sure, I could have tried to accommodate to her regular teacher's style to MAYBE take a chance at pleasing her, but I didn't. That wouldn't be fair to my regular students, and more importantly it wouldn't be fair to me. I stayed true to myself, to my teaching, and to my students.

One of the hardest lessons that I've had to learn in life is if someone has a problem with you, let it be just that--THEIR problem, not yours.

While it may be easier said than done, just know that when this criticism reaches you; try not to immediately blame yourself.

Do not be discouraged. 

Do not change yourself. 

Do not let it slow you down.

If a person wants to be upset with you because of a certain character trait that you exhibit (or lack), allow them to do so. Most of the time, it won't matter what you say or do anyhow, so let it go. Instead of trying to make others happy and gain their acceptance, focus on yourself. 

Do what makes YOU happy. Because there's nothing more beautiful than that.

"To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself."
-Thich Nhat Hanh

Cleaning with Essential Oils: Safe for Everyone!

It recently dawned on me that the reason I hold such negative feelings toward cleaning--specifically the kind that requires cleaning products--is because I cannot stand the smell of them. Every time I'd clean the shower, I'd take a deep breath in, spray the bathroom down, and once my breath ran out I'd shut the door and run away. This would all have to happen when the kids were asleep, of course, because I didn't want those toxic fumes in their tiny lungs. I don't even want to go over how long it took to actually wipe it down after that...

My mom recently brought it to my attention that every time she used cleaning products when I was little, specifically bleach, I would sneeze uncontrollably. The pieces of the puzzle are coming together here...

Enter doTERRA essential oils into my life--what a remarkable difference. Not only does the house smell wonderful like peppermint and lavender, but the kids were THRILLED to help me.

Here's 2 1/2 year old Max scrubbing down the dining room table. Not only could I trust that he couldn't hurt himself with it, it was such a cost effective mix that I didn't care if he wasted it or not. He was thrilled to help me wipe down end tables, bathroom sinks, even kitchen counters. What a blessing. 

Here's a couple of my favorite cleaning solution recipes with essential oils:

Carpet Freshener

• Baking Soda
• 5 drops essential of choice (I like lavender)

Place in mason jar and poke holes in top. Sprinkle over carpet and let sit for 15 minutes, then vacuum as normal.

All Purpose Sanitizing Solution

• 1/4 cup white vinegar
• Warm water
• 15-30 drops essential oil of choice (I like 15 drops melaleuca and 15 drops lavender)

Combine in a 16 oz spray bottle and fill water to top. Shake and clean! This also works for glass, in my experience. Mirrors were all streak-free!

Screen Cleaner (Phone, Computer, etc.)

• 1 drop lemon essential oil
• Soft cloth

The most simple of them all. ONE drop will remove finger prints, streaks, and germs from your screens.

Today's Mantra: This is JUST for Me

We spend so much of our day, so much of our lives thinking about other people, worrying about people or things that are beyond our control. Parents worry about their kids; adults worry about their jobs; even kids nowadays are more stressed than ever with the rise of social media. We've got so many things on our mind all the time that we seem to have become a multitasking society.

Lists to check off, events to attend... add to that the fact that we often spread ourselves too thin and get discouraged when we feel like we let ourselves (or others) down. It's no wonder we have trouble sleeping, we have anxiety and maybe some other health problems that we'd rather do without.

When we are pulled in all of these different directions we can't appreciate the present moment. Worries of the future, regrets of the past cloud our mind and too often we miss out on what's in front of us, or better yet ignore what's going on inside of us.

So make that choice right now. Visit your mat for a stretch, or just take some quiet time to yourself to meditate and leave the outside world at the door, and repeat this mantra with every breath:

THIS IS JUST FOR ME. 

I am the only one who matters right now.
I deserve to feel good.

Take long, full deep breaths, noticing the subtle movements in the body as you breathe. With your eyes closed, seek out any tension in your body and send your inhale to that area. Use your exhale to release that tension. And as you repeat this in your head, feel the softness begin to wash over you. Notice how good it feels to have this moment all to yourself. Keep breathing, and try to draw out every breath as long as comfortably possible, releasing negativity and tension on every exhale.

If you can't bring yourself to believe it, just keep repeating it anyway. Sometimes we have to fake it till we make it, and if we try hard enough we may just start to believe it.

Adventures with Essentials: Diaper Rash

Diaper rash was surprisingly never too bad in our house. Between 2 kids, I can only remember a handful of times where we had to apply rash cream.

That is, until recently...

Our toddler boy is absolutely not interested in potty training right now, but he has familiarized himself with the need for privacy when he does his duty. The problem is that he gets too comfortable with the privacy and avoids getting his diaper changed at all costs. He will play around and act like nothing's happened until you pin him down and check.

Yesterday, in particular, was a bad one. There were no signs pointing to his diaper needing to be changed--no smell, no visual signs, no signs of discomfort at all--until he came up to me in tears asking to go to bed. Needless to say, it looked like a painful one. Poor guy.

I grabbed the big name brand diaper cream that boasted "RAPID RELIEF" on the label.

A few seconds after applying, I saw the tears rolling down, the squirming, the goosebumps... that doesn't look like relief to me.

I knew it was really bad when he woke me up in the middle of the night to tell me he was hurting. I decided that "rapid relief" just wasn't cutting it and decided to do some experimenting.

Here's what I came up with:

• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 1 drop peppermint oil
• 1 drop On Guard oil blend

So I applied and hoped for the best. There were no tears, that was a good sign, but who knew if it would actually help.

This morning when I went to change him, I was the one who was almost in tears. Good as new. I have used several brands of rash cream in my days as a parent and none have shown effects like this. 

Here's a few more ideas that I love and cannot wait to try using my essential oils:

Even more ideas from doTERRA on how to Makeover My Diaper Bag

Want to try them out for yourself? Check out My doTERRA shop or contact me for more detals!

**EDIT**

Found a blend that I adore even more, seems to soothe and work more effectively:

• 1 tsp coconut oil
• 1 drop Lavendar oil
• 1 drop Melaleuca (tea tree) oil

Bridge the Gap & Keep the Chi Flowing

Saying that Breath & Yoga are like Peanut Butter & Jelly wouldn't even do the pair justice... it's more like Peanut Butter and Peanuts -- as in, without Breath, Yoga would not exist.

As simple as it seems, breathing correctly can be the most difficult part of our practice... the same can be said of life as well. Shallow breaths and poor posture add unnecessary stress to the body and mind.

This is why yoga teachers place such a HUGE emphasis on breathing -- inhale to plank, exhale chaturanga, inhale up dog... that being said, even when the breathing cues are right on point, it doesn't mean that we are breathing correctly. Just when you think it couldn't get any more confusing, right? It's not as difficult as it seems!

One of the biggest takeaways from Yoga is bridging the gap between the body & the mind. And how do we attain this? Why, through breath of course!

When we think about how we breathe, the most direct channel between the body & mind is the neck. If the neck is constantly out of alignment, this channel is interrupted (think waterfall static on an old antenna TV). When our shoulders are rounded forward, neck arched and strained, our breath has to work a lot harder to make it from our lungs to our brain.

Don't believe me? Drop your chin down to your chest and try to breathe. Then tilt your head back and try to breathe. Now bring your head right atop your shoulders, bring your fingertips to the back of your neck and feel for softness in your neck muscles (if they're hard keep sending the head back and gently tucking the chin until they become soft). Now try to breathe. Can you feel that direct channel in action? Much easier, right?

This is what carries our chi or life force through our body. Once we lose that pathway, it's no longer yoga -- it's more like torture. Twisting, turning and stretching the body without proper fuel (breath) is like attempting to run a marathon while dehydrated.

Do you ever get that stiff feeling after looking at the phone or computer too long? How about that scrunchy crunchy feeling in a pose like Utkatasana (chair) or Navasana (boat), like you're so crunched that all you can think of is your closest escape route? How long is she going to keep us here? My legs/abs can't handle this! 

When we get stuck in our heads, we lose our yoga. If we're not breathing correctly, we lose the benefit of the pose.

Simple fix: Keep that channel open.

No matter where you are -- in yoga class, at your desk, computer, on the train or driving in the car -- make that conscious effort to keep that pathway clear of obstructions. Don't get caught in your head. Allow your heart to communicate effectively with your mind, and feel the simple difference.

Here's a few basic adjustments to keep your chi flowing:

• Bring your fingertips behind your neck, bring your ears in line with your shoulders and feel for softness on the back of your neck
• Rest the base of your wrist on your sternum and bring your index finger to touch your lip & chin. This should be roughly the right alignment for your chin
• Send the shoulders up toward your ears, then straight back and let your shoulder blades slide down your back
• Lift your chest from the back of your heart (think inbetween your shoulder blades). This is where we retreat to when we feel threatened

Turning Inside: When Yoga isn't Asana

My favorite part of every day is when I get an hour of silence as the kids nap and I am able to practice my yoga asana (physical pratice). Don't get me wrong, I love my babies to death and feel like the luckiest mom in the world to have them in my life--but with 2 toddlers, Mom sure loves a break.

I've carried the tension of flat feet and scoliosis for my entire life, so once I discovered the relief that the physical aspect of yoga brought me, I mentally wrote myself a prescription to practice every single day.

Nap time could not have come sooner yesterday. I had been collecting thoughts all morning about what I'd bring to my mat today--things to introduce to my students and things to explore on my own.

12:30 finally came and I laid out my mat. And that was it. I kept looking at my mat, trying to find a place to begin, and it just wasn't happening.

So there I sat, staring at my mat, wanting so badly to practice--wanting to want to practice--but I simply couldn't bring myself to it. I sat there for about 10 minutes until I finally grunted and left the room.

I sank my seat right in the middle of my comfy bed and wrapped myself in blankets. I couldn't help but feel discouraged and a bit angry with myself. Why couldn't I bring myself to practice my asana today?

I decided to sit there in silence, shut my eyes to the world, and review all of the feelings that surged through my body (there just happened to be a lot that particular day).

Breathing deeply, I began asking myself What's wrong? What hurts? What do you need? 

I felt an unusual amount of tension in my shoulders, lower back, feet, and forehead. So I just kept breathing, attempting to send some softness to those areas, but all I kept feeling was pain.

Suddenly, I felt a wave of sadness wash over me and decided to ride the wave instead of fight it... and then I cried. A lot... and then it finally came to me--the clarity I was looking for. Riding this wave of intense feelings instead of sulking my way through the day was exactly what I needed. I came to the realization that I needed and made peace with my sadness.

I felt far from happy afterwards, but those feelings of anger & frustration were gone. The truth that I desperately was searching for was revealed, and instead of displacing those feelings of discouragement and hopelessness, I found peace in my sadness.

Even though we tend to place such a huge emphasis on the physical aspect of yoga (because it just feels good), it is just the tip of the iceberg. Yoga is about turning inwards to find out what is really ailing us. My lower back hurts, and it sure could use a nice supported bridge right now, but why? Maybe we won't always find the answers we're looking for, but finding acceptance with ourselves--body and mind--is the biggest takeaway of my yoga practice today.