This week, I had a couple of moments - needing to be at my best and fearing the worst. Found myself doing some of this self talk around my purpose and talking myself into getting excited about the possibilities. I also found myself creating a ritual and finally understanding why athletes will even wear a dirty pair of sock before they perform in a new pair. It's comforting, a sense of familiarity in the face of fear. (I guess it may also be a little bit of warfare!)

4 Bedrock Habits of Highly Confident Women

They're power posing in the ladies' bathroom. They've got that positive visualization thing down like nobody's business. But they also keep in mind these subtle strategies when they really need to shine.

By Joann Klimkiewicz

Words that give life to an ordinary day

Have you read what the book of Ephesians says about us? http://tinyurl.com/ldglqjm

I have not been feeling much like a masterpiece, exactly. I have sensed being made new. It was good to be reminded this morning of the bigger picture. 

So through all the change... A masterpiece! Because of grace!

Where are your thoughts taking you? (Part 1)

Our overall state of mind shapes our journey, everyone has a "way they think". Some thought patterns consistently lean toward the positive, some - not so much. When the deep limbic system is overactive, it sets the mind's filter on "negative." Our thoughts are like super powers, to contribute to our good -or our demise. Maybe a little dramatic but not too far off from the truth.

Dr. Daniel G. Amen describes negative thought pattern as being overrun by ANTS, Automatic Negative Thoughts. These are "cynical, gloomy, and complaining thoughts that just seem to keep coming all by themselves".

Thoughts are powerful. They can be the determining factor of our health. Every cell in our body is affected by every thought. Negative thoughts are very limiting. For one thing, negative thoughts play a significant role in in how we feel (a deep limbic function). Every time you have a thought, your brain releases chemicals. These chemicals lead to physical symptoms, such as increased heart rate, headaches, stomach aches, muscle tension. Some physicians think that people who have a lot of negative thoughts are more likely to get cancer.

The problem with most negative thoughts is that they sometimes arrive on the seen unexpectedly.- automatically.  That is why Dr. Amen refers to them as "Automatic Negative Thoughts" or ANTs- invading our lives as ants invade a picnic. More ants = more misery.  Healing the deep limbic system requires a person to heal their moment-to-moment thought patterns.

Stomp out the ANTs before they ruin your picnic!

1. notice them
2. write them down
3. respond by correcting negative thoughts, take their power

Thoughts can lie, making our circumstances seem worse than they are.
Truth is a powerful ANT repellent! Know your thoughts, be sure that they are taking you places that you want to go!

Reference:
ANT Therapy: How to develop your own internal ANT eater...by Daniel G. Amen, M.D.

I love surprises

Ever noticed that you may never see a certain type of car until you suddenly notice one... And then they are everywhere? 

The peach truck at the farmers market... Jasmine oil arriving at my door the day we get back from vacation. Daisies from a neighbor....mint from a friends garden.  An opportunity to help someone I love find comfort and hope that leads to better health. Reconnecting with old friends, making new ones. Happy surprises! I'm looking for them this week. Because I'm looking, I'm going to see them! 

 

Ever see a quote that generates gratefulness? In the midst of feeling a little overwhelmed by the start of classes, postponing my latest unmet career goal and the health/wellness goals that seem so far off...I read this and felt - I have that. Plenty to do, many to love, and much to hope for. It's all good! One step at a time....

think about such things

Last week I heard a talk on affirmations. Speaking positive, changing the self talk to build up rather than tear down. If I'm honest, many of the affirmations about the universe bringing success my way do not bring me comfort, they feel like wishful thinking. I'm also not someone who is inclined to assign God to the successes of my choice. I suppose this is the realist and maybe the cynic in me. I would, however, like to practice the discipline of affirmation. It sounds right and healthy.

I was still contemplating this when this came to me in a scripture passage read out loud when we met with the church. An affirmation that I can believe and hold to. My recent journey with essential oils caused this familiar verse take on new meaning.

"Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."(Philippians 4:8 NLT)

So it feels a bit like an experiment.....

If it works, then I'll work on the packaging. Feel better Gene! 

(Flu/virus bomb: oregano, melaleuca, lemon, doterra  in gaurd blend) 

Oil Pulling - Sounds painful, right?!

Thousands of years ago, from the Vedic culture of India (yes, Hindu) came a form of medicine, Ayuvedic medicine (Ayur = life,Veda = science or knowledge). Among many other practices was one peculiar (in my opinion) practice that we refer to today as "oil pulling". 

The modern version of this practice is relatively new, at least in the United States. Basically, you swish around a tablespoon of coconut oil and preference of essential oil in you mouth for 15-20 minutes. If this goes well for you, it is said to have very powerful cleansing and healing affects on entire body. That's right, not just your mouth (Fife).

I am not Hindu because I learn something from their scientific practices. I believe that our Creator, God is absolutely amazing and it is because of this belief that I am also inclined toward believing in the power of His creation. Working as a RN in the medical field, I am always amazed at the things human beings learn and produce in a laboratory - chemical compounds that help us heal. Accepting that the nature that those chemicals are derived from have powerful healing properties apart from synthetic additives is not really that hard for me to accept.  So, I'm giving it a try....

Here goes! Day 1 of oil pulling for me.... 15 min. later, not too bad. I only did a teaspoon, oops. It didn't hurt. Next I'll do the entire tablespoon. This time I used a peppermint oil, I think next time I will try Melaleuca (Tea Tree oil).

Want to know more? Check this out: Oil Pulling, EverythingEssential.me If you try it or are already practicing this, let me know! Fascinating!


Reference:

Fife, B. (n.d) Oil Pulling for a Brighter Smile and Better Health

Retrieved from http://www.coconutresearchcenter.org/article%20oil%20pulling.htm

Chaperoning a large group of Middle School age kids on an extended trip...what should be the goals?
Safety first I suppose. Promote happiness. Kill pathogens (negative attitudes included)!
For this....WILD ORANGE, I love it!

Setting out on the Essential Oil Journey

I feel great, Gene and I have been Ibuprofen free for almost a month! I sleep through the night... Sam is drinking Lemon water (a natural detoxifier) instead of Soda (a very unnatural toxin). Spencer is treating his ADD with an oil blend that he loves - No more Ibuprofen, Sudafed, TUMS, Prevacid...and hoping to say goodbye to Ritalin for good! So far, so good. AND....it smells good too!

My Beginners Daily Protocol:
AM:   1 drop Frankincense, 1 drop Peppermint applied to feet; 2-3 drops "Slim and Sassy" (an oil blend of grapefruit, lemon, peppermint, ginger, and cinnamon) in water or capsule form
- 1 drop Lemon, Peppermint, or Wild Orange in water, throughout the day.
("Slim and Sassy" blend in water throughout the day)

PM: Before bed, Lavender on feet (1-2 drops) or on temples - I like the smell.
Oil Blend (of laurel leaf, peppermint, eucalyptus, tea tree, lemon and ravensara ) "Breathe" on feet or in diffuser at the bedside. 

Headache: Peppermint behind ear, Lavender on the temple (1 drop of each)
Sinus Congestion : Oil Blend "Breathe"

I have so much to learn, and I am having fun learning the science of the oils - it really is fascinating! 

These are all DoTerra Oils only - They are CPTG (Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade). I wouldn't recommend ingesting oil that are not Certified Pure. DoTerra oils are Therapeutic Grade, as many oils from various companies are. They are Certified Pure by third party testing - and that is why I am trusting them. 

One of the 14 things I will do in 2014

I am learning how to use essential oils, personally and then professionally...excited about this new adventure!