Back to the Basics

     As we were driving to doTERRA's  Post Convention Tour last Thursday, I mentioned to my friend that I have a recurring theme that keeps presenting itself when I meditate.  The theme is to get Back to the Basics.(and then for some reason the song Back in the Saddle by Aerosmith plays in my head!) I have felt this way a few times in my life.  Sometimes I feel like I get so wrapped up in all the "Bigger, Better, Faster, Now" of the world, that I forget what I am truly grounded in.  I can tell when I get caught up there, because I am scatter brained and irritated.  So she responded with, "Well, what does back to basics mean to you?"  I was actually taken aback.  I really thought I knew. I suppose it always meant a simpler way of doing things.  I had this idea in my head, but it appears it was more of a concept than an actual plan.  We had reached our destination shortly after that, so the conversation ended there.  But not in my head. I was very moved by a few things I heard at that evening's presentation and it got the wheels spinning even faster.
     So what's a Mama Bear to do to figure out how to bring balance back into the fold?  For we all know, that when Mama is crazy, the whole house is crazy.  Or whatever variation of that saying you like to throw out there.  A long time ago, I was introduced to a woman that quit a very successful career in Direct Sales and decided to become a consultant  for people like me.  She had created a program called Digging Deeper. The core fundamentals of the program focused on what she called "Your 8 lanes of life".  Your life is broken down into 8 categories or lanes. They are Spirituality, Family, Health, Work/School, Personal Development, Financial, Social, and Community. The first step is to define how each of these pertain to your personal life.  The category's weight of attention they receive from you ebb and flow, depending on where you in life.  Sometimes, your family life is full front and center, sometimes it is your work or school, etc. This is the natural roller coaster of life. No one thing stays at the top of the list every day of your life.  (You may think it does, but dig a little deeper and see for yourself). Once you clarify what these look like, you can even go a step further and look to the future. What would you like these to look like in 1 year, 5 years, 20 years.  I especially like to use this method since it helps me break things down.  We call have our niches.  But, I digress. Back to the Basics!
     I sat down and really started to think about what those Basics are for me.  I think we all have an idea of how we want our lives to look and feel, but few of us take the time to sit down and figure out how to get there.  What does it really take for me to live the life of my dreams.  I'm not talking about that grand mansion having, billion dollar lifestyle.   I'm talking about the one that really makes our soul content.  We have all heard the saying, "A goal without a plan is just a dream". So, I guess it's time to sit down and write out that plan. For me, looking towards an end picture and working backwards seems to help.  It really does help me to identify if I am willing to do the work to reach that end vision.  Because, lets face it, if I am not willing to do the work, it will never happen.  No amount of wishing or dreaming will ever make that happen. 
     What does that look like for you?  Have you ever sat down and defined the different areas of your life?  Does the thought of doing something like this excite or scare you? The first time I did it, I was a little mad.  I really wasn't focusing on the things that took me closer to my goals.  That was a tough pill to swallow.  So, of course, the excuses of a busy life came out to play.  I think it is always good to revisit where we are headed.  For all I know, I could very well be still chasing after dreams I no longer even feel drawn to, just simply out of habit.  I am not who I was even a year ago.

     It's time to get back to the basics!

Like a kid in a candy store...

     I am super excited about 2 things and so I thought I would share them with you!  The first thing is that dōTERRA's Post Convention Tour is coming to Denver on October 19th.  dōTERRA recently held their annual convention in Salt Lake City.  They then graciously hold post convention tours around the country for all of the people that were unable to attend the event.  We had many new oils that were introduced at that time.  This brings me to the 2nd thing I am excited about.  As a benefit for being a Wellness Advocate, we were able to purchase kits of the new oils.  I placed my order yesterday and am giddy with excitement as I await its arrival!  I would like to introduce these oils to you as well.  I don't have first hand experience yet, so that I can share later when I do.  
     I must preface this with a statement as require by the FDA: *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
     Drum roll please... 

• Yoga Trio:
• Arise: Enlightening Blend
•  A blend of Grapefruit, Lemon, Osmanthus, and Siberian Fir essential oils
•  Ideal Yoga Poses: Standing, Arms High Standing Stretch, Half-Moon
• Anchor: Steadying Blend
• A blend of Lavender, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Cinnamon, Frankincense, Black Pepper, and Patchouli
• Ideal Yoga Poses: Seated Meditation, Seated Twist, Bhu Mudra
• Align:  Centering Blend
• A blend of Peppermint, Basil, Geranium, and Jasmine Flower
• Ideal Yoga Poses: Warrior II, Triangle, Gate Pose
• On Guard Spray:   
• On Guard Sanitizing Mist kills 99.9 percent of germs and bacteria 
• Helps protect your family and home against environmental threats  
•  Blend includes Wild Orange, Clove, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary 
• Copaiba:   
• Derived from the resin of the Copaiba tree which can grow upwards of more than 100 feet and can be found in tropical South America 
• Helps soothe anxious feelings
• Supports the health of the cardiovascular, immune, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems
• Siberian Fir:
• Native to Russia and Canada. It has a refreshing, woody scent that is known for its calming and relaxing properties.
• Primary uses are to soothe skin irritations and reduce stress.
• Blue Tansy: 
• Comes from the annual yellow-flowered Mediterranean plant
• An important oil in the dōTERRA Deep Blue blend
• Helps diminish the appearance of blemishes
• Perfect for massaging into skin with fractionated coconut oil or lotion after a long day of work or intense exercise
• Jasmine Touch:
  •  Can be applied to pulse points for a calming, yet euphoric aroma that uplifts mood and promotes a positive outlook
  • Reduces the appearance of skin imperfections and promotes a healthy-looking, glowing complexion
  •  Regarded as the “King of Flowers,” Jasmine is prized for its highly fragrant aroma, making Jasmine Touch ideal to use as a personal fragrance throughout the day
• Rose Touch:
• One of the most precious essential oils in the world
• Can be used to balance moisture levels in the skin, reduce the appearance of skin imperfections, and promote a healthy and even skin tone
• Can be applied to pulse points for an uplifting aroma throughout the day
• Neroli Touch:
•  Neroli essential oil is derived from the flowers of the bitterorange tree; there are three oils derived from this same tree—orange is derived from the orange peels,Petitgrain from the leaves and twigs, and Neroli from the flower
•  Instills relaxation, uplifts mood, reduces feelings of anxiousness, and promotes overall well-being
• Applied topically, Neroli can be used to soothe skin and reduce the appearance of blemishes

     So there they are...the 10 little beauties I am anxiously waiting for.  I can't wait to incorporate them into my current routine.  I am especially excited about the Copaiba Oil as we all have heard the amazing effects of CBD Oil.  I am equally excited about using the Yoga Trio in my current practice.  I am nerding out on these new additions knowing that dōTERRA has done painstaking research on bringing us only the best while also providing jobs and fair trade through our Co-Impact Sourcing model.  They say that we are attracted to products that are produced by company's that share our core values, this company does that for me every time.  Not only do I get a natural way to take care of my family, I am helping make the world a better place with integrity and accountability and that makes my heart sing!

You'll float too...

     Lately, I have been feeling all sorts of scatter-brained.  So much so, I couldn't focus long enough to create a blog post last week. So many different changes in my life and I am just trying to keep up.  I am learning new systems, ways of doing things, tapping into old memory banks, and trying not to let myself get caught in a wormhole of waiting for the other shoe to drop. (This is an old, tried and true method I have of mucking up the good things in my life) When my boss contacted me and said, "Book us for a 90 minute float for our monthly self care", I was stoked! Since she had told me about going her first time, I was trying to figure out a way to experience it myself.  Not only was this such an awesome treat bestowed upon me, it was exactly what I was needing.  From the time the appointment was booked, I was counting down the days. Yesterday was the day.

     My experience went like this: When I was taken in to the room, I picked my background sounds and meditation to listen to while I was on the inversion table.  That was fantastic!  I need one of these in my home.  When my time was complete on the table I gently came full tilt, undressed, and promptly headed to the shower.  I rinsed off and headed toward my deprivation/float chamber.  I opened the door and climbed inside.  Holy darkness, Batman! I eased myself into position and began to float.  I have some crazy claustrophobia, so I wasn't sure how I would respond once in the environment.  I can safely say, I never had a fearful thought.  I felt like I was in a cave, gently floating down a river.  Slightly rocking, twisting and turning, gliding further and further into the cave.  Then the light show began.  It was like the Northern Lights dancing around above me.  Beams of ethereal lights kept swooping toward me, kind of surrounding me, lifting back and dancing above me.  It was trippy, transcendental, calming, exciting, and serene all at the same time.  I kept floating.  There is a signal that gently starts chiming when your time is done.  I eased myself back to the real world, sat up, and slowly climbed out of the chamber.  I walked to the shower and climbed inside.  It was magical.  I felt loopy.  I must have been in my own world a little too long because they came and knocked on my door to check on me.  I emerged from the room and back to reality.  The whole car ride home was pretty surreal.  I was still hazy.  (thankfully, I wasn't driving!) About 2 hours later, my mind became crystal clear like a shot. It was like someone walked up to me and lifted a veil.  I felt so fantastic the whole day.

     This morning when I woke up, everyone was irritable, including me.  I felt like everything was just not going as planned.  My children feed off my energy.  I quickly realized that I had not been a good patron of the beauty I experienced and did not take care of myself properly after.  I did not drink nearly the amount of water I should have.  I counteracted all of the detoxification the Epsom salt produced and filled my body with easy, fried, greasy food.  Around 10am this morning, it hit me like a ton of bricks.  The fog, the nausea, the pressure headache, the irritability.  Yuck, Yuck, Yuck, a thousand times Yuck! 

     So what's a Mama Bear to do?  Break out the oils of course.  Peppermint was on deck to help ease the nausea.  Deep Blue was next to help ease the stiffness in my neck (I did not properly stretch before bed). But, it was the fog that was the worst part.  I had recently created a Focus Blend for my 15 year old to have with her at school. Of course, she took it with her! So, I grabbed the Peppermint again and added it with Wild Orange and whipped up my own roller ball.  Eureka! The veil was slowly lifting again.  I started consuming water like I had just found an oasis in the desert.  I retreated to my room where I meditated with Deepak and Oprah followed by a regenerative yoga session with Rodney Yee.  I took care to not overdo for the remainder of the day and kept up on all my after care instructions as I should have the day before.

     Lessons learned from this experience: I will definitely be back in the deprivation/float chamber as soon as I can make it happen.  I highly recommend it.  I will definitely follow all after-care instructions from trained professionals. I have a new favorite roller ball recipe. And, I need to listen to my body more often, not only when it is crying out in pain or distress.   

Much love <3 

     

What's that grumbling in my tummy?

     On August 24th, I took my last sip of soda (hopefully forever).  This was a significant day for me, not only because it is the anniversary of my sister's passing, but also because I am a lifetime soda drinker.  Or pop, as I called it back in my Michigan days.  The withdrawal from this beverage was worse for me than cigarettes.  I knew it had a hold on me, I just didn't realize how much of my life it controlled.  Thankfully, Black Pepper, Lavender, and our Serenity Blend oils were my refuge from the storm.  And believe me, there was a storm.  We all know Lavender has calming properties, and by the very name you can assume that Serenity has the same.  I have been asked about why I also used Black Pepper oil, since it has been known to curb tobacco addiction and not sugar. My answer is not very glamorous or profound in any way.  I was desperate.  I found myself in a screaming match with my 14 (now 15) year old daughter.  I stopped abruptly mid-sentence and realized that my reaction no where matched the topic of discussion. What's a Mama Bear to do? My skin was tingling and I was irate. I remembered hearing about Black Pepper and didn't frankly care if there was evidence to support my needs.  With one single inhale, I was transformed.  I quickly threw Serenity and Lavender into the diffuser and apologized to my daughter.  Each day began to get easier and easier with the help of this magical trio.
     So, what's the deal with the rumbling in my tummy?  Oh, it's the sounds of change.  I had made a decision to avoid all carbonated drinks, since for me, they are a slippery slope towards Dr. Pepper.  My tummy started to go through some major changes that I didn't expect. I won't lie, it was pretty or pleasant. The way I was digesting my food and drink was changing.  My system needed to figure out this new way of doing things.  I normally fed my belly a steady diet of processed food, soda, and sugar.  There were a few smoothies, lean meats, fruits, and veggies mixed in but not a lot!  I will be completely honest here.  I thought my diet was ok.  It was approved by a weight loss doctor, so I convinced myself I was on the right track.  Now that I have not been drinking soda, I am craving better foods.  Whole foods. When I ate the new foods I was supposed to, I didn't feel so hot. I know it sounds strange. I couldn't believe it myself.  So I asked myself again, What's a Mama Bear to do?  Do I go back to eating the crap I know is bad for me just because my system is used to it?  Heck no!!  Adding DigestZen to the mix has been helping tremendously.  This oil gives me the ability to allow my system to adjust to the foods it should be handling with ease. Releasing the toxins it has been used to for so long.  It is my new best friend.
     Because I always believe there is more to the story, this really got me to thinking.  How many times do we go back to old habits, stay with toxic people in our lives, and perhaps jobs that are bad for us?  I believe it is because of that uncomfortable change you go through when the bad is removed.  Logically, we assume that if it is good for us it will feel good. The saying "The devil that you know" makes perfect sense here.  Stepping out of your comfort zone can be uncomfortable.  But to me, that short period of transition is worth it.  Accepting that I am worth the effort has made all the difference. 
     I learned a strange lesson by quitting drinking a beverage that I know is bad for me. But, I am happy for the new found knowledge.