Wednesday, August 14, 2013

A Quick Guide to Popular Essential Oils



Blossoming mint .....

Here is a quick list of popular essential oils and their key characteristics.  You can find oils that relax, center, and ground, as well as stimulate the senses and focus the mind… Each one is like a world unto it’s own.  

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus Globulus)
  • Cool, fresh, energizing, focusing, cleansing  
  • Herbaceous, woodsy, camphorous, balsamic, penetrating, medicinal 
  • Helpful to the respiratory tract, the sinuses, headaches, sinus headaches, sore muscles and muscle aches.

Frankincense ( Boswellia Carteri )
  • Meditative, calming, centering, spiritual
  • Exotic, herbal, green, woodsy, camphorous
  • Aids mature skin, wrinkles, and scars, supports coughs, the respiratory tract, bronchitis, nervous tension, stress and anxiety.  
  • A sacred oil, beneficial during meditation and prayer.... 

Grapefruit (Citrus X Paradisi)
  • Stimulating, uplifting, refreshing, 
  • Sweet, citrus, fresh, aromatic, lush, juicy  
  • Supports the nervous system, is uplifting to the spirit, helps with depression, fatigue, headaches, oily skin and acne.

Jasmine (Jasminum Officinale)
  • Calming, relaxing, harmonizing, uplifting   
  • Lavish, floral, romantic, exotic, sweet, intoxicating, lush 
  • Beneficial for the nervous system, supports anxiety, tension, nervousness and depression, 
  • Harmonizing to the spirit.

Lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
  • Relaxing, calming, centering, purifying, restorative, and soothing  
  • Green, floral, herbaceous  
  • Beneficial and supports the nervous system, anxiety, insomnia, headaches and stress, helpful to the sinus and respiratory tract,  Aids skin care, acne, dermatitis, eczema, burns, inflammation, and insect bites.

Lemon (Citrus Limon)
  • Refreshing, purifying
  • Citrus, floral, fruity, sweet, clean, fresh
  • Lemon supports the digestive tract and the immune system, aids acne, and oily skin.
  • A beneficial essential oil to clean and deodorize the home.

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus)
  • Refreshing, centering, uplifting, relaxing
  • Lemony, green, floral, earthy
  • Supports acne, excessive perspiration, fungal infections, and is a good insect repellent.

Orange (Citrus Sinensis)
  • Cheerful, harmonizing, refreshing, warming, grounding
  • Citrus, sweet, fruity, floral, fresh, aromatic, lush
  • Uplifting to the spirit, supports depression and anxiety. 

Patchouli (Pogostemon Cablin)
  • Calming, relaxing, grounding, aphrodisiac
  • Earthy, woodsy, spicy, exotic, bohemian, sensual, tenacious,unique
  • Supports mature skin, wrinkles, dry skin, eczema, calming to the nervous system and can be used as a moth repellent.

Peppermint (Menthe X Piperita)
  • Cool, fresh, energizing, cleansing, focusing, alert 
  • Minty, herbaceous, penetrating, sweet 
  • Peppermint supports the stomach and is helpful for digestion and nausea, helpful to the respiratory tract, the sinuses, sore muscles and muscle aches, benefits oily hair.
  • Good for test taking as it's been shown to stimulate and focus the mind.

Rose (Rosa Damascena)
  • Calming, warm, relaxing, balancing, purifying,  
  • Elegant, lush, peaceful, floral, romantic, serene
  • Rose has been used for centuries in skin care.  It strengthens capillaries, is used to treat wrinkles, mature skin, sensitive skin, and scars, supports the nervous system and is helpful for stress, and nervous tension.
  • Beneficial for grief, opening the heart chakra, compassion, and forgiveness.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) 
  • Purifying, grounding
  • Herbaceous, camphorous, green 
  • Beneficial for oily skin and hair, acne, dandruff, headaches, nervous tension, stress, sore muscles and muscle aches

Sandalwood (Santalum Album)
  • Sensual, grounding, relaxing, spiritual
  • Woodsy, earthy, soft, tenacious, mellow, spicy
  • Supports the nervous system, is an aphrodisiac, helpful with nausea and is calming to the digestive tract.

Tea Tree (Melaleuca Alternifolia)
  • Purifying, cleansing,
  • Medicinal, turpentine, camphorous, woodsy, mossy, spicy
  • Anti-fungal, antiviral, antiseptic, antimicrobial, deodorizing, beneficial for skin care, fungal infections, viral infections, skin rashes, acne, blemishes, and oily skin.
  • A powerful essential oil to clean the home.

What is your favorite essential oil? How do you like to use it? 
 Please let us know and share your insights below!!!! 

If you know someone who would enjoy this article, please pass it on...
Be Well and Much Joy!

Essential oils are highly concentrated.  A little bit goes a long way.  Although essential oils are natural, if individual allergies or reactions occur, discontinue use.  Check with a doctor before using if you are pregnant or using with an infant or child.  

*Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart;  The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

copyright 2013


Thursday, August 8, 2013

Rumi: Enough Words


How does a part of the world leave the world?
How can wetness leave water?

Don't try to put out a fire
by throwing on more fire!
Don't wash a wound with blood!

No matter how fast you run,
your shadow more than keeps up.
Sometimes, it's in front!

Only full, overhead sun
diminishes your shadow.

But that shadow has been serving you!
What hurts you, blesses you.
Darkness is your candle.
Your boundaries are your quest.

I can explain this, but it would break
the glass cover on your heart,
and there's no fixing that.

You must have shadow and light source both.
Listen, and lay your head under the tree of awe.
When from that tree, feathers and wings sprout
on you, be quieter than a dove.
Don't open your mouth for even a cooooooo.

When a frog slips into the water, the snake
cannot get it. Then the frog climbs back out
and croaks, and the snake moves toward him again.

Even if the frog learned to hiss, still the snake
would hear through the hiss the information
he needed, the frog voice underneath.

But if the frog could be completely silent,
then the snake would go back to sleeping,
and the frog could reach the barley.

The soul lives there in the silent breath.

And that grain of barley is such that,
when you put it in the ground,
it grows.

              Are these enough words,
or shall I squeeze more juice from this?
Who am I, my friend?

Taken from The Essential Rumi
translated by Coleman Barks


Monday, July 29, 2013

Patchouli: The Wild Child



I don’t think there is any essential oil more controversial than Patchouli.  It’s the wild child of the essential oils.  Love it or hate it, there isn’t much in between.  For many, it’s easy to see why patchouli is so special.  It’s a soft, sensual, and romantic scent with wood and spice notes, beautifully exotic with a definite bohemian feel.  Different scents have different effects that influence our emotions, physiological responses and moods.  Patchouli is a deeply passionate aroma that even used softly can at times overwhelm the emotions.  It’s in the chemistry of the scent.  And Patchouli has this funny way of provoking all types of reactions.  For some, it can be very relaxing, but for others it can cause a strong and somewhat fiery response.

I have to admit, there is something rebellious, independent and even daring to this aroma.  Its nature is a play of opposites and contrasts: authentic, unique, wild, imaginative, yet also vulnerable, soulful and peaceful.  Maybe this is why it continues to intrigue us, confound us, and evokes such emotion and thought.  

It’s no wonder that Patchouli was embraced as the scent of the sixties and captures the mood and spirit of this time period.  Used for centuries in its indigenous home of Asia, it was later brought to Europe and the Americas, but still utilized today in many modern perfumes for its exotic and sensual aroma.  It has a strong grounding and fixative quality that acts as a base note for many perfumes and blends well with many other types of scents.  It is also one of the few essential oils that improves with age and is well suited for both men and women.

Patchouli has many varied uses.  In the orient, the leaves were stored with silks, linens and clothing to repel moths.  It’s also helpful in preparations used for oily skin, acne, scars, eczema, chapped and mature skin.  It is soothing for anxiety and insomnia and because of its sensual aroma and interesting chemical make up, patchouli is considered a powerful aphrodisiac!

Words to describe patchouli are:  woodsy, earthy, spicy, exotic, peaceful, harmonious, passionate, imaginative, creative, sensual, bohemian, intoxicating, relaxing and grounding.

Some properties of patchouli essential oil are: antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti viral, astringent, fungicidal, deodorant, and aphrodisiac. 

Patchouli is said to support the 1st, 2nd and 7th chakras. 

Patchouli is a fragrance that is incredible both used as a perfume, but also in the home.  
For DIY tips on ways to use essential oils for self care and in your surroundings click here: Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy
and here: Ooo La La Basic Sugar Scrub Recipe

For you patchouli lovers out there, what are your favorite ways to enjoy this beautiful scent?  Does it inspire you? Get the creative juices flowing? Or does it mellow you out,....giving you time to stop and smell the...patchouli? 

If you enjoy this article please share with a friend, comment below or join this blog!

Be Well,
Alyssa


* Although patchouli is natural, if any allergies or reactions occur discontinue use.  Check with a doctor if you are pregnant and before using on babies or small children.

*Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart;  The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.

copyright 2013




Essential Oils: Do It Yourself Aromatherapy



 There are many great ways to use essential oils.  With just a few drops, it’s easy to turn your surroundings into a peaceful, relaxing environment. It's a simple pleasure that can bring a little creativity, comfort and sensuality into your daily routine.  Essential oils support our well being physically, emotionally and spiritually.  They are readily available at local health food stores or over the internet.  Here are some do it yourself tips that are both inexpensive and easy for self care and beyond.

Create a fragrant home by applying several drops of essential oil or aromatherapy mist to a handkerchief or tea towel and place next to a heat source such as a radiator, heat duct, or sunny window to disperse the scent throughout your home. This is particularly wonderful in the winter.  Each time the heat turns on, you are treated to the wonderful scent of your favorite essential oil. An aromatherapy mist can be used the same way sprayed directly throughout the house.  Essential oils, just like some fine perfumes, can possibly stain fabrics, so use old hankies, tea towels and take care around linens, clothing and upholstery.

To bring the spa home,
spray aromatherapy mists directly into the steam of a shower or add several drops of the essential oil to bath water.  You can also add a couple drops of your favorite essential oil to a washcloth, liquid soap or shampoo.  The essential oils combined with the warmth of the steam and water soothes the senses, leaving you relaxed, refreshed and restored…
Dim the lights, light the candles, put the music on and find the peace within....

Make an inexpensive and quick massage oil or moisturizer
by adding several drops of essential oil to 1/4 cup of your favorite carrier oil*.  Slowly massage into your limbs at bedtime or after a shower, taking the time you need to release any tensions and fully enjoy the experience of an aromatic massage.
Nothing quite like soothing the tensions right out of your muscles for a deep sense of rejuvenation.
Or share the love and give your partner the gift of a sensual massage.  
This recipe can be used as a simple moisturizer as well as a massage oil….

To promote a deeper, more restful night's sleep at bedtime, 
try lightly misting your pillows and linens with a relaxing aromatherapy spray.......

~ Hand wash your delicate fabrics
in a bath of warm water and a few drops of essential oil to scent your fine washables.  

Add a dab of diluted essential oil
to any of your pulse points any time to calm, center, and restore!

*Because essential oils are so potent, it is usually advised to blend and dilute them with a carrier oil when applying to skin. There are many different kinds of carrier oils and they can be used synergistically with essential oils to target certain problems.  I always recommend using quality ingredients.  Examples of some carrier oils are: jojoba oil, almond oil , sunflower oil, wheat germ oil, grapeseed oil, castor oil, olive oil, rosehip seed oil, extra virgin coconut oil and avocado oil.

If you've enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it with a friend, commenting below, or following this blog....

Thanks and Be Well,
Alyssa





Saturday, June 1, 2013

Peonies by Mary Oliver

Photo: AS.
The interplay of light and shadow, 
the subtlety of color, form, texture, and shape....
Delicate, lavish, lush and sensual...
and the scent.....
Life unfurling in Spring...

    Below is a poem by Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets.  Her poetry is a treasure and a gift to us all.  She has won the National Book Award, the Pulitzer Prize and is admired by many.  She often writes about the natural world, creating an intimate portrayal of its landscapes and inhabitants.  Her poems, full of such beauty, somehow captures in the way only poets and artists can the unspoken part of what lay in the details of this beautiful world. 
    
     I believe this is why poetry, music and art are so important to the world, to people and society.  It is heartening to know that our joys and struggles are on some level universal.   When an artist is able to express what we ourselves cannot say, it frees and inspires us. This is why we are moved by art, by the combination of notes, of colors, of words.  It stirs something within us and touches those parts that are forgotten and long to be remembered……. 

Enjoy!
Alyssa


From New And Selected Poems  by Mary Oliver

Peonies

This morning the green fists of the peonies are getting ready
to break my heart
as the sun rises,
as the sun strokes them with his old, buttery fingers
and they open —
pools of lace,
white and pink —
and all day the black ants climb over them,
boring their deep and mysterious holes
into the curls,
craving the sweet sap,
taking it away
to their dark, underground cities —
and all day
under the shifty wind,
as in a dance to the great wedding,
the flowers bend their bright bodies,
and tip their fragrance to the air,
and rise,
their red stems holding
all that dampness and recklessness
gladly and lightly,
and there it is again —
beauty the brave, the exemplary,
blazing open.
Do you love this world?
Do you cherish your humble and silky life?
Do you adore the green grass, with its terror beneath?
Do you also hurry, half-dressed and barefoot, into the garden,
and softly,
and exclaiming of their dearness,
fill your arms with the white and pink flowers,
with their honeyed heaviness, their lush trembling,
their eagerness
to be wild and perfect for a moment, before they are
nothing, forever?



Copyright Peonies - Mary Oliver
Blog Entry Copyright Map To The Imagination 2013


Tuesday, May 7, 2013

Lavender Essential Oil: Benefits and Tips to Self Care and Beyond


Dried lavender from the garden......


If there is one essential oil that seems to be the most popular, it’s lavender.  A classic fragrance, indigenous to the Mediterranean and cultivated in areas like France, Bulgaria and Spain.  The scent of lavender is floral, herbaceous, and green with sweet, powdery, camphorous notes.  Essential oils are somewhat like wine, since their scent can greatly vary depending on the region, environment, and weather conditions that the plant is exposed to.  For centuries, people have used lavender medicinally.  The flowers can be eaten and are used to flavor many recipes and dishes such as cookies, poultry, fish, risotto and ice cream….mmmm 

Lavender has an overall positive effect on the mind, body and spirit.  Having it in your aromatherapy kit is a good idea, as it is beneficial for a wide variety of conditions.  It’s applied to the skin for problems such as acne, eczema, cuts, bug bites, stings and fungal infections.  Rubbed into the muscles, joints, and temples, it can help relieve tension and headaches.  Lavender is perhaps best known for its calming, soothing and relaxing qualities, and to help relieve stress, insomnia, emotional tension and anxiety.  

There are many great ways to use lavender oil.  With just a few drops, it’s easy to turn your surroundings (home, office, car) into a peaceful , relaxing environment.  

Create a fragrant home by adding a few drops of lavender to a handkerchief  and place next to a heat source such as a radiator, heat duct, or sunny window to disperse the scent through your home.  A great way to create a peaceful, tranquil atmosphere.  

~ To promote a deeper, more restful night's sleep at bedtime, try lightly misting lavender spray onto your pillows, moisturizing with a lavender scented balm or even dabbing a couple drops of the essential oil on your temples......

To bring the spa home, lavender aromatherapy mists can be sprayed directly into the steam of a shower or add several drops of the oil to bath water for an incredibly relaxing experience.   Light some candles, play some soft music, and feel yourself slowly unwind.   

~ Make an inexpensive and quick massage oil by adding several drops of lavender essential oil to 1/4 cup sunflower oil.  Massage your limbs at bedtime or after a shower to give yourself some greatly needed self care.  Or share the love and give your partner the gift of a sensual massage.  Nothing quite like soothing the tensions right out of your muscles for a deep sense of rejuvenation.

Make your own aromatherapy cream by adding the essential oil to your favorite all natural, unscented balm or lotion. This way, you get the dual effect of moisturizing your skin while taking advantage of the aromatherapy benefits.  


~ Add a dab of diluted lavender oil to any of your pulse point, any time to calm, center and restore!

Lavender can be used neat in very small amounts.  However, because essential oils are so concentrated, they are usually diluted with another oil called a carrier oil.  Carrier oils can be used synergistically with an essential oil to target specific problems.  Examples of carrier oils are: jojoba, sunflower, avocado, almond, grapeseed, castor, olive, rosehip and wheat germ. 

Words to describe lavender are: Relaxing, calming, purifying, restorative, centering, and soothing.

Some properties of lavender are: antiseptic, antifungal, antimicrobial, sedative, analgesic, deodorant,  anti- inflammatory and cicatrisant.  

What's your favorite way to use Lavender Essential Oil? Let us know.......

*Although lavender is natural, if any allergies or reaction occur discontinue use.  Essential oils are not recommended during pregnancy.  Check with a pediatrician before using on babies or small children.


Resources for this article: The Illustrated Guide to Massage and Aromatherapy, edited by Catherine Stuart; The Herb Bible, Peter McHoy, Pamela Westland; The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy - A Practical Approach to the Use of Essential Oils for Health and Well-being, Julia Lawless.


Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Peace

~ Carlos Santana

When I say it's you I like, 

I'm talking about that part of you that 

knows that life is far more than 

anything you can ever see or hear or 

touch. That deep part of you that allows 

you to stand for those things without 

which humankind cannot survive. Love 

that conquers hate, peace that rises 

triumphant over war, and justice that 

proves more powerful than greed.

~ Fred Rogers






Thursday, February 21, 2013

9 Simple Tips For Getting Through Winter

Photo: AS.












It’s amazing how a simple sunny day can brighten our whole mood.  If you live in a part of the world, where in the wintertime, lack of sunlight and cold temperatures can go on for days, it can have a significant effect on our mood.  Here are some simple tips and fun ideas to make your days brighter and happier during the winter months.

Tip # 1: Move your Body  
Exercise is not only good for the body, but it’s also extremely helpful to our mental and emotional health.  It relieves stress, floods our bodies with feel good endorphins, and has an overall relaxing yet energizing effect on the body, mind and spirit.

Tip # 2: Essential Oils
Essential oils are a good way to enhance our well being and take care of ourselves during the cold, dark days.  Think citrus, such as orange, lemon, tangerine and grapefruit notes…. Pick your favorite or make your own unique blend.  Orange essential oil has been noted to improve mood. Simply carry it with you for an instant pick me up…Or combine it with a little sunflower oil and massage it into your limbs and arms.  You can even add it to some sugar or salt and exfoliate  in the shower….A little self care is sometimes all we need....Ooo La La!

Tip # 3: Green Inspiration
Take a trip to your nearest botanical garden or greenhouse. It’s relaxing, uplifting and restorative to be surrounded by the beauty of exotic plants and the soft, balmy air of places like these.  During the winter, many botanical gardens host a flower show.  Here in Pittsburgh, Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens host their annual spring show.  The entire building smells like a bouquet of flowers.  It's one of my favorite places.  Or if you’d like to take a little bit of Spring home with you, many greenhouses and grocery stores begin selling spring flowers like paper whites, tulips, hyacinth and daffodils.  

Tip #4: Let There Be Light 
During the winter, we want to capitalize on all the sunshine we can find.  Why not make it a point while getting coffee or having lunch, to sit by a sunny window.   And so it goes for cloudy days as well.  It’s much brighter next to a window and the light has an accumulative effect.  Bring a friend along, savor each sip of coffee, take a few moments to read a book, or just be in the moment, but see how quickly the body relaxes and the mood lifts in the presence of warmth and light.

Tip #5: Stay In Touch
So that cabin fever doesn't take us over, it’s important to get out of the house and surround ourselves with new environments, friends, and a change of scenery…Hang out with friends, host a dinner party, visit a museum or go to a local coffee house....You never know who you’ll meet, what fun exchange you’ll have or what can happen. 

Tip #7: Stay Warm
It's sounds a little cliche " don't forget your hat and gloves" as we were reminded when we were little ones. But there's nothing like the right gear: warm gloves, a good pair of boots (with non - slip treads), and a cozy hat, to buffer against the elements!  

Tip #8: Plan Your Garden
One of my favorite things to do in winter is to start planning my garden.  I begin thinking of all the herbs in my garden and their fragrance that follows as I walk past.  It's a lot of fun going to the local store to pick out my seeds:  plum tomatoes, arugula, spring mix, cucumbers, green beans.  And the flowers: blue morning glories, shasta daisies, white and pink cosmos, giant zinnia, bright red poppies and mammoth sunflowers.

Tip #9: When in Rome 
As the saying goes " if you can't beat 'em, join them".  So, it might be helpful to go out and have a little fun in the cold and the snow!  There is something very empowering when we surrender to what is.  So go ahead.  Go outside.  Throw that snowball, build that snowman or just let yourself wander through a park or the nearest woods and take in the beauty that winter offers!

Wishing you Beautiful, Happy Days!

Copyright 2013





Thursday, February 14, 2013

Love Poems For Valentine's Day

Vita Nuova
In that book 
Which is my memory
On the first page 
That is the  chapter when
I first met you
Appear the words........
Here begins a new life
~ DANTE

Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate

The Ultimate Hot Chocolate With Fresh Whipped Cream!
Mmmmm, it’s so nice to have a cup of creamy hot chocolate on cold winter days.  It’s one of those small comforts that make life a little sweeter.  Plus, it reminds me of being a kid and having a cup of hot chocolate after playing out in the snow.  Everything just kind of slowed and relaxed as the body warmed to a soft glow.  Now as an adult, life can be busy.  I’m usually coming in from work or errands….So, I like to seek out ways to have more fun, be more kid like and bring a little comfort to my day and that of my family’s.  Hot Chocolate is one of those ways.  Let’s just call it a form of therapy.  Yeah, that’s right, therapy, the chocolaty goodness kind.  And it works too…to put a smile on the face, a warmth to the heart and brings a little creativity, play, and imagination to the day……….

This is the ultimate cup of hot chocolate, full bodied and deeply satisfying.  After experimenting with different types of chocolate, and many cups of hot chocolate later, it seemed obvious to combine the chocolate chips with the cocoa. Together, with their strengths, they create a sublime experience, a robust chocolate flavor that’s creamy, rich and delicious…. 

I definitely recommend using dark chocolate.  It has that deep dark chocolate flavor that isn't too sweet, but just sweet enough.  I also recommend using  organic milk and organic half and half because organic really does have a better flavor and consistency than the non-organic…..okay then, mmmm, ready?….

Directions:  Combine ingredients together and stir constantly until well blended on medium low heat.  When everything is well incorporated and the milk is steaming, (careful not to burn) turn the heat down on low and let simmer for 5 minutes more.  Stir again before serving and then garnish if you like.  It's delicious on it's own, but with whip cream it becomes insane! Garnish as much or as little as you like....have fun...follow your heart….be a kid …be silly, be happy, be in the moment, enjoy!       

Ingredients 
1 ½  Cups Organic 2% Milk
1/2 Cup Organic Half and Half
1 Teaspoon Dark Cocoa Powder
½ Cup Dark Chocolate Chips
Dash of salt (optional )
Serves 2

Optional Toppings
Whip cream
Marshmallows
Ice cream
Cinnamon
Peppermint stick
Grated Chocolate
Cayenne Pepper
Etc.

ps. feel free to substitute with almond, coconut or soy milk........;)

Related entry: Simple Pleasures:Chocolate Toast
copyright 2013


Friday, January 4, 2013

Grief: Finding Our Way Through The Darkness

photo courtesy of Lukas
"It takes great courage and strength to feel our emotions, to let the tears fall, to allow our feelings of sadness and despair.  But this is how we heal, one moment, one day at a time......"   


I wanted to write an entry on grief.  I've been meaning to for a long time now, but somehow I always put it off. After the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut, it prompted me further.  It’s not an easy subject, but having my own experiences with grief that have profoundly changed my life, I wanted to write something that might be helpful.   It is my belief that where there is darkness, there is the capacity for great light too, and so, I cannot write about grief without writing about hope.

We grieve because we love. It’s that simple. If I knew a way around this, I would tell you. There is nothing stronger on Earth than love. The grief we feel speaks to the connections that we have with one another, 
to the preciousness of our relationships and honors the love and experiences we've shared. Everyone experiences grief in their own way. For me, I sometimes think of grief as a road, maybe a journey, or landscape of some kind; one where we cannot see our way through, but are guided by the stars illuminated in the sky.  It is here, when we face the darkness, and look deep into the heart of our sadness that the brilliance of our hope and love shine so bright. And then, in moments like these, we may feel some peace and comfort in our hearts, our grief transcended.

It’s one of those universal paradoxes that there are gifts in loss.  I often feel like it’s the compassion of the universe lending its hand. These gifts can range in an outpouring of love and support from our community and friends to a rebirth and renewal.  This rebirth or reset as someone I know calls it can be more like an awakening or a new awareness, a gratitude for life, of bringing us closer to who we are and to what we want out of life, of being more authentically who we want to be and living the kind of life we want to have. It can make us more aware of how precious the people around us are and how precious are own life is.  It can motivate us to make the world a better place. 

And so, it’s important to give ourselves permission to grieve.  There is no time table for this.  It would be nice if it passed quickly, and sometimes it does, but it’s one of those times in life that the way out is through.  This means allowing ourselves to feel and process our emotions in the amount of time we need.  It takes great courage and strength to feel our emotions, to let the tears fall, to allow our feelings of sadness and despair.  But this is how we heal, one moment, one day at a time......   

There are many positive things we can do to help ourselves through this time. Here are a few:

Take your time in healing yourself..... 

Do what you feel like, move towards those things that inspire you and gives you comfort..... 

Eat well, and sleep when you can......

Walking, hiking, and any exercise in general is very helpful...... 

Writing, journaling, reading, prayer, and meditation help too...... 

Of course, talking to a therapist or grief counselor or joining a support group is also very helpful.....


Related Post:
Kindness


I dedicate this to my sister, who in her absence taught us to love better.  And to those who have shared their own stories in their sadness....xo……..

copyright 2013