Our sense of smell is extremely powerful. We have all at some point in our life, experienced a deja vu where we smell or even hear something that brings back memories from a time in our life previously.
During this time of this global pandemic with Covid-19 it is crucial that we all acknowledge and support ourselves during this very emotional and uncertain time.
For me, being home is comfort, this is my “safe” place and somewhere I enjoy being. Thankfully we also have a yard that our kids and dog, as well as us can get outside to enjoy the sunshine when we have it and the fresh air.
Supporting our emotional health IN our home has been a daily priority and one that I can easily do with our diffusers to support in uplifting the mood, feeling grounded and calm and even for bedtime for a restful sleep.
A blend we have been using this weekend is PERFECT for calming any fears, encouraging creativity, cleansing, bringing some zest into your life and feeling abundant.
Blend: 2 drops each of Citrus Bliss, Lime, Wild Orange and Juniper Berry and 1 drop of Lemongrass
Check out the emotional research behind these oils…
Juniper Berry – The Oil of Night – Supportive of Fear Lemongrass – The Oil of Cleansing Lime – The Oil of Zest for Life Wild Orange – The Oil of Abundance Citrus Bliss – The Oil of Creativity
Using our oils has been a BIG way Ive supported my and my family’s emotions in our home, bonus is it also freshens up our home and smells incredible!!!
This weekend, honestly was emotionally challenging for me, we should have been together with extended family celebrating Easter, but it wasn’t just Easter… this weekend my parents also celebrated their 40th Wedding Anniversary. Something we were to celebrate and couldn’t, which makes me sad and pulls out all kinds of emotions, most of all sadness. If you have been following me you know Art, more specifically, Photography is a big part of me capturing these moments that become memories. I am grateful my husband, kids and I were together all weekend and we captured photos of our time – which thankfully was productive relaxing but also working on our nest!
These books… have been a massive support as well over the past few weeks. They are normally stacked beside my bed on my bedside table ;) Gabby’s Book Judgment Detox, I have had for well over a year and a half but haven’t felt pulled to really get into it, until this weekend. There is unfortunately SO much judgment flying around, especially on social media. I think one of thee biggest reasons that I am pulled to my blog to share my thoughts and images more freely, not that anyone has been judging me on my own posts, but social media can fuel so much negativity, Ive been consciously using those platforms and unfollowing as needed. I read a post on Gabby Bernstein’s page that reminded me of this book to pick it up and that NOW is the time to “Release the belief’s that hold you back from living a better life” a beautiful reminder from Gabby, a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author, that regardless of whoever we are, we will all feel these judgment feelings – its important to allow yourself to feel these feelings, forgive ourselves for feeling these feelings and move forward. She also provided an incredible workshop a couple weeks ago that focused on Anxiety Relief – it was incredible and to my knowledge people can still sign up! Check out my blog post about this workshop!
As surreal and uncertain our lives and economy feel right now, there is hope that this can actually provide many people with an opportunity. An opportunity to take a step back, to reflect in a big way on how we were living our life, operating our businesses, the stuff in our homes, our cooking, cleaning and organization of our space at home and work.
Thankful for the time we have had this weekend as a family, in our home, eating some incredible food and enjoying! We will get through this together and come out stronger <3
Give these oils a try in your diffuser and let me know what you think? Ive got it going in our kitchen/dining room and our living room/entrance – our main living areas smell incredible and its boosting this dark dreary day! <3
What ignites you, fuels your creativity and gives you a boost of motivation?
For me, its definitely photography, music, oils (smell), cooking, water…
I had the opportunity to join my husband on a drive the other day, completely impromptu but exactly what my heart and soul needed… a couple hours with my camera. Albeit from the vehicle for the majority of these photos, I did have the opportunity to get on the beach at our family cottage and really breathe in the air, enjoy the sound of the water and capture some shots.
This weekend, although we have been conscious of what is still happening around the world and within the news, we purposely took a step back to ensure our minds were being educated, not filled with fear and uncertain. We are grateful, thankful for our home and community. It can be easy to get pulled into these negative feelings, that really do not benefit us in anyway. Follow the recommendations, be respectful, be purposeful and shift your mindset in a positive way with something that is meaningful to you and your soul. XO
Regardless of where you live… if Photography is something that lights up your creativity – it can be very simply transforming the way you view your home space, your property you live on, the community you live in. Although its not recommended to travel far from your home, take a look around at what you have that you can capture. When our children were young, I used to take photos of them All.The.Time. doing everyday things, even sitting watching tv, eating, playing, doing crafts etc. Although my kids aren’t keen on me taking a lot of photos of them doing that now and sharing publicly (teen life), I do it for me, for our family, for our future memories which the kids do love looking back on!
Let your creativity flow – however that means for you! It could be sewing, knitting, drawing, painting, writing, gardening, cooking, organizing (yes this is an art ;)).
Having the opportunity to be in our own home more has provided us the time to make necessary shifts. For some its honoring their mental health and enjoying the down time, for others its decluttering and organizing, cleaning, yard work, meal planning, cooking, spending quality time with their family members… whatever it is you feel called to do in any moment – is exactly what you need!
I have had a few people reach out about introducing essential oils into their home to support mental and physical natural health but also to freshen the air naturally!
So… you can find out more info on the kits and ordering on this page with various links. Below I am going to offer my personal opinion on a couple kits – one is also offered as two price levels to fit anyone’s budget <3
Home Essentials Kit This kit includes the “top 10 oils” as well as a diffuser. This can be ordered from the US or Canadian warehouse and also offers a “mini” kit with a lower price point called the Healthy Start Enrollment. Prices start at $205.25 + hst CDN to $330 + hst CDN . This kit includes Easy Air/Breathe, Deep Blue, Frankincense, Lavender, Lemon, On Guard, Oregano, Peppermint, Tea Tree/Melaleuca, Zen Gest/Digest Zen. Below are some great ways to use the oils in your home!
Healthy Essentials Kit ~ #1 Recommendation for Family Starter This kit includes many of the top 10 oils with also some oils that are more supportive for our mental health such as Adaptiv, Balance and Copaiba. This kit also comes with a the redesigned petal diffuser. This kit is only available out of the US Warehouse and is $264 USD (for Canadians) and $249 USD (for Americans). This kit includes Adaptiv, Balance, Breathe/Easy Air, Copaiba, Deep Blue, Digest Zen/Zen Gest, Lavender, Lemon, On Guard, Peppermint. In this kit you can benefit from calming, improved attention, grounding, tranquility, feeling clear and easy breathing, soothing for massage, cardiovascular – immune – digestive – nervous system support, digestive health, relaxing, refreshing, purifying, protective, energizing and uplifting… This truly is an incredible kit for everyone in your entire family!
Healthy Essentials Kit
In my personal opinion, if you are someone who has been thinking of making a shift in your home, the kit I would recommend the new Health Essentials Kit for the sole reason of the new oils added into this collection. As we are all in our own homes so much more lately, our mental health is incredibly important. Speaking from experience I know the effects stress, emotional eating, financial stress, having children, work, marriage and every other relationship in your life can have on our mental health. At this point it is crucial to stay in touch with HOW we are feeling. We all know the effects a smell has on us and can affect our mood being uplifting, grounding, calming…
For those of you who have reached out to inquire what I have been using and would recommend. Supporting our body, mind and soul with nature is a key factor, to be aware and acknowledge how this “Great Pause” could be shifted to a positive step back to reconfigure our own lives and way of living. To perhaps live more purposely, appreciating time with loved ones and more space with less stuff!
I have been using these oils in our home for the past almost 6 years and we have seen positive improvements in our physical and emotional health. I am especially thankful for the oils at this time. I am here to help you get started with whatever your budget and needs are! <3 :D
I have had a mixture of feelings of getting organized – which feel’s amazing, rest and relaxation – which is necessary at times, and expanding my knowledge – a perfect opportunity given the right mindset!
Essential Oils have been a part of our daily life since mid 2015 and one we rely on for supporting our emotional and physical health. I signed up for this course a few weeks ago, knowing it wasn’t right for me then, but there would come a time that I would be. During this pandemic I fully support mental health for everyone being a priority and not pushing ourselves out of a feeling and thus suppressing the emotions.
This Oil Specialist Certification online course is available to anyone – from everyday moms to the top team business leaders. The best part, its completely online and able to be completed entirely at your convenience. If you feel pulled to learn more about the world of essential oils, this is an excellent opportunity to dive in and fuel your mind! Click below for more information:
There is a clear reason why I picked up this book a few months ago. Especially as we are approaching week 5 of hanging out at home in between the husband and I working each day.
I’ve felt myself slip a few times. Emotional eating, insomnia, feelings of worry.
Yesterday and this morning, mother nature has reminded us the power of NOW – the power of being IN the moment, not worrying of the future, just being in the now.
“Through forgiveness, which essentially means recognizing the unsubstantiality of the past and allowing the present moment to be as it is, the miracle of transformation happens not only within but also without. A silent space of intense presence arises both in you and around you. Whoever or whatever enters that field of consciousness will be affected by it, sometimes visibly and immediately, sometimes at deeper levels with visible changes appearing at a later time. You dissolve discord, heal pain, dispel consciousness – without doing anything – simply by being and holding that frequency of intense presence.” Page 180 – The Power of Now
The true power of NOW is within you – maximizing your time at home – however that feels right for YOU! Ive had varying feelings of needing rest, comfort food, sleep, reading, writing, picking up my camera or phone and capturing the moment, meditating and even spurts of decluttering our home space.
This has emotionally been challenging for all of us. A time when we need to be conscious of ourselves, understanding and patient – patience I believe is the most importance as living through the pandemic has created a lot of fear based thinking, worry and unfortunately hoarding.
The Power of Now – what can you do for yourself, and your children if you have any, that will allow you to feel a bit more peace? This time in our lives that is literally affecting all of us world wide can bring up past feelings that may have caused you stress or upset, there may also be feelings that you knowingly or unknowingly buried without fully processing them. When these feelings come up, allow yourself to feel them, allow yourself to process them however that feels right to you.
Forgiveness truly can set you free. Do you need to forgive yourself or someone in your life. Forgiveness allows you to release from that past pain and to begin moving forward, whether the other person acknowledges this or not. Forgiveness is for yourself – to free you from that past pain and release living in fight, flight or fear mode.
Its OK, not to be OK!
Today, on Good Friday, I am thankful myself, my husband and our children are all together and safe. We dearly miss our extended family, who we would have been celebrating Easter with as we have always celebrated with either on Friday, Saturday or Sunday together, many years we have multiple celebratings on between those 3 days with the kiddos enjoying another down day on Monday as they are typically off from school but business has always got back up and running.
This is our 2020 norm and that is ok. As much as we are missing our family, I am reminding myself of the power of now. Embracing where we are at, forgiving myself for feeling sad that we cannot get together and knowing that its ok to feel sad. We will make the best of our time together and it will be wonderful, given all circumstances.
Regardless of what plans may have been cancelled, if I may offer encouragement to BE present in your life this weekend and make the best of it! Waking up to a very cold, snowy day I am looking forward to “hibernating” in our home today together, with the exception of providing service for our essential business, which means the husband and I are still “on call” – a fact of life for us and much gratitude to our children for their understanding.
Sending health and happiness vibes out to all, we will get through this together. If it helps, turn off the tv. That’s what we did last night, took a break from the “real world” and enjoyed watching music videos on You Tube… the power of NOW! The power of the moment, especially when so many of the songs literally speak to us XO.
Our sweet rescue kitty is a beautiful reminder everyday of how importance patience is and being in the now, providing her unconditional love and space to truly trust us and her new home. Even though it’s been a few months and she has made wonderful progress, trauma does not dictate a timeline and when we are in the now, zero pressure, we can begin to thrive in our own way, what feels right and necessary 💕🙏
It may feel like a long road while you are travelling, until you reach the destination. Its then you realize, it wasn’t all about the destination, it was the journey of getting there. 💕🙏 Pam Zmija
It can at times be too easy to get wrapped up in how “long” a road may be. Which can lead to unhappiness, higher anxiety, depression, anger, irritability… and even more disruption in your life.
When we look back, that road that felt so long, possibly filled with a range of emotions, in the end wasn’t near as “long” in the big picture.
Emotions that must be felt, processed, rather than focusing on the “long road”, focus on the bits and pieces and allow your body, mind and soul to feel what it needs to feel, without the pressure of “how long”.
Reach for tools that support you best. For me it’s my photography, writing, essential oils, rest, meditation, time with my husband and kids, cooking, reading, getting out in nature, water – being in and on, listening to and being hydrated, my supplements… just to name a few!
When you learn to enjoy recharging, it’s amazing at what you can learn about yourself and your body. One of the best things I’ve learned is how living a healthy, holistic lifestyle has been able to allow me to be so much more in tune with my body. Emotional eating is a crutch I’ve used for many years and although I’ve had my share of indulgences, I am able to quickly recognize that I need to shift, as well as forgiving myself and moving forward. No one is perfect, stice to be YOU! 💕
Tonight while my daughter and I were in the kitchen together I was telling her about the new oil kit that arrived! Which by the way, is amazing and will be on my bedside table! ✌I told her how some of my fav’s were in the kit…
She asked me what oil I really don’t like… I knew the smell before I thought of the name – Spikenard! Do you have this oil at home too?! 🙋♀️ She then put the oil in the diffuser. It had been so long since I had used it I completely forgot that it may smell horrible out of the bottle, but it’s really not bad in the diffuser.
Then it hit me… what is the emotional use of this oil…
SPIKENARD THE OIL OF GRATITUDE 🙏 It is exactly what I needed. I’ve been practicing being grateful no matter what, and it helps, so much 💕 I am SO grateful for the emotional support of these oils. Smell great, grounding, uplifting, cleansing. So if you have Spikenard at home… now’s the time to pull it out!!! 🙌
With the floral collection, they are all so delicious! Rose, Jasmine, Neroli, Magnolia – all ones I love and have been so drawn to all of them lately to help calm my anxious feelings. Now… a new floral touch – Blue Lotus! Its gorgeous! Has some beauty benefits too! 🥰 Blue Lotus is beautiful at supporting a heightened feeling of spiritual growth, encouragement, understanding and forgiveness. All beautiful support at time time in our world.
I am oiled up with the florals and ready for a beautiful nights sleep! Much needed after waking a few times last night! I really love how these ‘gentle’ florals are with my emotions 🙏💧.
Ive been getting much better at handling this emotionally. As hard as it can feel some days.
I welcome the break, the free time in the evenings and weekends to get things done at home and relax.
This has felt more surreal than real life. For the most part, being at home and work and no where in between isn’t out of the norm for me. Thats what would have happened at this time of year with hockey and skating coming to an end. But this was completely not by choice and not within our control.
We have had more “time” on the weekends at home, which has been beautiful. However I have also recognized that I certainly have been having some slower mornings on the weekend and just need time to just be – which is completely ok! Saturday’s are better than Sunday’s for sure. Sunday is typically when Ive been grocery shopping. Purposely avoiding the rush of Saturday. The online grocery orders now more than a 1.5 weeks away.
Ive had my moments, little spurts of energy to get stuff done. Ive been getting really good at keeping the kitchen cleaner. My kids are comfortable being in the kitchen, which does also result in more dishes. However they are cooking themselves food, with healthy options so its all ok.
Then Ive had my sinking moments. Ironically, perhaps not, its when I have to go out in public. And not because I am afraid I will get sick. I am being realistic, I understand how serious this is, I have loved ones who are considered high risk. What freaks me out is now what we are currently living in. Let me be completely honest though, I love my personal space. Space is one reason we have two new home additions, not to fill with more things, literally for more space. So when I say the distancing is something that pulls on me, its because we must stay at a distance, for our health and safety as well as everyone elses. Seeing people distancing, physically wearing masks and gloves. I feel completely safe in my home and at our office. When I am out, I do not feel that same “safe”. Because of the visual triggers. Which at this time are important in the control of this pandemic. This I understand and respect.
Not that long ago we took advantage of being able to just run into the grocery store to grab a few things on the way home from work, perhaps meeting your spouse there after work to figure out dinner together, walking the town streets during ladies night browsing in all the windows that were lit up and the stores with shoppers, our kids with friends at the hockey games and skating, cheering on our local sports, enjoying a meal out, hair, lash and nail appointments, celebrations…
This is also a very big disappointment for me. Celebrations that we will now have to celebrate virtually. Our family has always been about family dinners, celebrating birthdays and holidays. Today we would have celebrated Kelsey’s birthday, if we could. Its these moments that I miss so dearly. Shopping in the grocery store seeing the hams, even some lamb, the easter things. It hurt. Very conflicted feelings, which I think is why I ended up feeling worse. It hurts that we cannot get together, its also important that we not get together. That’s where I am conflicted.
Easter will still be a wonderful weekend with us and our kids. Not the new normal, just for this year. Perhaps even be able to “see” everyone virtually might be an option as well. The next time we see each other physically, it will mean even more. My reasoning for taking photos at family events, much more strengthened in my heart and soul.
Being a futuristic person, it can be challenging for me to be completely in the now, without moving into the future. This has proven even more challenging with the effects of Covid-19 on our business with even more restrictions but still providing emergency service for customers. Going through a screening process, even denying some, that plays on your emotions too.
Seeing conspiracy theory beliefs online, various people doing their own reporting etc. Ive been trying really hard to be positive. To allow myself the downtime and rest when I need it. To not be hard on myself if I just don’t have it in me to declutter the office (filing and organizing a massive pile) – yes it would make me feel so much better in the end, I just cannot get the motivation to get started today, especially after the grocery store. These theories and beliefs are exhausting. What I have seen is the people with these belief’s, are doing as they please, which goes against staying at home and physically distancing. Many are in the US. The numbers are also, perhaps coincidentally, skyrocketing… Am I a huge fan of the government, no. Do I listen to the news regularly, only recently. Am I extremely religious, no – I have my beliefs and choose to be non-denominational.
As much as this is an inconvenience, this IS happening. We have exhausted nurses and doctors. All that is being asked of you is to stay home. Simply refusing to distance and stay home, all that does is put everyone at even more risk. Ive been working so hard to be upbeat and positive, this however pisses me right off. Hearing of someone encourage others to go reach out to people and hug them, or that we are all essentially getting brain washed by the government.
As someone who is involved in the daily operation of a business, with employees – why would the government purposely want the majority of businesses in the world be shut down?! The government earns money from its people. Its exhausting to people, like me, who are hands on involved in a business, is also a wife and mother. Its not just about me. Its not just about you. Its about all of us collectively.
I left the grocery store and was driving home, which isn’t that far and suddenly began crying. Seeing the physical distance between people, the face masks, gloves, some bare shelves, mentally asking myself over and over again if I should be getting more of this or that. It felt good to cry. Which I waited to do at home after bringing the groceries in. Looking at the bins on the floor, thinking about how after I touch the baskets and foods I have to immediately wash my hands as well as wash everything down. Really not a bad habit to get into, we all could avoid a lot less “bugs” if we were a bit more conscious about this. Removing things from packing and properly disposing – recycling when applicable and storing in food storage containers, helping them to last longer!
My trip to the grocery store in total from leaving home to getting the groceries put away would have been about 3 hours. 3 hours of my time, which was also emotionally draining, especially for an empath. Kudos to the grocery sore, both of ours in town have been wonderful at encouraging distancing and also updating stock. I am happy to see limits on things now, as unfortunately there are hoarders who are literally buying all they can of a few things – which for some strange reason has been toilet paper, as well as cleaning wipes and sprays – that I can understand. We all need to be prepared, however the government has also said they want to keep food moving, people need to eat.
The more we work together, the sooner we will all heal through this. Its an opportunity to feel these types of emotions and learn to actually begin processing them vs putting on the shelf for later. For everyone of all ages, if you are “bored” – why? What could you do? If you have feelings like I experienced at the grocery store, why is that? I know for me its mainly because I am a mom, I know we have a family to feed so I want to be prepared, but then I get way far ahead of myself and think but how much do we need, what if I dont get enough, what if we are suddenly locked down like Italy. Its also a very visual reminder seeing and just being out in public. Very realistic measures that have been helping in Canada, that can still feel sad even though they are helping. A reminder that its all in divine timing.
Part of these emotions are most likely fueled by the additions. Which divine timing is a huge part of. We had tabled the addition for the year, had the foundations installed to suffice the township, let our framer know and went with the flow, knew that it most likely would happen in the spring but were open to shifting. We shifted big time, what I thought at the time being a big stressor, has actually been a blessing. In this moment though, we have another couple significant things happening in the next 1-4 weeks that has me both excited and also apprehensive.
Tonight, as a family we came together in the kitchen. I admit I didn’t do much after groceries. So when my husband and son were prepping for dinner, I cleaned up and did some dishes. My husband cooked while my daughter made some apple crisp for dinner! A great way to end our day and weekend by reframing my mind!
My husband made a home made tangerine chicken and gravy. We had mashed potatoes, salad and veggies and then finished with a delicious apple crisp!
I’ve had a challenging time sleeping the past couple weeks. There are times I allow the outside world to influence my inside world, which can result in my sleep being altered.
Monday felt emotionally challenging, the numbers of this illness are increasing daily, thankfully not directly around us, but for some countries at a staggering rate. I didn’t sleep well that night and was up very early Tuesday. I allowed myself to sink into the feeling and just be.
The world is so consumed with the Corona Virus, and yet “real” life continues on, sometimes adding to the emotional challenges. Which is ok.
I’ve noticed growth in all of us, although at times we each pull back and inward in our own way.
This virus, although numbing and alarming at the rate of the daily numbers, is here to collectively teach us as a world.
Gratitude is key! What are you grateful for in your life. Even the small things that may seem like they don’t matter, they do in a very big way! I truly love my Dailygreatness Journal. It is with me daily. I haven’t missed a day, albeit I have missed a morning or evening, or my writing isn’t very in depth (I’ve realized is a clue for me that I’m way too far up in my head and need to come down, thanks Anxiety 🙄). The less I write, the more I am silently struggling. Interesting eh 🥰! This journal which is also a planner starts the day off with questions, many of which pull out your gratitude first thing to get your mind moving in the right direction. Be grateful for what you have, truly grateful. Grateful for where you live (even if it’s not your dream home), grateful for those you share it with etc… Grateful for everything in your life, because even challenges help us grow! For true healing, we need to go within. For some that is and will be difficult. You can do it. We are literally being told to stay home. At this moment all plans have been cancelled – except being in your home with yourself and whoever else you live with. It’s the perfect time to do a deep dive! Start with a journal, listen to some podcasts. People I find motivating to me, may or may not be for you and that’s ok! Whoever you feel drawn to, go with it and be ok that it may change again and again too! Our emotional health greatly affects our physical health. I’ve noticed often with my own health, how I FEEL is the best indicator of how I am doing physically. If I feel good that means I am eating well for my body, getting adequate rest, hydrating etc.
You are what you consume! This has been on the forefront of my life for the past almost 6 years. This was when I decided ‘OK it’s time to make a shift’
You are what you consume! This has been on the forefront of my life for the past almost 6 years. This was when I decided ‘OK it’s time to make a shift’
For true healing, we need to go within. For some that is and will be difficult. You can do it. We are literally being told to stay home. At this moment all plans have been cancelled – except being in your home with yourself and whoever else you live with. It’s the perfect time to do a deep dive! Start with a journal, listen to some podcasts. People I find motivating to me, may or may not be for you and that’s ok! Whoever you feel drawn to, go with it and be ok that it may change again and again too! Our emotional health greatly affects our physical health. I’ve noticed often with my own health, how I FEEL is the best indicator of how I am doing physically. If I feel good that means I am eating well for my body, getting adequate rest, hydrating etc.
You are what you consume! This has been on the forefront of my life for the past almost 6 years. This was when I decided ‘OK it’s time to make a shift’. What you consume is more than just food, its who you surround yourself with, what you see online and watch on tv, read in the newspaper, the people in your community. We are now being told to stay home, you have been more “control” over your consumption now! What goes on your skin, what you touch, the products you use, the foods and drinks you consume matter!
Sometimes when it feels like the end, it’s actually the beginning. Shift your mindset. I remind myself of this daily, sometimes multiple times. It’s ok to shift. As we learned in Gabby’s Anxiety Workshop, we must be ok with forgiving ourselves and moving forward to grow. We ALL experience this, some are just more in tune with the process.
This is a challenging time for everyone of all ages. Yes even kids who are so resilient at times. I am so proud of our kids for doing as well as they are. It hit me last night how these past couple, hmm maybe its few by now 🤔🤷♀️, weeks have completely shifted our lifestyle. Especially in the winter when we have school, work, kids sports, social and hobbies! I am thankful for my kids ages, they have shown us maturity and responsibility as well as the importance of just BEING! Our family has been going with the flow. There have been times each of us has individually felt frustrated, stressed, overwhelmed, sad, happy, worried and that’s OK! It’s ok to feel these things, it’s ok to not have a completely structured day and routine (no really it’s ok… this routine thing is something I am still working on!), its ok to enjoy jammie days and movies, especially on dark and dreary days! I will be honest we have NOT even tried to incorporate “home schooling” yet and I’ve been ok with that because they have been actively participating in REAL life at home. Cooking, cleaning, laundry, helping their dad or I with various tasks in the house or garage. The announcement last night, albeit expected, hearing the message from our school board instantly made me cry. I’m not exactly sure why, I had a feeling this was coming, I honestly don’t think the kids will be going back before September. Hearing that message sparked more unknown in me. Especially when their dad and I are still working (thankfully). The majority of the evenings we eat as a family together, it’s been so nice. There also has been some evenings where we allow buffet style eating freedom. Here are the options, you are welcome to choose and figure it out. We have watched alot of movies. Something my husband and I loved doing, before kids. As we maneuver through this, we can model for our kids. I’ve told my kids how I feel, I’ve apologized to my kids for not having patience (the first week of unknown/uncertainty was challeging), I’ve reminded them of their capability and encouraged them. We have spent time together but honestly we have each all enjoyed alot of time as individuals, each of us, which I feel has been fabulous to support ourselves with some downtime. Something that’s truly needed.
It’s time to dig into meal planning, recipes and
The unknown can force us to explore a part of we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to get to know.
I had the opportunity to listen to this wonderful workshop this afternoon with Gabby Bernstein about relief for our anxiety during these uncertain times! Gabby provided us with 6 tools in addition to meditation that can be helpful during these times when our anxiety is higher and there is so much unknown circulating throughout the world.
Before I began the webinar workshop I got myself grounded by applying Balance Essential Oil to my wrists and chest as well as the back of my neck. I also applied Wild Orange Essential Oil to my wrists. Balance is one of my key oils we use in our home daily, it was one of my first oils I was introduced to and still one of my favourites for feeling grounded. Wild Orange is incredibly uplifting and I also find it very calming. I personally (and my family) find citrus oils to be beautifully relaxing vs say Lavender, which most people naturally lean to. Either way – whatever you find grounding, uplifting, lean into that! I listened to the FREE Positive Energy Affirmation Meditation and I was ready to lean in and listen! <3
I asked Gabby’s permission to share my own personal notes with you about the webinar. I also included the link so you too can get registered and listen to this at 8pm TONIGHT!!! If you are unable to listen tonight, get registered so you can receive the recording and links! Click on the Register link below! Once you are registered and you have access to the webinar workshop and also be able to download your FREE Meditation! YES you have time to meditate, especially now my friends XO!
“We can change our experience, of our experiences.” ~ Gabby Bernstein
Voo Chanting
Vibrational lower belly sound that stimulates your vagus nerve to shut down your over stimulated nervous system so you can relax. I get that!!! I am feeling that in a very big way.
Benefits – physical sensation of the vibration of the sound, tingling sensation possibly felt in the body, inner sense of security and orient us in the here and now. Trauma Therapist Peter Levine – has a book.
Make a VOO sound – vibration stimulation of the belly
Inhale slowly, hold your breath, then when exhaling say VOOOO
Allow your breath to fully exhale and pause
Practice several times – repeated 5 or 6 times.
That felt really good! I feel SO much lighter. Awesome thank you! I used this technique again this afternoon after going to get grocery’s and it helped put me back into that zen balanced state I was in after the webinar!
Jyutsu – the art of releasing tension
Chronic pain of any kind can benefit from this practice
This will help regulate your nervous system to balance the body, mind and spirit
Two holds – can do for 2 – 10 min and can use the moment you feel anxiety
Right hand over your forehead and left hand over your heart
Then right hand over your stomach and left hand keep on your heart
Both holds – breathe normally and with your eyes closed
I have practiced this before in various meditations, but did not realize this is what it was called. It was so very calming as well, especially after Voo.
EFT – Tapping – Emotional Freedom Technique
Relax and restore our energy field
I am feeling anxious and out of control – 7
Tap on various points on your body
Feeling 4 or 5 now
Now a 2
I am safe.
I love tapping. As odd as it sounds and looks, it really does shift energy. This tapping exercise was very enjoyable. Gabby stops 1/2 way through so you can rate how you are feeling and then again afterwards. We hold so much power within our own body and mind!
Cognitive Behavioural Tool
Choose again method – Super Attractor
Talk our way out of that monkey mind – obsessive thoughts – especially the unknown, the economy, job, food, etc
Give permission to regulate your thoughts and bring back
Step 1 – Recognize where you feel the pain or discomfort and why you are feeling it
What is the fear I have on repeat and where do I feel it – Unknown and in my chest
Step 2 – Forgive yourself for having that thought
Even if you are a spiritual person – everyone experiences these feelings and thoughts – recognize and return to love
“A thought that you keep thinking becomes a belief” – Abraham Hicks
That thought is not who I am – I forgive myself – takes the pressure away
Step 3 – Choose again
Reach for the next best feeling or thought
Helps get back into a state of peace
Think of thoughts that make you feel good to help yourself rise up
Use this tool so it becomes second nature – when you are in the moment you catch yourself, forgive and move to the next best thought!
I am a big fan of Super Attractor, reading about choosing again makes such divine sense, honestly. Everyone feels’ what they feel, we may have a negative or bad experience its natural to need to feel whatever way! Energy needs to flow in our body and when we think bad thoughts it can feel really heavy, thats the best way to describe how I feel, my shoulders can get tense, tight jaw, that uneasy feeling in the gut – sometimes we can feel this so often we really don’t know what it feels like to feel good – I had this with my health for years. Part of my journey to be gluten free – wow I can feel this good. Also easy to flip that to saying to myself “OMG if you would have just listened years ago…”. We cannot change the past, deal with it however appropriate and move forward. Including forgiving yourself. So important. The more we love ourselves, the lighter we feel, the happier and healthier.
Peripheral Vision
Choose a focal point to stare at
Slowly then expand your focus out
Breathing slowly while taking in your surroundings
When overwhelmed and stressed can force us to single in our focus, we need to pull back and experience our peripheral vision again – YES this is so very true!
Whenever possible focus on the big picture. The current global crisis is projected a lot of fear onto all of us. One of which is toilet paper, which still is not available at our local small town grocery store, they sell out every order!? Guys, why!? Big picture – what is that much toilet paper going to do for you? Hoarding is not healthy. This is not focusing on the big picture. The grocery store today was well organized and flowing. It still felt weird. I had to remind myself the big picture. This is short term, people will not be wearing gloves to the grocery store forever. It does though remind us how wonderful it is to slow down. The grocery store was not packed, the parking lot about 1/4 full, unlike any week day I had been by. They reminded of social distancing, had line up markers. It didn’t feel rushed packing groceries either. So as weird as this is, I was able to find a sense of calm in the moment by looking at the big picture.
Meditation for Kids
Time – 41:25
Mudra and Mantra – fingers and thumbs
“Peace Begins With Me”
Start with the pointer finger touching the thumb and then middle, then ring, then pinky with each word that you say you touch a different finger.
Try saying it, thumb to pointer finger – Peace Begins With Me, then middle to thumb, Peace Begins With Me – then ring finger to thumb – Peace Begins with Me, then pinky to thumb – Peace Begins With Me.
I said this a few times, starting faster and as I said it, I could feel myself slowing down to a beautiful natural pace.
Meditation
Meditate regularly
Meditations to calm an anxious mind – gift of the free meditation when you sign up!
Allow yourself and your body to FEEL what you are going through, allow the emotions to flow through you. Rather than letting the emotions and energy getting stuck in your body. By releasing the energy you can allow your body to heal.
“These 7 tools help you to get out of the flight, fight or freeze mindset” – Gabby
