Have you ever had a week (or month) during which you felt especially sensitive to the rough edges of the world? And you spend too much time wondering why do people have to be like that? Wouldn’t it be easier if we were all kind and conscientious?
I’m certain that yes, it would be far easier! But I also recognize that, for innumerable reasons, there’s a lot of hurt floating around, and sometimes you step into it regardless of what kind of energy/vibe/intention/spirit and behaviors you’re putting out there.
Being a very sensitive and empathetic person, I find that I need to “recharge” my strength and energy and fuel my force field—that invisible but oh-so-necessary cloak that protects and nourishes my ability to keep moving forward, to feel good deep down, and to forgive.
Because the world is as beautiful as it is thorny, so many options for recharging exist! From exercise to going outdoors to cuddling with the furry animals who live in your house, the possibilities for self-care and R&R abound.
I turn to several: cooking, journaling, working out, and enjoying aromatherapy.
Of these, aromatherapy in the proper sense is probably my newest love. I’ve been journaling since I was four, but I only bought my first bottle of essential oil in 2013! But in truth, fragrance has always meant a great deal to me. In grade school, I’d lean out the window of the school bus before it left campus and stealthily snatch one of the low-hanging magnolia blossoms (which was forbidden!) and gently cradle and sniff it the whole way home.
Now, I take every opportunity to whiff healing fragrances—oils in the bath, a little roll-on on my inner wrists, DIY pillow mist, diffuser—I can’t get enough!
As it turns out, we scent addicts are in good company. I recently learned that Princess Diana also loved aromatherapy. She enjoyed a line that launched in 1985 and began in one woman’s home where she personally mixed the various spa-worthy blends. Now, the line is taking over in the U.S. and is regarded as one of the finest aromatherapy purveyors. That line is Aromatherapy Associates.
Long after her passing, Diana is still beloved for her kindness and beautiful spirit.
Aromatherapy Associates Miniature Bath & Shower Oil Collection
According to one spa in Essex, Princess Diana favored the Revive Evening Shower and Bath Oil and wore it as her perfume. (She was so ahead of the whole natural beauty curve!) Revive features an earthy blend of Geranium, Ylang Ylang, Patchouli and Sandalwood designed to restore your mind and ensure a restful sleep. Revive can be added to your bath or directly applied to your skin after bathing.
A few months ago, I sampled a little bottle of Revive and found the fragrance so powerful. I would simply put a little on the back of my hands and take a deep inhale. I ended up pouring the remaining contents into a larger, unscented body oil in an attempt to stretch it out (thrifty me!), and even in its diluted state, the fragrance lingers beautifully on my skin.
Indeed, creating your own custom bath oil can be really special. Here’s how: Simply choose an odorless carrier oil (like almond or jojoba), add four tablespoons of carrier oil to a dark glass bottle, and add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oils. Allow the oils to blend and mature for about a week.
While Aromatherapy Associates is très luxe, I also love Eden’s Garden Synergy Blends like Align and Anxiety Ease.
You can add a tablespoon to your bath water or enjoy the blend as a special personal fragrance. Take deep breaths, think beautiful thoughts, and allow yourself to relax.
Whenever you’ve had a rough time, please give yourself the necessary tools to recharge! We need your light and goodness!
Related: 6 Essential Oils For Anxiety To Use Whenever Life Just Becomes Too Much
How to Use Essential Oils for PMS Relief
Curate This Essential Oil Starter Kit & Let Aromatherapy Work Its Magic In Your Life
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Photos: Aromatherapy Associates, slagheap via Flickr
