Work as though you would live forever, and live as though you would die today. -Og Mandino

Affirmation

If you believe in what you are doing, then let nothing hold you up in your work. Much of the best work of the world has been done against seeming inpossibilities. - Dale Carnegie

Inspiration

Finding the inspiration to living your life in the most fulfilling manner can be challenging. Inspiration comes in many forms and the key to finding it is to become receptive to it. Getting back to basics is the first step in this journey which means eliminating outside influences which are not conducive to your goals. Try to create distance from anyone or anything that is negative or counter productive to your cause. You should surround yourself with people and ideas which are positive and constructive. However, sometimes this is difficult so it is essential to find this within yourself also. Giving yourself time to reflect is also important. Surrounding yourself with things which you find comforting and beautiful can be a source of inspiration. It is more about having a clear image of what is important to you and being positive than about actual "things". You may find that the things that comfort you are in nature, contemplation or in caring for yourself like simply taking a warm peaceful bath. The image of this night sky represents the infinite possibilities and reminds us to keep our minds and hearts open to all that inspires us.

Five Elements

The five element theory is an ancient Chinese practice of acheiving and maintaining physical health. The key is to keep all of the elements in balance for optimum wellness. The five elements are fire, water, metal, wood and earth. This is a cycle based on nature and the seasons and change. It goes: fire gives rise to earth, earth gives rise to metal, metal gives rise to water, water gives rise to wood, wood gives rise to fire and so the cycle continues.

The Chinese refer to energy and life force as "chi" and believe that the natural flow of energy and change is essential to health. They believe that the resistance of change creates disease. Much of this theory is based on nutrition and using observation to recognize imbalances of the elements before disease begins.

Each element has associations such as personality type, taste preferences and organ dominance. People who "fly off the handle" are a typical example of a fire imbalance. Those with a "nervous" stomach may have an earth imbalance and may also appear to not be "grounded".

Below is a fun quiz which is more of a personality test to find your dominant element. Anyone who knows me and knows nothing about the five elements would know that my dominant element is Fire and of course that is what this test showed when I took it.

the chinese elements quiz

the chinese elements quiz

Affirmation

Trust your intuition. Quietly affirm that you will define your own reality from now on, and that your definition will be based on your inner wisdom. -Dr. Wayne Dyer

Intuition is the most powerful thing that you own. Trusting yourself, listening and acting on what you feel will build confidence and ultimately bring you to where you should be.

What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a complementary medicine using essential oils along with a carrier oil inhaled or applied externally. It is both an art and science that has been practiced for centuries. There are many references in the Bible to essential oils, most notably the three wise men having brought Frankincense and Myrrh to baby Jesus upon his arrival.

Essential oils are highly concentrated, volatile oils with mutiple chemical constituents, some being very complex containing several hundred constituents. Essential oils are acquired from the distillation of plant material including leaves, twigs, bark, seeds, flowers etc. These oils have many properties including anti-bacterial, antiviral, antifungal to name a few. Essential oils also work on an emotional level via the limbic system which enacts the flight or fight response. This is also the area of the brain which recalls nostalgia. Everyone has smelled a scent which has evoked a memory or emotion, that is the limbic system working.

The art of aromatherapy is in blending several essential oils together with a combination of carriers. There are countless combinations that can be made based on specific needs and desires. Aromatherapy blends can be made for just about any ailment or simply for your own pleasure.

Holistic Health and Well Being

Holistic health is maintaining wellness of your whole being. This philosophy integrates mind, body and spirit to attain balance and an overall sense of well being. When people think of illness they generally relate it to physical symptoms. Although many people do recognize mental illness, most do not understand and appreciate the value of emotional wellness. What starts in the mind as mental stress can later manifest in physical forms of debilitation. Increasing your emotional intellegence, that is gaining awareness of your thoughts and feelings can lead to an overall sense of well being. When you nurture your thoughts you will develop a keen awareness of your entire self. Listening to your deep desires and acting in an intuitive manner will revitalize your mind. This awareness will result in reduced tension, healthy sleep patterns and greater physical health.

Thought

If you feel defeated, unmotivated or uninspired remember this: Your thoughts and dreams are all your own. You are an individual with a purpose. You are in control, do not let others control you and your life. If you feel that you have nothing right now, recognize that you are a unique individual with your own thoughts and dreams that no one can take from you. Become intimate with yourself and your feelings. Allow this to empower you and to make things happen in your life. You do not need others to make things happen. You have a purpose and you need to find out what it is. When you get to work finding your purpose it will inevitably inspire you to start living your life and transforming your dreams into your reality.

Dead Sea Salts

The Dead Sea has long been known for its healing properties due to the mineral rich waters unlike anywhere else in the world. People have travelled to this region for centuries to experience the therapeutic benefits of soaking in these waters. Dead Sea salts are reputed to help conditions such as psoriasis, rheumatic disorders and increase overall skin health by improving skin barrier function. Dead Sea Salts can be found easily online but make sure that the supplier is a reputable one. I would recommend http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/. They sell a nice selection including course and fine ground salt in a variety of different sized containers.

The following bath soak will provide relief for tired aching muscles and is helpful for all arthritic conditions.

Therapeutic bath soak:

1/2 cup dead sea salts

2-3 tbsp carrier oil such as sweet almond oil or safflower oil

4 drops tea tree essential oil

3 drops fir essential oil

2 drops frankincense essential oil

Method: First mix essential oil drops with carrier oil, then add to dead sea salts and mix well. Add to warm bath water.

Deep sleep pillow spray

This pillow spray is easy to make and can help aide restful sleep. Spray this on your pillow to help you unwind after a stressful day and to facilitate deeper sleep.

2 ounces distilled water

1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin

6 drops clary sage essential oil

5 drops lavender essential oil
4 drops sandalwood essential oil

Method: In a clean spray bottle mix the vegetable glycerin and essential oil drops. Then add the distilled water. Cap bottle and shake well to combine. Lightly mist pillow with spray before bed. Sweet dreams.

YOU are the treasure

I have noticed that more often than not people are plagued with self doubt. This could be attributed to almost anything but it is certainly a prescription for a stagnant life. It literally cripples you and stops the natural flow of life from happening. That is why some people feel their lives "passed them by". Going through the motions of day to day living is not what I consider living a fabulous life. Believing that you are valuable (a real treasure) is what can carry you through difficult times and also ignite your inspirational desire.

There are so many factors which could lead you to losing the desire to do more and be more. Most often having a positive support system can help keep you on track. Ultimately though, relying on yourself by knowing that you are valuable and worthy of contribution to this world is what will keep you productive. Find your strengths and make them stronger, but find your weaknesses and work on them also. When you stop worrying what others are doing, saying and buying, you will focus on being the best person you can be, which will in turn allow others to see the wonderful being that you are, a real treasure.

Affirmation

Shed your faultfinding tendencies. Know that you are the creator of your life and that a loving presence is within you. Your ability to be self-reliant will overtake your habit of assigning blame.
- Dr. Wayne Dyer

Making sachets and potpourri

Making your own sachets or potpourri is easy and affordable. They are a thoughtful home crafted gift for a teacher, school bus driver, or used as a favor. There are many options from economical and earthy, using recycled fabrics to sophisticated using finer fabrics with beautiful prints.

When making sachets, you will need dried flower petals or buds, a small bottle of essential oil and fabric bags and ribbon. You can get the fabrics or fabric bags and ribbon from a craft store. If you are making potpourri you can use a combination of dried flowers, glass beads and shells. There are many places you can get bulk dried flowers. An excellent organic source for essential oil and dried flowers and herbs is http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/. Health food stores also carry these items and may be an affordable option.

A few drops of essential oil mixed with your dried flowers will hold the scent for about a month. You can freshen them periodically with additional drops of essential oil. For the sachets, just combine the flowers and essential oil, using only a few drops, and place them in the bags and tie with a decorative ribbon. For a great selection of bags, ribbons, fabrics and more check out http://www.papermart.com/. If you are making potpourri you can package it in clear plastic bags or decorative glass jars. These are small gifts that are appreciated because they come from the heart with your personal touches.

Meditation

One of the single best ways you can improve your health and well being is through meditation. Everyone can agree that stress affects you on every level, mind body and spirit. Meditation is an excellent way to bring balance to your life. The best time to start regular meditation practice is upon awakening every morning. Allowing just 15 minutes in the morning to ground yourself and your thoughts can make a difference in the way that you cope with stress throughout your day. The other advantage of doing this in the morning is that you will have less clutter in your mind and be more capable of clearing all thoughts.
Essential oils can bring you to a deeper meditative state. It is best to use the oils in a diffuser for meditation. Try the following blend next time you want to acheive a deeper connection to yourself through meditation.

10 drops Lemon Essential Oil
5 drops Clary Sage Essential Oil
3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
1 drop Sandalwood Essential Oil

Quote

One of the most tragic things I know about human nature is that all of us tend to put off living. We are all dreaming of some magical rose garden over the horizon instead of enjoying the roses that are blooming outside our windows today. -Dale Carnegie

Italian Proverb

One who wants too much holds on to nothing.

Rejuvenating home facial

Scrub/Cleanser:
1 tablespoon honey
1/4 cup rolled cut oats
plain yogurt
2 tablespoons ground almonds

Toner:
1 tablespoon vegetable glycerin
1/4cup witch hazel
2 drops essential oil (optional)

Moisturizer:
few drops extra virgin olive oil

Method: To make scrub combine almonds and oats, add honey and mix to a paste. Gradually add yogurt to desired consistency. Use to scrub face and rinse off. Tone skin and moisturize immediately following face scrub.

Breast cancer awareness

October is breast cancer awareness month and I wanted to take this opportunity to remind everyone about breast cancer screening, prevention and early detection. Some risk factors for breast cancer include aging, obesity, diet, lifestyle and genetics.
Proper diet and exercise are helpful in the prevention of breast cancer. Breast cancer screening involves monthly self examination, a physical examination by your physician and yearly mammography. Do not underestimate the importance of self breast exams. When done over and over you will become accustomed to your own breast composition. Therefore increasing your ability to find early lumps, which if diagnosed as cancer early, have a better prognosis. If you are a menstruating woman this should be done just as your period is ending once every month in the shower. If you do not get a period, pick a date in the month that will be easy to remember and do it on that date every month. This is the most important part of the breast cancer screening process.

Do not forget to see your gynecologist yearly for your physical examination. If you are 35 years old you should get a baseline mammography. If you have risk factors like a strong family history of breast cancer you should talk to your doctor about starting earlier.

There have been significant advances in early detection of breast cancer which has greatly reduced breast cancer mortality. If you would like more information about breast cancer screening, treatment or rescources go to http://www.komen.org/

Affirmation:

Be aware of your thoughts, and remind yourself that the simple act of thinking is evidence that there is an invisible energy that flows through you at all times.
-Dr. Wayne Dyer

This simple affirmation will empower you to do anything and acheive your dreams. It all starts with your thoughts and you can make them a reality. You have the power to make your life a beautiful one which is positive, productive and fulfilling.