For the next few weeks I’ll be discussing how essential oils can be helpful along the journey of grief. Incorporating essential oils is just one component of working through the healing process after loss. Journaling your thoughts and feelings is also a very component part of your journey and I would encourage you to write about your experience through this process should you decide to incorporate essential oils. There are many different types of oils to choose from; however I’m using Young Living Essential Oils because of the high quality and Seed-to-Seal promise. Not all essential oils are alike. Many on the market are not of high quality and won’t provide the results you are looking for AND you cannot be guaranteed it’s quality.

The experiences I write about below are based on my own experiences and may be different for you or someone you think may benefit from this because we are all uniquely different and experience grief differently.

My blog going forward will focus on how do we help ourselves through the various mediums available to us. There are so many options for us to use and create a customized plan to help navigate the muddy and sometimes unclear waters of grief. Many times I’ve written about the dark side of grief. But it’s time to help us move out of that, albeit slowly or at whatever pace you need and move to a place where we can enjoy the life we have and remember there is still much to do and experience in this life we have left.

I know for some this might seem like a stretch. But I know from experience that loss cannot nor should not define who you are. It is part of you, but not the definition of you. Please know I’m not a counselor. I’m not a therapist. What I am is an experienced griever who believes that we have two roads to choose when faced with heart-breaking loss: one of constant pain and sorrow or one of personal growth (still being able to honor your loved ones) that allow you to recognize, forgive and have inner peace with where you are now.

If you have any questions about these future posts, or the essential oils, please post them below and I’ll be happy to continue to dialog to support you in whatever ways I can. My hope is that you learn how to incorporate the oils below in your life today to create a space in your life for inner peace and forgiveness. This will allow you to honor and celebrate your loved ones who’ve passed AND; honor and celebrate you.

The Feelings™ collection from Young Living features six essential oil blends that inspire feelings of emotional well-being when diffused. Use in the morning and evening to promote peaceful thoughts and spiritual harmony.

The Feelings Collection Includes:

• Harmony™, 5 ml
• Forgiveness™, 5 ml
• Inner Child™, 5 ml
• Present Time™, 5 ml
• Release™, 5ml
• Valor®, 5ml

Today we will focus on Harmony™. Harmony can be used for energy and balance.  It’s a blend of pure essential oils that contains scents to provide an uplifting aromatic experience and is EarthKosher certified. I like to diffuse Harmony especially during meditation time or when I just need a little harmony in my life. Meditation is a big component in the grief journey. I use meditation prior to writing in my journal. It allows me to collect my thoughts before I write.

When you’re feeling down or need to refocus your thoughts bringing essential oils like Harmony into your daily or weekly routine can be an effective way to enhance your day. Creating a sense of balance can be vital to bringing the type of atmosphere that can be helpful to you as you navigate all of the emotions that come from experiencing grief.

How to use Harmony:

Harmony can be applied topically or diffused several times daily. Dilution with a carrier oil is not required; however if you have sensitive skin, you may dilute with a carrier oil like sunflower oil. Just make sure it’s organic. Young Living does carry carrier oils; however there are many available in local health and wellness stores in your area.

Topical Application: Apply 2-4 drops directly to desired area. Dilution not required, except for the most sensitive skin. Use as needed.

Aromatic Application: Diffuse up to 1 hour 3 times daily.

Caution: Keep out of reach of children. For external use only. Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult a health professional prior to use. Avoid direct sunlight or UV rays for up to 12 hours after applying product.

Ingredients

Santalum album (Sacred Sandalwood)† wood oil, Lavandula angustifolia† (Lavender) oil, Cananga odorata† (Ylang ylang) flower oil, Boswellia carterii† (Frankincense) oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis (Orange) peel oil, Angelica archangelica† (Angelica) root oil, Pelargonium graveolens† (Geranium) flower oil, Hyssopus officinalis† (Hyssop) leaf oil, Salvia Lavandulaefolia† (Spanish sage) leaf oil, Picea mariana† (Black spruce) leaf oil, Coriandrum sativum† (Coriander) seed oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia† (Bergamot) peel oil (Furocoumarin-free), Citrus limon† (Lemon) peel oil, Jasminum officinale** (Jasmine) oil, Anthemis nobilis† (Roman chamomile) flower oil, Cymbopogon martini† (Palmarosa) oil, Rosa damascena† (Rose) flower oil 

† 100% pure, therapeutic-grade essential oil

**100% pure absolute