As the holiday season approaches, stress levels begin to rise with the hustle and bustle and we feel a need for balance and peace in our lives. One way to promote self-care is incorporating essential oils into your daily routine. Historically, these oils have been used for their various therapeutic benefits, including stress relief and supporting the immune system. Here are our favorite ways to use essential oils during this season.
Stress Relief
Essential oils can be used to bring in positive emotions, diffuse stress, and calm nerves. Use them in diffusers, sprays, apply to the skin with a carrier oil, or apply to lava bead bracelets. Bergamot, Lavender, Cedarwood, and Clary Sage are oils that support our emotions, relieve anxious feelings, and help us get restful sleep.
Bath Soaks
Salts, such as Himalayan Sea Salt and Epsom salt, help detox, remove stagnant energy, and relax your body and mind. The most effective way to incorporate these minerals is using them during a bath. Combining the salts with essential oils can be energetically cleansing as well. A warm bath soak can help detox from overindulgence, promote restful sleep, or support the body if recovering from an illness.
Immune Support
Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, and citrus oils, such as Sweet Orange and Lemon, are natural antimicrobials, antibacterials, and promote immune support. Use these protective oils in a room diffuser or spray during cold and flu season, to maintain a healthy immune system or when recovering from an illness.
Improve Mood
The shortened daylight hours and cloudy days of winter can make us feel unmotivated and dampen our spirits. Peppermint, Lemon, and Sweet Orange are some oils that naturally invoke positivity, hope, and joy. They also deodorize and freshen our space. Diffusing or applying these oils to our skin with a carrier oil in the morning can set the tone for an uplifting day ahead. Take care with citrus oils as they are phototoxic and can burn the skin when exposed to prolonged sunlight.
Grounding
If you're experiencing feelings of hopelessness, nervousness, or fear, grounding may help to center and balance your emotions. Grounding may also decrease your cortisol levels which can positively affect your body, mind, and spirit. Some oils that offer us strength and connect us to Mother Earth are Fir Needle, Cedarwood, and our Three Feathers Apothecary blends such as Rooted and Winter. They can be diluted with a carrier oil and massaged into the bottom of your feet before bedtime for deep, restful sleep.
We’re reminded this time of year of the importance of gratitude and, if we make a daily practice of it, how it brings abundance and joy into our lives. When difficult life challenges arrive, it becomes more of an opportunity to dig deep into our inner power to shine light and offer gratitude. A heart-centered gratitude connects us with the Divine and is delivered beyond words and into the vibration of Love. When we are connected to this energy it connects us to every living thing in the Universe. And those connections bring us hope, joy, and optimism in turn.
Gratitude is more than saying “thank you” for life’s blessings. Every gift, lesson, and challenge has a purpose and offering gratitude deepens your spiritual growth. When we begin to cultivate gratitude, we open our hearts to higher vibrations. We begin to recognize the lessons and patterns in our lives. We can reflect on them, send them gratitude and begin anew. There is no positive gain in repeating patterns that are no longer in alignment with our soul purpose..
Offering gratitude is a bridge between our physical world and the Divine. The Universe is always supporting you. It reminds us that you are never alone, there is infinite abundance, and there is always, no matter the hardships, something to be grateful for.
Practicing gratitude can be even more powerful when combined with Breathwork, meditation, and energy healing sessions such as Reiki. These modalities help release energetic cords, unblock stagnancy in our Chakras, and open our hearts and minds to the infinite possibilities of the Universe.
Bringing your energy back to the now helps to ground and center you. This mindfulness creates a sense of peace and connection. Instead of worrying about the future or focusing on the past, we focus on what we have in this moment.
Cultivate a Positive MindsetGratitude will shift a negative perspective to a positive mindset. It’s easy to get caught up in negativity, but gratitude shifts perspective. By focusing on blessings rather than burdens, we can cultivate a positive outlook that aligns with spiritual growth.
Encourage ReflectionStarting a gratitude journal can be a transformative experience. Writing your thoughts in a journal can deepen your connection to gratitude. Reflecting before bedtime or even as simple as driving in your car, can enhance your awareness of life’s abundance.
Practice Gratitude MeditationDedicate a few minutes daily to meditate on gratitude. Focus on things big and small. Consider the people, experiences, and gestures you are thankful for, and let this heart-centered gratitude fill your soul and provide you with inner peace. Take less than 60 seconds and experience our Wave of Gratitude Guided Meditation over on Instagram.
Accept Challenges as Lessons and Growth OpportunitiesEach obstacle is a lesson, an opportunity for growth. This perspective shift encourages spiritual growth through gratitude and can help you find peace even in tough times.
When we come together with an open heart, we amplify the positive energy of gratitude. We each bring our own gratitude, and together, we create a space filled with love and appreciation. This not only strengthens our relationships but also creates a space for spiritual growth and connection.
Gratitude is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s a practice that can change your life. Go beyond the surface—reflect on the deeper meaning of gratitude, and let it guide you toward a richer, more fulfilling connection with yourself, others, and the Divine. Gratitude is a journey, not a destination—the more we practice it, the more we unlock its transformative power.
Eucalyptus' (Eucalyptus globulus) distinctive fresh, camphorous scent combined with its natural ability to invigorate your state of being and support your immune system make it a staple in any household, especially during cold and flu season. It can sharpen your senses and revitalize your mind.
Therapeutic & Energetic Qualities
Eucalyptus is a natural antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. It's beneficial in massage blends as it is a natural analgesic. Using Eucalyptus can fight mental fatigue, especially when our days are shorter and we're exposed to less sunshine. It can be blended with Sweet Orange, Lime, or Lemon essential oils for a boost of immune support and to freshen your space.
How to Incorporate Eucalyptus into Your Daily Routine
Eucalyptus essential oil is a staple in our aromatherapy toolkit! Use it year round to support your immune system, increase clarity and alertness, and to freshen up your home. We love the notes it adds to our Bug Slay Mist.
Cedarwood's (Juniperus virginiana) sweet, balsamic aroma combined with its natural ability to calm and strengthen our resolve is one of our favorites on its own or for blending with other oils. It can ease tension and clear your mind so you can focus on the day ahead.
Therapeutic & Energetic Qualities
Cedarwood is a natural astringent, anti-inflammatory, and has antibacterial properties. Historically, Cedarwood has been used in folk medicine as an astringent, to treat kindey and bladder conditions, and for respiratory congestion. Chests made from Cedarwood have been used for centuries to store valuable items as the wood is a natural insect repellent.
Because of its calming properties, it can be used as a tonic for those experiencing stressful situations. It blends beautifully with other stress reducing oils such as Lavender and Bergamot.
How to Incorporate Cedarwood into Your Daily Routine
Cedarwood esential oil is a must have in our our aromatherapy toolkit! It can be used to calm and relax nervous feelings, support the immune system, and give us strength and keep us connected and grounded to the energy of Mother Earth. We love the notes it adds to our Autumn Oil Blend, Illuminate Bath Soak, Lemurian Light Mist & Oil Blend, and our grounding oil Rooted.
Sometimes we all need a little help to stay on task and keep us from distractions. Essential oils are a natural way to enhance our focus and concentration. Here are our top 5 favorite oils to keep us on task throughout the day!
Rosemary: Known for its stimulating properties, Rosemary oil can help improve memory and mental clarity. It will gently invigorate and sharpen your senses. Pair Rosemary with a Fluorite crystal to further enhance its properties. Rosemary can have a strong aroma so a small amount is preferred.
Clary Sage: It brings in a balance of both calmness and stimulation into your environment. Clary Sage will not only strengthen your resolve but it can relax your mind while keeping you grounded. It also helps clear out dense energy in your work space.
Frankincense: This sacred oil is ideal for uplifting your sprit and brings in fresh energy. Lessen the worry and stress of deadlines with its calming, peaceful properties.
Peppermint: The invigorating scent of peppermint oil can help boost energy levels and promote alertness. Use Peppermint to combat mental fatigue and sharpen your creative mind. It blends well with Sweet Orange essential oil, another uplifting oil.
Citrus oils: Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, and Sweet Orange are perfect to brighten up your space with their uplifting aroma. Because of their familiar and refreshing scent, these oils work well with children. Enjoy their boost of positivity in their study or play space. These oils are phototoxic, so use caution when applying directly to the skin if you'll be exposed to the sun or UV rays.
There are several ways to incorporate essential oils into your daily routine to help improve focus and concentration. You can diffuse the oils in a diffuser as you're studying or working. Use them in a roller or dilute with a carrier oil, such as Jojoba oil, and apply to pulse points. Or try them as a spray in your work space or home.
Next time you're feeling unfocused or distracted, reach for one of these essential oils to help sharpen your mind and boost your productivity!
As the new school year approaches, it's essential to equip yourself with tools that can help you navigate the challenges ahead. In addition to textbooks and notebooks, consider incorporating wellness and self-care tools into your routine to enhance your focus, creativity, and overall well-being. Here is a guide to some of our favorite tools and self-care tips for back to school.
Check out our wellness offerings for classes, events, and sessions to support you year round! Wishing you a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!
Sweet Orange (Citrus sinesis) is one of our favorite oils for blending or using on its own. Its familiar aroma blends beautifully with many different oils but especially with other citrus oils and warm, spicy scents. It's usually cold-pressed from the rind of the orange fruit.
Therapeutic and Energetic Properties
Sweet Orange is a natural astringent, and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is high in d-limonene which is supportive to your immune system. It can be incorporated with other oils such as Eucalyptus, Tea Tree, or Grapefruit when recovering from an illness. Sweet Orange's bright aroma unblocks stagnant energy and soothes nerves. It can also be incorporated in blends for its ability to strengthen and uplift those who are experiencing lingering depressive feelings.
How to Incorporate Sweet Orange into Your Daily Routine
Sweet Orange essential oil is a must have in our our aromatherapy toolkit! It can be used to support the immune system, dispel heavy emotional feelings, or used alone for its refreshing and uplifting scent. We love the notes it adds to our Summer Oil Blend and Synergy Oil Blend.
We're so excited to be celebrating our 5 year retail anniversary! We started on this journey in 2016 searching for a meaningful way to bring our passion for Reiki, sound healing, and crystals to our community and we're so blessed to have grown, expanded, and connected with so many of you. Here are some of our favorite milestones!
Our hope is that we've touched your lives just as you've touched ours. We look forward to the future as we continue to grow, expand, and connect. We're forever grateful for our amazing community's love and support over the years - thank you from the bottom of our hearts!
Blessings,
Laurie & Djuro
Kundalini energy is a powerful force that is often described as a dormant energy that lies coiled at the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened. It's been depicted as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. It's also associated with the Divine Feminine, which is present in every body. When awakened, this energy is said to rise through the chakras, leading to spiritual enlightenment and a profound sense of awareness.
How Can Kundalini Energy be Awakened?There are various practices and techniques that are believed to awaken Kundalini energy, such as yoga, meditation, breathwork, and energy healing sessions. These practices aim to purify the energy channels in the body, allowing the Kundalini energy to rise and activate the higher chakras. Activating Kundalini can be experienced as the following.
Kundalini energy is powerful and the awakening process should be done with an amount of caution. Be sure your physical body is supported and do not attempt awakening during a short term illness or a chronic condition that is not controlled or currently in treatment. Practicing a regular self-care routine and having access to wellness tools can help mitigate any challenges. Regular exercise, refraining from alcohol and other substances, fueling your body with nourishing organic unprocessed foods and staying well-hydrated are ways to keep your physical body supported during the process.
Working with crystals can open and stimulate Kundalini energy. We suggest Kundalini Citrine, Shiva Lingam, Serpentine, and Ruby Spinel. Garnet can be used to help control the energy. Certain crystal shapes can also tap into Kundalini energy such as mushrooms, flames, and shiva lingams.
Support your body, mind, and spirit with essential oils such as Lavender, Frankincense, Geranium, Peppermint, and Rosemary. Our Divine Feminine roller blend can also encourage and support you during the process.
Benefits of Kundalini AwakeningThose who have experienced a Kundalini awakening often report a heightened sense of awareness, spiritual growth, and a deeper connection to the Universe and Source. It is said to bring about a profound transformation in one's life, leading to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. The awakening of Kundalini energy is believed to unlock a person's full potential and lead to a state of bliss and enlightenment.
While the concept of Kundalini energy may seem esoteric to some, it has a long history in various spiritual traditions and is still practiced by many today. Exploring Kundalini energy can be a transformative journey towards greater self-awareness and well-being!
Recently we sat down with Molly of Swan in the Lotus Yoga and Wellness, LLC to learn more about Bhakti yoga and her passion of supporting women who are seeking a holistic approach to healthcare. Molly has been practicing yoga for over 20 years and teaching for 16. Her regular practice helped manage her chronic anxiety and depression and along this journey she found the strength and resources to move through a life-long pelvic floor condition. Because of this condition, she experienced chronic low back and pelvic pain along with IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). As she moved through Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy, she learned that she wasn’t alone and many other women had issues with their pelvic floor. It led her to pursue a Wellness Coaching Certification and continue her education with a holistic approach to wellness.
How would you describe Bhakti yoga to someone who is unfamiliar with it and what can they expect from a class?
Bhakti Yoga is the devotional practice of yoga. It is the path that leads us back to love and the disciplines meant to bring one to a state of pure love, of God. It’s the unfolding to bring us back to the natural condition of the soul, an eternal, enlightened bliss. Practices of Bhakti Yoga include meditation, singing, dancing, poetry, art, mantra, chanting, kirtan, self-inquiry, and more. Students can expect classes to include meditations, mantras, internal sound vibration, poetry, and themes that move our asana-based practice to self-inquiry to connect deeper within.
Explain more about pelvic floor conditions, ways to support, and how it affects women's health and well-being.
Approximately 10% of women ages 20 to 39, 27% of women ages 40 to 59, 37% of women ages 60 to 79, and nearly half of women ages 80 or older will experience a pelvic floor condition in their lifetime.
These are most common pelvic floor conditions:
These conditions can disrupt day-to-day functions in women's lives including causing more stress to find a bathroom, physical discomfort, pain, anxiety, depression, hormonal imbalance, digestive issues, and the list goes on!
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy (PFPT) helps as you work with a therapist to diagnose your condition, find out the cause, and help the muscles come back to balance so you have proper function. As a wellness coach, I help women pre, during, and post therapy to move through road blocks that might come up, develop a mindset to keep motivated, and other holistic practices that they incorporate along with working with a PFPT.
For women with busy schedules, what is that one thing they should incorporate into their routine that would help balance, center, and reduce stress in their lives?
The most powerful practice that women can incorporate into their routine is Diaphragmatic Breath! It helps strengthen and release the pelvic floor, relieve stress, and fills the body with fresh air to feel more nourished.
Diaphragmatic breathing expands and opens all the breathing support muscles
and organs that you need to breathe on a daily bases.
What is your favorite yoga pose, mantra, or mudra, and why?
My favorite mantra is Uma Parvati Ananda Ma. It reminds me to connect to the Goddess of Love and Devotion and find the bliss within even when the path feels hard. This mantra helped me through my pelvic floor healing and reminded me to love myself during the process. It also reminds me to remember love and turn to the voice of love within us all.
Thank you, Molly, for sharing and inspiring women to feel empowered about their heath and physical body. Check out Molly's upcoming classes here at Angelic Roots.
Breathwork is a practice that involves a series of breathing techniques to improve physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We recently sat down with Christina of Calm Peaceful Life, RN and certified Breathwork and meditation facilitator, to learn more about Breathwork and its benefits. Her search for tools to help cope with stress, anxiety, and depression, related to her demanding job in Orthopedic trauma surgery, led her to Breathwork and meditation. She's been practicing daily for seven years and was called to complete a teaching certificate and share her gifts with the community.
What is Breathwork?
Breathwork is consciously altering your breathing pattern to produce a positive physical, emotional, and energetic state. It is an active meditation which gives you an anchor to focus on. It's a fun way to meditate!
What are the benefits of practicing Breathwork?
We can do so much with just our breath! Improved sleep, anxiety reduction, pain management, and increased energy are just some of the benefits. Studies show that mindful breathing techniques activate the amygdala (the emotional regulation center of the brain), reducing negative emotions and stimulating positive changes in mood and cognition. Stress reduction occurs as we switch from the sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight response) to the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest or the body's ability to relax). This is done by stimulating our vagus nerve (the main nerve of the parasympathetic system) with slow deep breaths, which in turn slows the heart rate and lowers blood pressure. Utilizing diaphragmatic breathing (deep belly breaths) we can improve our digestion and stimulate our organs to improve function. Always consult your doctor about starting Breathwork with preexisting conditions, such as heart and lung disease. Some health issues (especially increased pulmonary pressure) may make some breath holds unsafe. And always listen to your body if you experience discomfort.
Who can benefit from Breathwork?
Everyone can benefit from Breathwork! It's especially helpful for those currently feeling stressed or anxious, experiencing difficulty sleeping, or those in need of emotional balance. Beginning a Breathwork practice can improve your overall health and well-being.
How has Breathwork impacted your life?
Breathwork has completely changed my life! I was feeling very unhappy, stressed, anxious, tired, and struggling to get through my days. Obviously that does not make for a great caregiver. With these methods I have experienced tremendous growth. My spirit is energized and my emotions are uplifted. I learned to create happiness for myself by being present and rewiring my thought patterns. The journey has been beautiful and is ongoing! I use Breathwork to energize myself and clear my mind on the drive to work. I utilize it to wind down to go to sleep. I do intensive deep dives of Breathwork and meditation for big decisions, celebrations, or just for fun! During my classes I ask my students to rate themselves on how they feel when they walk in and when they finish. I am proud to say not one person has not improved their feelings rating!
What is a typical Breathwork meditation experience?
Each class contains an element of mindful presence. We work slowly into different pranayama techniques. I may add gentle movement or a Kundalini Yogic breath to create the energetic state desired. The active breaths are usually around a half hour of the class as it really is work! Then we do a guided meditation for around 10 minutes to seal and ground the energy. There is a short reflection period to share how we feel in the new energy.
What is your favorite Breathwork technique?
I love pranayama Breathwork and Kundalini yogic breath. I'm a results driven woman! Few things bring instant gratification, but with a three minute breath of fire (bellows breath), I can instantly shift myself from crabby and tired to awake and energetic. I have used a 10 count box breath for 10 minutes to halt a panic attack. These are functional tools that I never leave home without! You can do a 4/8 breath to relax anywhere and no one will ever know. I have cleared out all the old stories, stress, and limitations on my life due to Breathwork and meditation. I now have enough space and extra energy to pursue my Holistic Nursing Certification. Through understanding the science behind Breathwork and incorporating it into your daily routine, you can experience the many benefits that this practice has to offer. Breathwork is a powerful tool that can be used to enhance well-being and promote overall health!
Thank you for taking time to share your beautiful insights and journey with us! Check out Christina's upcoming Breathwork offerings here at Angelic Roots!
Meditation is an important part of our daily practice that involves focusing our minds and redirecting our thoughts. The goal of meditation is to cultivate awareness, inner peace, and a sense of presence in the present moment. Regular meditation practice has been shown to reduce stress, calm the mind, improve sleep and concentration, promote emotional well-being, and enhance overall mental and physical health.
We often hear, "I can't meditate, my brain has too many thoughts!" Thoughts are normal and the more you try to push them away, the stronger they seem to become. Try this instead! Get in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and imagine you're sitting near a stream in the forest. As a thought comes in, place it on a leaf that is floating down the stream, and watch it drift away. Accept the thought, place it on the leaf, and continue this exercise until you feel more present and in the moment.
Our Favorite Tools and Tips
Meditation is accessible to everyone. All you need is a few minutes a day and your life will forever be changed! By starting with simple practices and gradually building a routine, you can reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate a greater sense of peace and happiness. Find what resonates with you and enjoy the journey. How are you raising your vibration today?
Check out our current meditation offerings!
