All We Need Is Morning

 It’s important that we acknowledge the truth of what is happening in the world around us, but we also need to give ourselves the space (and permission) to simply be alive.

-Nick Polizzi

All we need is the morning.                                                                                
As long as there is sunrise,
then there is the possibility
that we can face all of our misfortunes,
celebrate all our blessings,
and live all our endeavors as human beings.
Spirituality is something that has become
necessary in these troubled times.
Yet it is inherently superfluous.
We need it to remind ourselves,
to bolster ourselves,
to integrate ourselves,
to fulfill ourselves.
If we could simply acknowledge
the mystery of night
and the glory of morning,
we would need neither civilization nor spirituality.
At its simplest, life begins with dawn.
That is blessing enough.
All else becomes fullness immeasurable.
At dawn, kneel down and give thanks
for this wonderful event.
We may think mornings are so common
they are unworthy of veneration,
but do you realize most places in the cosmos
do not have mornings?
This daily event is our supreme goodness.
Greet the dawn.
That is your miracle to witness.
That is the ultimate beauty.
That is sacredness.
That is your gift from heaven.
That is your omen of prophesy.
That is knowledge that life is not futile.
That is enlightenment.
That is your meaning in life.
That is your directive.
That is your comfort.
That is the solemnity of duty.
That is inspiration for compassion.
That is the light of the ultimate.

– Deng Ming-Dao                                                                              

10 Native American Teachings To Live By

10 Ancestral Teachings

1) The Earth is our mother, care for her.

2) Honor your ancestors through your actions.

3) Open your heart and soul to the Great Spirit.

4) All life is sacred; treat all beings with respect.

5) Take from the Earth what is needed and nothing more.

6) Put the good of all before your own interests.

7) Give constant thanks for each new day.

8) Speak the truth; but only of the good in others.

9) Follow the rhythms of nature; rise and retire with the sun.

10) Enjoy life’s journey, but leave no tracks.

Nick Polizzi
Host of Remedy: Ancient Medicine for Modern Illness
& Founder of The Sacred Science

The Guest House

This being human is a guest house.

Every morning a new arrival.

A joy, a depression, a meanness,

some momentary awareness comes

as an unexpected visitor.

Welcome and entertain them all!

Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,

who violently sweep your house

empty of its furniture,

still, treat each guest honorably.

He may be clearing you out

for some new delight.

The dark thought, the shame, the malice.

Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.

Be grateful for whatever comes.

Because each has been sent

as a guide from beyond.

— Rumi

13th Century Poet

Happy New Year!

Essential Oil Profile: Orange Sweet

Orange

Latin Name: Citrus sinensis or Citrus aurantium var. dulcis

Family: Rutaceae

Plant Part: Peel

Method: Expression

Note/Element: Note: Top  Element: Earth, Wood

Functional Groups: Alcohol, aldehyde, terpene

Type: Relaxing, Refreshing

Ayurvedic Dosha(Balances): Vata, Kapha

Scent: Citrus, sweet, light

For Skin Type: Oily

Cautions: Do not use oxidized oil. Use within 6 months. Do not use Orange Bitter before sunbathing.

Physical Uses: Colds, flu, digestion, water retention, cellulite, circulation, flatulence, treat spasms, mild aphrodisiac, prevents infection, tonic ( tones up every system in the body), boost immunity.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Depression, lethargy, negativism, stress, cheering, uplifting. may aid in improving cognitive functions.

Other Uses: Room sprays, cleaning solutions, sanitizing, children

Blends Well With: Almost anything

Possible Substitutions: Mandarin, Tangerine

References:

Graf, Katherine:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Master Level, 2001-2012.

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/sweet-orange-oil.asp

https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/essential-oils/orange-essential-oil.html

 

Essential Oil Profile: Myrrh

Latin Name: Commiphora myrrha

Family: Burseraceae

Plant Part: Resin

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Base Element: Earth, Mental

Functional Groups: Sesquiterpene, ketone, aldehyde

Type: Euphoric

Ayurvedic Dosha ( Balances): Vata, Kapha

Scent: Smooth, sweet, warm, earthy, woody

For Skin Type: Dry, mature

Cautions: Not during pregnancy, Not with estrogen dependent cancers.

Physical Uses: Weepy cuts, cracked skin especially hands and feet, gingivitis ( 1 drop in mouth wash), sore throat, cough, toenail fungus, athlete’s foot, thrush,colds, wasting digestive diseases, ulcers, diarrhea, gas, loss of appetite, balancing sexual appetite.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Soothing, comforting, an emotional balm

Other Uses: Spiritual and ritual use, meditation, symbolic of wealth, perfumery

Blends Well With: Resins, roots, woods, citrus, flowers,

Possible Substitutions: Benzoin

References:

http://www.gritman.com/myrrh-essential-oil.html

https://www.anniesremedy.com/commiphora-myrrha.php

Graf, Katherine:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Master Level, 2001-2012.

https://draxe.com/myrrh-oil/

 

 

 

 

Essential Oil Profile: Eucalyptus Radiata

Latin Name: Eucalyptus radiata

Family: Myrtaceae

Plant Part: Leaves, sometimes young twigs

Method: Distilled

Note: Note: Top/Middle

Major Constituents: 1,8-Cineole, terpene

Type: Stimulating, warming

ayurvedic dosha: Kapha

Scent: Slightly camphorous, sweet , fruit, woody back note, herbaceous

For Skin Type: Oily

Cautions: Not during pregnancy, Not for children under 10 years. Avoid with high blood pressure.

Physical Uses: Muscle aches, joints stiffness, sore throats, inflammation, colds, flu, infections, dandruff, immune support,hoarseness, scratchy throat, sniffles.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Nervous tensions, stress, anxiety, mild depression, mental fatigue.

Other Uses: Clears and balances energy centers, insect bites.

Blends Well With: Chamomile Roman and German, Black Pepper, Ginger and Marjoram Sweet.

Possible Substitutions:

References: 

Lawless, Julia,The Complete Illustrated Guide to Aromatherapy: Great Britan: Element Books limited, 1997.

Price, Shirley, aromatherapy workbook: Understanding essential oils from plant to bottle: London: Harper-Collins,1993.

Schnaubelt, Kurt, Advanced Aromatherapy: The Science Of Essential Oil Therapy, Vermont: Healing Arts Press, 1995 

https://essentialthree.com/blog/?p=1754

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/eucalyptus-radiata-oil.asp

http://www.quinessence.com/blog/eucalyptus-radiata-essential-oil

 

 

Essential Oil Profile: Elemi

Endangered or Declining

Latin Name: Canarium luzonicum

Family: Burseraceae

Plant Part: Resin

Method: Distillation

Note/Element: Note: Base, Middle/ Element: Metal

Functional Group: Sesquiterpene, Terpene, Alcohol, Phenol

Type: Uplifting, Balancing, Drying

Ayurvedic Dosha: Vata, Kapha

Scent: Fresh, Spicy, Lemony, Exotic, Peppery

For Skin Type: Mature

Cautions: Not during pregnancy

Physical Uses: Congestion, colds, dry coughs, dry throat, cough with mucous, weepy cuts, fine lines & wrinkles, great for mature skin, overexerted muscles.

Mental/Emotional Uses: Stress, Depression, exhaustion, soothes emotional wounds. Heals body, mind & spirit,  meditation oil.

Other Uses: Perfumery fixative.

Blends Well With: Flower, Spice, Fruit, Resin, Root, Seed Oils.

References:

http://www.floracopeia.com/Essential-Oils/essential-oils-sub/elemi-essential-oil.html

https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/elemi-oil.asp

Katherine Graf:Aroma Studio:Aromatherapy Home Study Certification Master Level, 2001-2011.

http://essentialoils.co.za/essential-oils/elemi.htm

http://www.your-aromatherapy-guide.com/elemi-essential-oil.html