Essential Oils and Sensitive Souls
“Get a thicker skin.”, “Stop being so sensitive.”, “Why do you cry during sad movies? It’s only a movie, it’s not real!”. All these negative messages affect the brain and may alter thinking patterns in a sensitive human being. Sensitive people, those with emotional intelligence, can be taught by one of their tribes that there is something wrong with expressing emotion. Our tribes include our family of origin, friends, coworkers, church groups, our wider community and even world culture. Being an emotionally intelligent person, I needed to learn how to discern these messages from my tribes, and sometimes rewire my patterns of thinking to find a more calm and self-nurturing state of mind.
Being responsible for my thinking and emotions takes effort and intention. It requires a deeper understanding of myself and my reaction to messages from my tribe. Now that I realize both my body and spirit are highly tuned instruments of feelings first, and thinking second, I use authentic essential oil blends is to cut through the negative and still my heart to find peace in life.
“Basil oil is recommended for those in need of protection due either to debilitating illness and low resistance levels, nervous exhaustion or a change in life resulting in feelings of vulnerability.” -Robert Tisserand
As a clinical nurse aromatherapist, I use my sensitivities to help myself and others. I use essential oil blends to help clients or groups center and ground themselves, and I too am treated to this luscious, soothing experience. My relationships with clients are collaborative and equal — we work together, using essential oils in our meditation and quiet time to connect with and calm our spirits. We embrace the sensitivities that the world tells us we can’t afford to have or express. Essential oils, when used with deep breathing and meditation, help to calm our minds and bodies. Anointing ourselves with an essential oil blend is a physical way of bringing our senses into the present moment where we can find a deep, lasting rest.
“Myrrh’s effect on the spirit is one of inner stillness and peace from the mundane. Myrrh unites the spiritual with the physical.”-Gabriel Mojay
A great choice of oils in this hectic time of holiday preparation include base notes of Myrrh Commiphora myrrha, Spikenard Nardostachys jatamansi, and Vetiver Vetiveria zizanoides, along with midnote of Black Spruce Picea mariana, Lavender Lavandula angustifolia, or Coriander Coriandrum sativum. Lastly, the top notes of mandarin Citrus reticulata, Bergamot Citrus aurantium ssp. bergamia or sweet basil Ocimum basilicum are uplifting and restorative. These essential oils are my current favorites to support nurturing and calm in this time of holiday preparation. I call these blends ‘Sensitive Soul Oils.’ I pray over these oil blends with the intention of using them in a sacred way. These oils can help sensitive souls ground and connect with the earth, center their spirits, and achieve calm in the present moment. My experience with clients confirms that these oils effect a positive change in those seeking comfort. Simply choose one oil from each of the categories and blend them with vegetable oil in a 1% to 2% dilution. You don’t need much to change the moods, attitudes, and energies of the body.
“Black Spruce may help those suffering from adrenal exhaustion.” -Kurt Schnaubelt
May your time spent in prayer, quiet time and self-awareness bring you to profound times of peace during these holiday preparations. May you all stay grounded in the moment and allow others you love to do their emotional work as well.
Some of the essential oils for the sensitive soul.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28668136 A pilot program assessing hospital staff and physicians in four hospital units using Lavender kit for cultivating kindness in response to stressful work situations.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23140115 A pilot study on the effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30333431 Study examining wood odor and psychological relaxation after monotonous work among female participants.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30347669 Examining the constituents of Lavender Lavendula angustifolia on social stress anxiety in mice.
Mojay, G. (1996) Aromatherapy for Healing the Spirit. Hodder and Stoughton; United Kingdom.
Schnaubelt, K. (1999) Medical Aromatherapy, Healing with Essential Oils, Frog Books Publishing; Berkeley California.
Tisserand, R. (1979). The Art of Aromatherapy. The C.W. Daniel Company Limited; Great Britain.
Selected photos courtesy of: Jared Rice
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