Did you ever look up into the night sky on a really dark night and just marvel at the vastness of space?
Did you ever find a place, like Monument Valley with little or no light pollution and study the stars on a moonless night and decide that we are just insignificant beings on this small blue planet?
Did you ever visit a planetarium and listen as they described the sheer staggering numbers of stars in the sky?
Many people feel that we are each pretty insignificant in the face of such a huge dynamic as the tiny fraction of space that we can actually see. How can one person matter when you consider the size of stars, the fact that there are more stars in the sky than there are grains of sand on all the beaches, and in all the deserts of the whole world? It is mind boggling to consider that with each of those stars there are planets, asteroids, nebulae and potentially other beings who live there.
It just makes you wonder if God thinks of us as insignificant in the face of such vastness and complexity. Do we matter to God? Are we important to such a Supreme Being? Many people feel that sense of insignificance. Many wonder about the struggle each day to live, to be a good person, spouse, sibling, child, employee, co-worker and just citizen of this small blue planet.
Do we matter to God? Are we really insignificant?
God would never consider any of us insignificant. We are each profoundly precious in the sight of God.
Consider a blade of grass, how significant is that tiny bit of matter to God? That blade of grass is as equally significant as the greatest sun, the most astounding universe and the tiniest cell on this or any world. Every single atom in this creational universe, and all of the seven ever-expanding, super universes, is precious in the site of God.
Whether or not we feel insignificant is irrelevant. We are ‘significant’ to God. We are loved and adored by the Father in each and every moment of our eternal, immortal existence. When this knowledge lives within each and every one of us, we come that much closer to the Divine, to touching the face of God in all of its iterations.
How could it be otherwise? If we were not significant we would not be here, would not have the profound gift of mortal existence and could not have the knowledge of God at all.
We are God’s ‘creation’ in the physical sense just as that blade of grass is also a creation. God provides all the necessary elements of mortal interaction from that essential blade of grass to that firefly. Every single carbon based item on this planet is placed here for a reason. Part of that reason is so that we can have a ‘significant’ experience in mortal life.
Some of the experiences we require for mortal life are challenging, from climbing that mountain, to healing that mosquito bite. Some experiences are so significant that we will remember them life after life and some are so fleeting that we have already forgotten them. Yet all of them were essential to helping us become who we are at this moment. No energy of creational experience is ever wasted. Every moment is a karmic moment and every karmic moment is connected and balanced by the next karmic moment. It is the essence of the karmic savings and loan. Universal balance at the atomic level is life itself whether we think of it as ‘life’ in the parochial sense or not.
We, and that blade of grass are equally significant and equally loved. We will both always matter to God now and forever. Nothing and no one is ever insignificant!
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Sunday, September 19, 2010
‘Angel’ Keeps Watch Over Suicide Spot
By Kristen Gelineau, The Associated Press
WITH A SMILE AND KINDNESS, an Australian has saved 160 people over several decades, according to an official count.
In those bleak moments when the lost souls stood atop the cliff, wondering whether to jump, the sound of the wind and the waves was broken by a soft voice. “Why don’t you come and have a cup of tea?” the stranger would ask. And when they turned to him, his smile was often their salvation.
For almost 50 years, Don Ritchie has lived across the street from Australia’s most notorious suicide spot, a rocky cliff at the entrance to Sydney Harbour called The Gap. And in that time, the man widely regarded as a guardian angel has shepherded countless people away from the edge.
What some consider grim, Ritchie considers a gift. How wonderful, the former life insurance salesman says, to save so many. How wonderful to sell them life.
“You can’t just sit there and watch them,” says Ritchie, now 84, perched on his beloved green leather chair, from which he keeps a watchful eye on the cliff outside. “You gotta try and save them. It’s pretty simple.”
Since the 1800s, Australians have flocked to The Gap to end their lives, with little more than a 3-foot fence separating them from the edge. Local officials say about one person a week commits suicide there, and in January, the Woollahra Council applied for 2.1 million Australian dollars ($1.7 million) in federal funding to build a higher fence and overhaul security.
In the meantime, Ritchie keeps up his voluntary watch. The council recently named Ritchie and Moya, his wife of 58 years, 2010’s Citizens of the Year.
He’s saved 160 people, according to the official tally, but that’s only an estimate. Ritchie doesn’t keep count. He just knows he’s watched far more walk away from the edge than go over it.
Dianne Gaddin likes to believe Ritchie was at her daughter’s side before she jumped in 2005. Though he can’t remember now, she is comforted by the idea that Tracy felt his warmth in her final moments.
“He’s an angel,” she says. “Most people would be too afraid to do anything and would probably sooner turn away and run away. But he had the courage and the charisma and the care and the magnetism to reach people who were coming to the end of their tether.”
Something about Ritchie exudes a feeling of calm. His voice has a soothing raspiness to it, and his pale blue eyes are gentle. Though he stands tall at just over 6 feet 2 inches tall (an inch shorter, he notes with a grin, than he used to be), he hardly seems imposing.
Each morning, he climbs out of bed, pads over to the bedroom window of his modest, two-story home, and scans the cliff. If he spots anyone standing alone too close to the precipice, he hurries to their side.
Some he speaks with are fighting medical problems, others suffering mental illness. Sometimes, the ones who jump leave behind reminders of themselves on the edge – notes, wallets, shoes. Ritchie once rushed over to help a man on crutches. By the time he arrived, the crutches were all that remained.
In his younger years, he would occasionally climb the fence to hold people back while Moya called the police. He would help rescue crews haul up the bodies of those who couldn’t be saved. And he would invite the rescuers back to his house afterward for a comforting drink.
It all nearly cost him his life once. A chilling picture captured decades ago by a local news photographer shows Ritchie struggling with a woman, inches from the edge. The woman is seen trying to launch herself over the side – with Ritchie the only thing between her and the abyss. Had she been successful, he would have gone over, too.
These days, he keeps a safer distance. The council installed security cameras this year, and the invention of mobile phones means someone often calls for help before he crosses the street.
But he remains available to lend an ear, though he never tries to counsel, advise or pry. He just gives them a warm smile, asks if they’d like to talk and invites them back to his house for tea. Sometimes, they join him. “I’m offering them an alternative, really,” Ritchie says. “I always act in a friendly manner. I smile.”
In 2006, the government recognized Ritchie’s efforts with a Medal of the Order of Australia, among the nation’s highest civilian honors. It hangs on his living room wall above a painting of a sunshine someone left in his mailbox. On it is a message calling Ritchie “an angel that walks amongst us.”
He smiles bashfully. “It makes you – oh, I don’t know,” he says, looking away. “I feel happy about it.”
JEREMY PIPER | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Don Ritchie lives across the street from The Gap, Australia’s most notorious suicide spot. He doesn’t keep track of the people he’s saved but knows he’s seen more walk away than jump.
WITH A SMILE AND KINDNESS, an Australian has saved 160 people over several decades, according to an official count.
In those bleak moments when the lost souls stood atop the cliff, wondering whether to jump, the sound of the wind and the waves was broken by a soft voice. “Why don’t you come and have a cup of tea?” the stranger would ask. And when they turned to him, his smile was often their salvation.
For almost 50 years, Don Ritchie has lived across the street from Australia’s most notorious suicide spot, a rocky cliff at the entrance to Sydney Harbour called The Gap. And in that time, the man widely regarded as a guardian angel has shepherded countless people away from the edge.
What some consider grim, Ritchie considers a gift. How wonderful, the former life insurance salesman says, to save so many. How wonderful to sell them life.
“You can’t just sit there and watch them,” says Ritchie, now 84, perched on his beloved green leather chair, from which he keeps a watchful eye on the cliff outside. “You gotta try and save them. It’s pretty simple.”
Since the 1800s, Australians have flocked to The Gap to end their lives, with little more than a 3-foot fence separating them from the edge. Local officials say about one person a week commits suicide there, and in January, the Woollahra Council applied for 2.1 million Australian dollars ($1.7 million) in federal funding to build a higher fence and overhaul security.
In the meantime, Ritchie keeps up his voluntary watch. The council recently named Ritchie and Moya, his wife of 58 years, 2010’s Citizens of the Year.
He’s saved 160 people, according to the official tally, but that’s only an estimate. Ritchie doesn’t keep count. He just knows he’s watched far more walk away from the edge than go over it.
Dianne Gaddin likes to believe Ritchie was at her daughter’s side before she jumped in 2005. Though he can’t remember now, she is comforted by the idea that Tracy felt his warmth in her final moments.
“He’s an angel,” she says. “Most people would be too afraid to do anything and would probably sooner turn away and run away. But he had the courage and the charisma and the care and the magnetism to reach people who were coming to the end of their tether.”
Something about Ritchie exudes a feeling of calm. His voice has a soothing raspiness to it, and his pale blue eyes are gentle. Though he stands tall at just over 6 feet 2 inches tall (an inch shorter, he notes with a grin, than he used to be), he hardly seems imposing.
Each morning, he climbs out of bed, pads over to the bedroom window of his modest, two-story home, and scans the cliff. If he spots anyone standing alone too close to the precipice, he hurries to their side.
Some he speaks with are fighting medical problems, others suffering mental illness. Sometimes, the ones who jump leave behind reminders of themselves on the edge – notes, wallets, shoes. Ritchie once rushed over to help a man on crutches. By the time he arrived, the crutches were all that remained.
In his younger years, he would occasionally climb the fence to hold people back while Moya called the police. He would help rescue crews haul up the bodies of those who couldn’t be saved. And he would invite the rescuers back to his house afterward for a comforting drink.
It all nearly cost him his life once. A chilling picture captured decades ago by a local news photographer shows Ritchie struggling with a woman, inches from the edge. The woman is seen trying to launch herself over the side – with Ritchie the only thing between her and the abyss. Had she been successful, he would have gone over, too.
These days, he keeps a safer distance. The council installed security cameras this year, and the invention of mobile phones means someone often calls for help before he crosses the street.
But he remains available to lend an ear, though he never tries to counsel, advise or pry. He just gives them a warm smile, asks if they’d like to talk and invites them back to his house for tea. Sometimes, they join him. “I’m offering them an alternative, really,” Ritchie says. “I always act in a friendly manner. I smile.”
In 2006, the government recognized Ritchie’s efforts with a Medal of the Order of Australia, among the nation’s highest civilian honors. It hangs on his living room wall above a painting of a sunshine someone left in his mailbox. On it is a message calling Ritchie “an angel that walks amongst us.”
He smiles bashfully. “It makes you – oh, I don’t know,” he says, looking away. “I feel happy about it.”
JEREMY PIPER | THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Don Ritchie lives across the street from The Gap, Australia’s most notorious suicide spot. He doesn’t keep track of the people he’s saved but knows he’s seen more walk away than jump.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
KS&L 16 Is the World Orderly or in Chaos?Recently someone asked whether or not the world is in chaos. A truly excellent question – and what does it ha
Recently someone asked whether or not the world is in chaos. A truly excellent question – and what does it have to do with karma?
Perhaps the answer is that the world is absolutely not in chaos. The world is actually quite orderly. (Do we rally think FEDEX could operate in a chaotic world???) All over the world, people get up, and start their day. They plan their activities, go to do some type of work, ponder feeding their families, the state of their governments, the state of their surroundings and who their kids will marry. Many wonder how will they educate their kids and how will they deal with difficult family members.
Traffic flows all over the world, even in chaotic seeming Italy. The entire world is connected to the Internet. This means that there is electrical power to all countries, the type of power that can support a computer. [It may not be stable, but it is frequently there!] Airplanes move over one million human beings a day through the air and land in all countries on the planet. Food is grown, delivered, sold and prepared. People eat out. People think, they love, they sleep they live and they die. This is the order of life. This is an orderly life. There is no chaos in this scenario.
It is the odd situation that makes the news, the out of the ordinary problem or emotional outburst or anger that hits the papers. Most of the time, life just goes on. If this were not the case, if it were chaos, there would be no CNN or even television – or free flow of traffic on land, sea and air. All would cease.
Personal chaos occurs when the utterly unexpected happens: we become divorced, a loved one dies, we lose our job, get married and/or have a baby. In those moments of enormous change, we feel that we have lost our footing and we do feel chaos. However, whether we realize it or not, we actively seek to reestablish the ordinariness of our days, for there is comfort in that mundane routine.
So, how does this affect karma? Maybe, just maybe karmically, we are doing better than we think. Maybe, in each small, insignificant moment, in each prayer that is said, a difference is made. Things get better. Each smile that is given changes a karmic moment in a positive way. As we trust the orderliness of our days, we trust that we will be OK and we trust that we are safe to move ahead. That sometimes, boring sameness, is our security and it is a wonderful concept.
So, the more we see the world as a calm, delightful place, a place of wonder, perhaps the world can become what we create. This is the orderly macrocosm of the microcosm of our days. These concepts can make life a wonderful experience.
Perhaps the answer is that the world is absolutely not in chaos. The world is actually quite orderly. (Do we rally think FEDEX could operate in a chaotic world???) All over the world, people get up, and start their day. They plan their activities, go to do some type of work, ponder feeding their families, the state of their governments, the state of their surroundings and who their kids will marry. Many wonder how will they educate their kids and how will they deal with difficult family members.
Traffic flows all over the world, even in chaotic seeming Italy. The entire world is connected to the Internet. This means that there is electrical power to all countries, the type of power that can support a computer. [It may not be stable, but it is frequently there!] Airplanes move over one million human beings a day through the air and land in all countries on the planet. Food is grown, delivered, sold and prepared. People eat out. People think, they love, they sleep they live and they die. This is the order of life. This is an orderly life. There is no chaos in this scenario.
It is the odd situation that makes the news, the out of the ordinary problem or emotional outburst or anger that hits the papers. Most of the time, life just goes on. If this were not the case, if it were chaos, there would be no CNN or even television – or free flow of traffic on land, sea and air. All would cease.
Personal chaos occurs when the utterly unexpected happens: we become divorced, a loved one dies, we lose our job, get married and/or have a baby. In those moments of enormous change, we feel that we have lost our footing and we do feel chaos. However, whether we realize it or not, we actively seek to reestablish the ordinariness of our days, for there is comfort in that mundane routine.
So, how does this affect karma? Maybe, just maybe karmically, we are doing better than we think. Maybe, in each small, insignificant moment, in each prayer that is said, a difference is made. Things get better. Each smile that is given changes a karmic moment in a positive way. As we trust the orderliness of our days, we trust that we will be OK and we trust that we are safe to move ahead. That sometimes, boring sameness, is our security and it is a wonderful concept.
So, the more we see the world as a calm, delightful place, a place of wonder, perhaps the world can become what we create. This is the orderly macrocosm of the microcosm of our days. These concepts can make life a wonderful experience.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
How Essential Oils Work
The following information comes from Rainbow Forever Trust [healthy-wealthy@att.net]. Jay sells Young Living Essential Oils, so the products listed are from that company. Some of the other comments are from Jay's down line. I thought that the information was very valuable and worth sharing.
Research has shown that the effects of fragrance and aromatic compounds on the sense of smell an exert strong effects on the brain especially on the hypothalamus (the hormone command center of the body) and limbic system (the seat of emotions). Some essential oils high in sesquiterpenes, such as
myrrh, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, melissa, and frankincense, can dramatically increase oxygenation and activity in the brain. This may directly improve the function of many systems of the body.
When a fragrance is inhaled, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they are trapped by olfactory membranes that are well protected by the lining inside the nose. Each odor molecule fits like a little puzzle piece into specific receptor cell sites that line a membrane known as the olfactory epithelium. Each one of the hundreds of millions of nerve cells is replaced every 28 days. When stimulated by odor molecules, this lining of nerve cells triggers electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb then transmits the impulses to the gustatory center (where emotional memories are stored), and other parts of the brain that directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing,
memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have a profound physiological and psychological effects.
The sense of smell is the only one of the 5 senses directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from this region. The scent of a special fragrance can evoke
memories and emotions before we are even consciously aware of it. When smells are concerned, we react first and think later. All other senses (touch, taste, hearing, and sight) are routed through the thalamus, which acts as the switchboard for the
brain, passing stimuli onto the cerebral cortex (the conscious thought center) and other parts of the brain.
The limbic lobe (a group of brain structures that includes the hippocampus and amygdale located below the cerebral cortex) can also directly activate the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, acting as our hormonal control center. It releases chemical messengers that can affect everything from sex drive to energy levels. The production of growth hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, are all
governed by the hypothalamus, thus, the hypothalamus is refereed to the "master gland."
Essential oils--through their fragrance and unique molecular structure—can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypothalamus. Not only can the inhalation of essential oils be used to combat stress and emotional trauma, but it can also stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus. This results increased thyroid hormones (our energy hormone) and growth hormones(our youth and longevity hormone).
Through inhalation studies they have found that diffusing essential oils can heightened level of activity in the hypothalamus and limbic systems of the brain, which can have
dramatic effects on not only emotions, learning and attitude, but also many physical processes of the body, such as immune function, hormone balance, and energy levels.
High levels of sesquiterpenes occur in melissa, myrrh, cedarwood and clove, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense, can increase levels of oxygen in the brain by up to 28%.
Diffusing or directly inhaling essential oils can have an immediate positive impact on mood. Olfaction is the only sense that can have direct effects on the limbic region of the brain.
Studies at the University of Vienna have shown that some essential oils and their primary constituents (cineol) can stimulate blood flow and activity in the emotional regions of the brain.
Clinical studies at the Department of Psychiatry at the Mie University of Medicine showed that Lemon not only reduced depression but reduced stress when inhaled.
Great Blends to use to help ease depression, anger, trauma, bringing about happiness.
Citrus Fresh:
Stimulates the right brain to amplify creativity and well-being as well as eradicate anxiety. Works well as an air purifier. University researchers in Japan found that diffusing a citrus
fragrance in an office environment improved mental accuracy and concentration by 54%. It has been found to be very calming and relaxing especially to children. When diffused it
adds a clean, fresh scent to any environment.
It Contains: Orange, tangerine, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit, spearmint. Apply to wrist, back of neck, back of ears, feet.
Believe: Helps to release the unlimited potential everyone possesses, make it possible to more fully experience health, happiness and vitality, Restores feelings of hope. Elevates the
mind helping to overcome stress and despair. It Contains: Idaho Balsam Fir Rosewood, and Frankincense apply to back of neck, temples, wrist, feet.
Brain Power:
Promotes deep concentration and channels physical energy into mental energy. It also increases mental potential and clarity, and long-term use may retard the aging process. Many of the oils in this blend are high in sesquiterpene compounds that increase the activity in the pineal, pituitary, and the hypothalamus glands and thereby increase out put of growth hormone and melatonin. It elevates the mind helping to overcome stress and despair,. Removes emotional blocks, heightens relaxation, and helps release feelings of anger.
It Contains: Frankincense, sandalwood, melissa, cedarwood, Blue cypress, lavender, helichrysum Apply to back of neck, ears, feet, wrist.
RutaVala:
Promotes the relaxation of body and mind, counters stressed nerves and revitalized passion. It Contains: Lavender, Valerian, Ruta. Apply to wrist, temple, neck.
Stress Away Roll-on:
This blend of oils reduces nervous tension, and encourages relaxation. It Contains: Vanilla, lime, copaiba
Apply to wrist, temples, and neck thought-out the day and right before bedtime
Tranquil Roll-on:
Provides stress relief and relaxation and with the oils it contains they are known for their ability to decrease anxiety and induce tranquility. Great for mosquito bites or bee stings.
It Contains: Lavender, Roman chamomile, cedarwood.
Apply generously on wrists or back of neck for relaxation.
Valor:
Balances energies to instill courage, confidence, and self-esteem. and helps open
and release emotional blocks, brining about a feeling of grounding. It also helps the body self-correct its balance and alignment. It Contains: Rosewood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Spruce. Apply to wrist, chest, base of neck, feet, spine.
Joy:
Produces a magnetic energy to bring joy to the heart, mind, and soul. It inspires romance and helps overcome deep seated grief and depression. It Contains: Rose, bergamot, mandarin, Ylang Ylang, lemon, geranium, jasmine,palmarosa, Roman chamomile, rosewood. Apply over heart, thyumus, temples, and wrists.
Hope:
is essential in order to go forward in life. Hopelessness can cause a loss of vision of goals and dreams. This blends helps to reconnect with a feeling of strength and grounding, restoring hope for tomorrow. It helps overcome suicidal depression.
It Contains: Melissa, spruce, juniper, myrrh.
Apply to edge of ears, wrists, neck, temples, over hear, or chakra/Vital flex points.
Peace & Calming:
Promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace and emotional well-being, helping to dampen tensions and uplift spirite. Reduces depression , anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It Contains: Blue tansy, patchouli, tangerine, orange, Ylang Ylang. Apply to edge of ears, wrist, feet, dilute for a body massage. 4-8 drops on a cottonball and place on a vents for a great night sleep.
Single oils to use are Frankincense, cedarwood, lemon, peppeprmint, ylang ylang, rosemary, Jasamine absolute.
Diffuse 20 minutes, 3 times daily. Drect inhalation 4-6 times daily.
Dietary Supplementaion:
MultiGreen, Life 5, Super B, Mineral Essence, and Balance. Complet. Omrega Blue softgels.
I hope this helps when a person is feeling depressed, lost, lonely, sad, unhappy.
Testimonies:
I suffered from depression for a short while with a very stressful job. My doctor gave me a prescription drug for it. I did not want to go that route but had no choice. A few months later I was introduced to the oils. One of the oils was Peace and Calming for depression. I slowly weaned myself off of the depression drug and have been rubbing Peace and Calming on my feet every day. No more depression! Wow, these oils are a miracle! Janice Erhart
**********
I had been taking an anti-depressant (prozac) for a few years then I was introduced to Ruta Vala. I began by putting Ruta Vala on the back of my neck (bottom of the brain stem) before
bed and taking a capsule of 4 to 5 drops in the morning or whenever I remembered.
I did that for a few days then kept taking a little more prozac out of the capsule and adding a drop or 2 of Ruta Vala. I did this until I had no more prozac to remove. Now I just take
one capsule of Ruta Vala once a week (about 8 to 10 drops) and no more prozac.
Dawn Child
*********
With the help of many essential oils, I am getting off Prozac. Aside from excercise, light
therapy and supplements I apply and smell the Young Living oil's Valor, Frankincense,
Peace and Calming, etc. I am getting needed oxygen to my brain and cells. I feel blessed!
Sheli Toepfer
********
I have lost both beloved parents within 6 months and credit the following 'formula' for helping me out of a deep depression after the first death, and getting me through the second funeral with much more grace and dignity than I would've been able to muster without the oils: Put a drop of Valor on your wrist and hold your other wrist against it for a moment (drives the oil in). Put Harmony on all chakra points, and a drop of Joy
over your heart. Try this for grief or depression. Nancy
Summers
*********
Depression is a battle I fight on a daily basis. I was diagnoses with Bi-polar Disorder. I believe I have had this since I was a child, but was only diagnosed with this as an adult. I don't like being on prescription drugs because they are not only expensive, but most of them are highly addictive and you never know what side affects you will have as a result of taking them. Since becoming aware of the wonderful benefits of using essential oils, I use Lavender and Peace & Calming Essential oils on a daily basis. I have tried Valor Essential Oil, and it was alright, but not really enough for me. I recently came upon Joy Essential Oil, and that has made all the difference! I don't feel depressed or overwhelmed when I apply this on a daily basis. I apply 1-2 times a day the same as I apply oils for migraines. I love the smell of the Joy Essential Oil - when I breathe it in, it brings me a sense of security somehow. Hollie Drange
Research has shown that the effects of fragrance and aromatic compounds on the sense of smell an exert strong effects on the brain especially on the hypothalamus (the hormone command center of the body) and limbic system (the seat of emotions). Some essential oils high in sesquiterpenes, such as
myrrh, sandalwood, cedarwood, vetiver, melissa, and frankincense, can dramatically increase oxygenation and activity in the brain. This may directly improve the function of many systems of the body.
When a fragrance is inhaled, the odor molecules travel up the nose where they are trapped by olfactory membranes that are well protected by the lining inside the nose. Each odor molecule fits like a little puzzle piece into specific receptor cell sites that line a membrane known as the olfactory epithelium. Each one of the hundreds of millions of nerve cells is replaced every 28 days. When stimulated by odor molecules, this lining of nerve cells triggers electrical impulses to the olfactory bulb in the brain. The olfactory bulb then transmits the impulses to the gustatory center (where emotional memories are stored), and other parts of the brain that directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing,
memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have a profound physiological and psychological effects.
The sense of smell is the only one of the 5 senses directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from this region. The scent of a special fragrance can evoke
memories and emotions before we are even consciously aware of it. When smells are concerned, we react first and think later. All other senses (touch, taste, hearing, and sight) are routed through the thalamus, which acts as the switchboard for the
brain, passing stimuli onto the cerebral cortex (the conscious thought center) and other parts of the brain.
The limbic lobe (a group of brain structures that includes the hippocampus and amygdale located below the cerebral cortex) can also directly activate the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, acting as our hormonal control center. It releases chemical messengers that can affect everything from sex drive to energy levels. The production of growth hormones, sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin, are all
governed by the hypothalamus, thus, the hypothalamus is refereed to the "master gland."
Essential oils--through their fragrance and unique molecular structure—can directly stimulate the limbic lobe and the hypothalamus. Not only can the inhalation of essential oils be used to combat stress and emotional trauma, but it can also stimulate the production of hormones from the hypothalamus. This results increased thyroid hormones (our energy hormone) and growth hormones(our youth and longevity hormone).
Through inhalation studies they have found that diffusing essential oils can heightened level of activity in the hypothalamus and limbic systems of the brain, which can have
dramatic effects on not only emotions, learning and attitude, but also many physical processes of the body, such as immune function, hormone balance, and energy levels.
High levels of sesquiterpenes occur in melissa, myrrh, cedarwood and clove, vetiver, patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense, can increase levels of oxygen in the brain by up to 28%.
Diffusing or directly inhaling essential oils can have an immediate positive impact on mood. Olfaction is the only sense that can have direct effects on the limbic region of the brain.
Studies at the University of Vienna have shown that some essential oils and their primary constituents (cineol) can stimulate blood flow and activity in the emotional regions of the brain.
Clinical studies at the Department of Psychiatry at the Mie University of Medicine showed that Lemon not only reduced depression but reduced stress when inhaled.
Great Blends to use to help ease depression, anger, trauma, bringing about happiness.
Citrus Fresh:
Stimulates the right brain to amplify creativity and well-being as well as eradicate anxiety. Works well as an air purifier. University researchers in Japan found that diffusing a citrus
fragrance in an office environment improved mental accuracy and concentration by 54%. It has been found to be very calming and relaxing especially to children. When diffused it
adds a clean, fresh scent to any environment.
It Contains: Orange, tangerine, lemon, mandarin, grapefruit, spearmint. Apply to wrist, back of neck, back of ears, feet.
Believe: Helps to release the unlimited potential everyone possesses, make it possible to more fully experience health, happiness and vitality, Restores feelings of hope. Elevates the
mind helping to overcome stress and despair. It Contains: Idaho Balsam Fir Rosewood, and Frankincense apply to back of neck, temples, wrist, feet.
Brain Power:
Promotes deep concentration and channels physical energy into mental energy. It also increases mental potential and clarity, and long-term use may retard the aging process. Many of the oils in this blend are high in sesquiterpene compounds that increase the activity in the pineal, pituitary, and the hypothalamus glands and thereby increase out put of growth hormone and melatonin. It elevates the mind helping to overcome stress and despair,. Removes emotional blocks, heightens relaxation, and helps release feelings of anger.
It Contains: Frankincense, sandalwood, melissa, cedarwood, Blue cypress, lavender, helichrysum Apply to back of neck, ears, feet, wrist.
RutaVala:
Promotes the relaxation of body and mind, counters stressed nerves and revitalized passion. It Contains: Lavender, Valerian, Ruta. Apply to wrist, temple, neck.
Stress Away Roll-on:
This blend of oils reduces nervous tension, and encourages relaxation. It Contains: Vanilla, lime, copaiba
Apply to wrist, temples, and neck thought-out the day and right before bedtime
Tranquil Roll-on:
Provides stress relief and relaxation and with the oils it contains they are known for their ability to decrease anxiety and induce tranquility. Great for mosquito bites or bee stings.
It Contains: Lavender, Roman chamomile, cedarwood.
Apply generously on wrists or back of neck for relaxation.
Valor:
Balances energies to instill courage, confidence, and self-esteem. and helps open
and release emotional blocks, brining about a feeling of grounding. It also helps the body self-correct its balance and alignment. It Contains: Rosewood, Blue Tansy, Frankincense, Spruce. Apply to wrist, chest, base of neck, feet, spine.
Joy:
Produces a magnetic energy to bring joy to the heart, mind, and soul. It inspires romance and helps overcome deep seated grief and depression. It Contains: Rose, bergamot, mandarin, Ylang Ylang, lemon, geranium, jasmine,palmarosa, Roman chamomile, rosewood. Apply over heart, thyumus, temples, and wrists.
Hope:
is essential in order to go forward in life. Hopelessness can cause a loss of vision of goals and dreams. This blends helps to reconnect with a feeling of strength and grounding, restoring hope for tomorrow. It helps overcome suicidal depression.
It Contains: Melissa, spruce, juniper, myrrh.
Apply to edge of ears, wrists, neck, temples, over hear, or chakra/Vital flex points.
Peace & Calming:
Promotes relaxation and a deep sense of peace and emotional well-being, helping to dampen tensions and uplift spirite. Reduces depression , anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It Contains: Blue tansy, patchouli, tangerine, orange, Ylang Ylang. Apply to edge of ears, wrist, feet, dilute for a body massage. 4-8 drops on a cottonball and place on a vents for a great night sleep.
Single oils to use are Frankincense, cedarwood, lemon, peppeprmint, ylang ylang, rosemary, Jasamine absolute.
Diffuse 20 minutes, 3 times daily. Drect inhalation 4-6 times daily.
Dietary Supplementaion:
MultiGreen, Life 5, Super B, Mineral Essence, and Balance. Complet. Omrega Blue softgels.
I hope this helps when a person is feeling depressed, lost, lonely, sad, unhappy.
Testimonies:
I suffered from depression for a short while with a very stressful job. My doctor gave me a prescription drug for it. I did not want to go that route but had no choice. A few months later I was introduced to the oils. One of the oils was Peace and Calming for depression. I slowly weaned myself off of the depression drug and have been rubbing Peace and Calming on my feet every day. No more depression! Wow, these oils are a miracle! Janice Erhart
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I had been taking an anti-depressant (prozac) for a few years then I was introduced to Ruta Vala. I began by putting Ruta Vala on the back of my neck (bottom of the brain stem) before
bed and taking a capsule of 4 to 5 drops in the morning or whenever I remembered.
I did that for a few days then kept taking a little more prozac out of the capsule and adding a drop or 2 of Ruta Vala. I did this until I had no more prozac to remove. Now I just take
one capsule of Ruta Vala once a week (about 8 to 10 drops) and no more prozac.
Dawn Child
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With the help of many essential oils, I am getting off Prozac. Aside from excercise, light
therapy and supplements I apply and smell the Young Living oil's Valor, Frankincense,
Peace and Calming, etc. I am getting needed oxygen to my brain and cells. I feel blessed!
Sheli Toepfer
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I have lost both beloved parents within 6 months and credit the following 'formula' for helping me out of a deep depression after the first death, and getting me through the second funeral with much more grace and dignity than I would've been able to muster without the oils: Put a drop of Valor on your wrist and hold your other wrist against it for a moment (drives the oil in). Put Harmony on all chakra points, and a drop of Joy
over your heart. Try this for grief or depression. Nancy
Summers
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Depression is a battle I fight on a daily basis. I was diagnoses with Bi-polar Disorder. I believe I have had this since I was a child, but was only diagnosed with this as an adult. I don't like being on prescription drugs because they are not only expensive, but most of them are highly addictive and you never know what side affects you will have as a result of taking them. Since becoming aware of the wonderful benefits of using essential oils, I use Lavender and Peace & Calming Essential oils on a daily basis. I have tried Valor Essential Oil, and it was alright, but not really enough for me. I recently came upon Joy Essential Oil, and that has made all the difference! I don't feel depressed or overwhelmed when I apply this on a daily basis. I apply 1-2 times a day the same as I apply oils for migraines. I love the smell of the Joy Essential Oil - when I breathe it in, it brings me a sense of security somehow. Hollie Drange
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