As we come to the close of one year and enter into the next, its a good time to reflect on the past and set new goals for the future.
However, sometimes that’s easier said than done, right? It can be very hard, some would say impossible, to move forward when we’re still hanging onto the past… whether that means harboring unforgiveness in our hearts towards past wrongs or perhaps holding onto old memories or habits, good or bad. Either way, if we remain focused on them they can keep us locked in the past and prevent us from moving forward and into the future. Fortunately essential oils may be just the answer you’ve been looking for.
I was fascinated and amazed when I learned of the impact that our sense of smell has on our body and mind. The simple act of inhaling scents through our olfactory system (sense of smell) has an amazing ability to affect our limbic system. The olfactory system is directly linked to the limbic system, a set of structures buried deep within the brain that is not only responsible for our emotional reactions (how we behave, react, and feel) but also many higher mental functions as well, such as learning, motivation, and formation of memories. It helps the body to react to emergency and highly emotional situations with fast, almost involuntary actions.
Get a Jump Start on 2018
If you happen to have Present Time, Forgiveness, Into the Future, or Build Your Dream (special blends of essential oils) I would encourage you to try using them today and tomorrow. Choose either one of these oils and then drop 1-2 drops in the palm of your non-dominant hand and rub together in clockwise rotations 3 times to awaken or energize the oil; then apply! Use only one oil at a time.
Today- Choose Present Time or Forgiveness
Tomorrow- Choose Into the Future or Build Your Dream
You may not have these oils, that’s okay! Just use the ones you have. Gary is always telling us if you don’t have the oils you need, then use the ones you have. If all you have are the oils from your Premium Starter Kit then start there. I would suggest grabbing Frankincense, Lavender, and/or Stress Away and giving them a try. Peppermint might be a good one to throw in after the others, as it is well known to “magnify” the effect of other oils; and Copaiba, which helps “clear the path” for other oils to work better.
The Connection Between the Olfactory and Limbic System
The limbic system, found deep within our brain, is located just beneath the cerebrum on both sides of the thalamus and includes the hippocampus and amygdala. The primary structures within the limbic system include the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, and cingulate gyrus.
-The amygdala, known as the emotional center of the brain, is a small almond-shaped structure and helps the brain recognize potential threats and prepare the body for fight-or-flight reactions by increasing heart and breathing rate. Due to its close proximity to the hippocampus, the amygdala is involved in the modulation of memory consolidation, particularly emotionally-laden memories.
-The thalamus and hypothalamus are associated with changes in emotional reactivity. the hippocampus plays an essential role in the formation of new memories about past experiences.
-The cingulate gyrus coordinates smells and sights with pleasant memories, induces an emotional reaction to pain, and helps regulate aggressive behavior.
-The basal ganglia is a group of nuclei lying deep in the subcortical white matter of the frontal lobes; its functions include organizing motor behavior and coordinating rule-based, habit learning.
Here’s to a New You in 2018
I hope you’ve come away with a new appreciation for the impact that simply inhaling essential oils can have in your life.
From my experience I’ve found those who have the best success with essential oils are the ones who make them part of their everyday lifestyle. They use them each and every day!
Here’s a challenge for the new year. Make the most of your investment and begin educating yourself. Pick one oil a week and start researching it. Learn as much as you can about it and use it each and every day for that week. I believe at the end of the week you’ll have a new outlook and respect for that particular oil and will want to share what you’ve learned with others.
Happy oiling and here’s to a new you in 2018!
NEW TO ESSENTIAL OILS? Discover the Young Living difference here!
New to essential oils?
Are you looking for safe, natural solutions for your health and wellness goals?
Click on the link above to learn a little bit more about them, and me, and how to live a healthy lifestyle by incorporating essential oils into your everyday life! I’m confident once you start using them on a consistent basis, you find yourself wishing you’d started using them long ago.
