My business partner, Barry Kapp, has always enjoyed spirited discussions about the belief that ”It is better to give than to receive.”  He discusses it in his book, Wisdom of the Earth Speaks the Truth about Medicinal Aromatherapy, and in our certification classes, as well.  Seriously challenging the concept, he has even gone so far as to state the opposite…”It is better to receive than to give”.  While I wouldn’t go that far (I think it is just taking a problem and turning it inside out!), I do agree that it is NOT better to give than receive.  I think that both are equally important, and our ability to do one is related to our ability to do the other! 

I was having an interesting conversation with a friend today, and we were talking about the positive effect on manifestation of having more than just yourself calling it forth from the Universe.  I belong to a wonderful group, Whispering Energy (WE), which is all about mutual supp, upliftment, and collaboration.   I was telling my friend, Paul, that perhaps I should ask my WE colleagues to help me manifest more vacation renters for my beautiful little cottage outside of Sedona.  ”Oh, my YES”, he said.  It is much more powerful for a group to be intending something than an individual.  Ask for their help!”

Wow.  Ask.  And that is when the red flag came up for me!!  In my work as a medicinal aromatherapist, I frequently counsel with people who tell me that they are great at giving…but that they find it really hard to receive!  This is a very common problem, and while it affects both men and women, I have heard it more frequently from women.  “I’m so glad”, I often tell myself…”that receiving is NOT a problem for me!”  I love compliments, and accept them graciously, and I love to receive all manner of things…gifts, hand-me-downs…you name it!  But as soon as Paul said the word ASK…the fireworks went off.  I have a very, very difficult time asking! 

While most of the exchange I have heard centers around people’s comfort with giving and receiving, I have heard very little about people’s comfort with asking!  So, I would like to bring that aspect into the discussion.

As I reflect on why I am so darned uncomfortable asking anyone for anything, three main reasons bubble to the surface.  One…and for me, the most obvious and painful…I am afraid of being told NO.  I am afraid of being rejected after “putting myself out there” with the request.  Asking…an open invitation to rejection! 

Second, our culture reveres independence and self-sufficiency!  “Pulling yourself up by your boot-straps” was something programmed into me at an early age as the epitome of accomplishment.  Depend on yourself!  Never need anyone else!  So, asking is clearly signifying that you are not a member of the “boot straps” club! 

Third, asking someone for something can be viewed as intrusion…putting them on the spot to either help you, or face the uncomfortable task of telling you they won’t.  I was brought up NEVER to intrude on people, and NEVER to put someone in an uncomfortable position…to “put them on the spot.”  So…I began to understand why asking anyone for help would be a very, very hard thing for me to do.

I am sure there are other reasons…but these three loom very, very large for me.  So, receiving…YES!  As long as what is being given is being OFFERED.  Asking?  Now, that is completely another story.

E. Belvin Williams, a former Senior Vice President at Educational Testing Service (ETS) was  a wonderful boss of mine…and my first real mentor in the corporate world.  He taught me a very important lesson about asking.  Bel was one of the smartest, strongest, most powerful people I knew…and have ever known.  Yet, I noticed time and time again, he would ask people for help…”My car is in the shop…would you help me by driving me over after work?”  “I don’t want to leave my car in the airport parking lot..would you be willing to drop me off at the airport on your way home?”  And so forth. 

What I also noticed was that his asking…and their agreement…and the carrying out of the favor, created a bond between them.  That giving and receiving, the most ancient of dances, became the basis for a personal relationship that served him well in his business life.  I want to quickly add here that Bel was also open to helping others…it was not a one way street.  But I also noticed that most people (me, included) were not prone to ask!

I have considered this a number of times, over the 30 or so years since those experiences, and have realized that Bel, who was very secure in his position and in who he was, as a person, did not at all see this as “lowering himself” to ask for help.  He knew he was powerful in our setting, and did not see it as inconsistent at all that he would also, at times, need the help of others!  It is like leaders who think they ALWAYS need to lead…when there are times when it is more appropriate that they follow!  It is the confident leader, indeed, who has no problem stepping back once in a while and letting someone else lead, when that is the right thing to do.

When I remember Bel, and the positive outcomes of his willingness to ask, I am encouraged to do it.  Left to my own devices, I do not.  So…as usual…let me turn to the plants & trees for their support! 

Siberian Fir Needle is a great essence for helping to release unproductive belief patterns.  What a wonderful way to start changing behavior!  Five to seven drops on the crown chakra every morning to clear away those old thoughts of intrusion, rejection and dependence. 

Bergamot helps to build confidence…so that reaching out to others is seen as a strength, not a weakness.  3-5 drops on the sole of each foot (since this is a citrus and can be skin-sensitive) before bed will help anchor this belief.

Spike Lavender supports balance in giving and receiving, and if you are giving more than you are receiving, Spike Lavender will make it easier for you to ask for what you need from others.  5-7 drops over the heart should do the trick!

Grapefruit takes the fear out of asking for help!  She softens that feeling…diminishing it gradually until it fades to nothing.  She replaces it with an optimism that can’t be erased by the occasional rejection you may encounter.  She just whispers “Ask someone else!  Don’t take it personally!” in your ear, encouraging you to persist in the face of discouragement.  Again, as a citrus, I would start by applying it to the soles of the feet…though Grapefruit tends to be the least skin-sensitive of all of the citruses.

Patchouli helps us to know what we want.  How can we ask for what we need if we are unclear or doubtful?  Patchouli creates a clarity around our needs and wants that helps direct us to the resources that will help us address them.  Third eye and/or crown chakra are good places to apply Patchouli for this purpose.

Ylang Ylang keeps that heart open and stresses the importance of receiving, not TAKING.  The difference?  Relationship.  Giving and receiving is a two-way street, and Ylang Ylang keeps the importance of relationship and gratitude in the forefront of our minds.   Apply over the heart or heart chakra.

Black Spruce supports us in taking risks, after all, doing something different, doing something that initially makes us uncomfortable, represents a certain amount of risk.  With Black Spruce on our heart and crown chakra, we have the courage to step out and ask for the help we need.

With the help of the Plant Kingdom, and the awareness that asking is a stepping stone to an exchange between people that deepens your relationship, you are on your way to that magical place of “Ask, and ye shall receive!”

Blessings,  Audre

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez.

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As usual, my husband, Leonardo, has inspired me with his willingness to explore, try the unconventional and come up with yet another use for one of my essences or other products!  The other morning, he came over to me, smiling broadly.  “Don’t my teeth look great?”  Well, yes, they did…but…”I brushed them with your rose hip seed (rosa rubiginosa) exfoliant!  It is amazing!”

Yep, that  is my husband.  Out-of-the-box thinker!!  At Wisdom of the Earth, we have a wonderful product…the pulverized seeds of the rose hip, which make an amazing exfoliant when gently rubbed into clean, wet skin. The rose hip oil, made from these same seeds, is very nutritional and moisturizing for the skin; I usually use it in the morning as a moisturizing base for the other essences I use on my face. The exfoliant, therefore, not only removes dead cells, but also has these healing properties and is beneficial for the skin below. I usually follow my thrice a week, evening exfoliation, with our cucumber oil. The only phrase I have found that REALLY describes how this process makes my skin feel is “like a baby’s behind!”   Ahhh, now THAT is beautiful!!

Well, Leonardo, who also uses the exfoliant on his face, thought a bit about the consistency and healing properties, and decided to use it on his toothbrush, after brushing his teeth with a natural toothpaste, as a final treatment for his teeth and gums. He loves the taste of it, and felt it made the surface of his teeth smooth as silk…and that it felt great on his gums, too! 

Not to be outdone (after his second time using the rose hip…and still raving about its effectiveness), I tried it this morning. Voila! I have to admit, my teeth feel incredibly clean and my gums literally felt massaged by the rose hip exfoliant! I had questions about how hard it would be to rinse my mouth and teeth of the tiny particles…but, again, Leonardo was right. No problem! Rinsed away without a trace!

All of this caused me to reflect on what makes one person comfortable exploring new things, while others stick closely to their comfort zone, no matter the situation. After turning it around in my heart and mind, one word surfaced…FEAR. Fear that we will fail. Fear that we will look silly. Fear that others will judge us. Fear that the experience will not be what we thought it was.  We may think…no, it is not fear…that is just not my personality!  And, that may be true…but what is our personality other than the product of years of experience (environment) + heritage (genetic) + our contract in this life (spiritual heritage)?  So…it may be instructive to think about all of those layers of experience, and how they have influenced us. 

I have always thought to myself, when contemplating a decision (especially one outside of my comfort zone)…”what is the worst that could happen?” Usually, the “worst” was not all that bad…certainly something that I could deal with. And, often, I was hugely rewarded for taking that step outside my comfort zone. Other people don’t even have to go through that thought process, but it is one that has always served me, and bolstered decisions to try something or do something different.

Where are you on the Adventurer Scale? Is this a strong part of your personality (Pisces are legendary for this…thus Leonardo’s penchant for the unknown!) Or, is this a facet of your personality you have not yet polished?  If so, and if you are ready to reap the rewards of “stepping out”, try these essences to give you a little nudge:  Peppermint (being adaptable); Eucalyptus Mint and Black Spruce (removing blocks); Geranium and Mugwort (pushing boundaries); Champaca and Bergamot (confidence); White Pine (enthusiasm); Davana (expansion, throwing off limitations); Violet, Laurel Leaf (fear); Tangerine (inner guidance), Juniper Berry (power), Carrot Seed (self-doubt), Frankincense and Rosewood (trust).  (Thanks to the Gritman Guide to Essential Oils, 2nd Edition, for great insight on the spiritual use of essences.)

This is just a quick list…do any of those attract you (e.g., pushing boundaries) or “ring a bell” as to being an issue you have worked on for years (e.g., self-doubt)?  If so…that essence just may help bring out or strengthen the adventurer in you!  And, as Uqualla, one of our teachers and mentors says, “Say YES to any ‘uninvited’ opportunity…Spirit has called you!” 

Much love…for WHOEVER you are!  Audre

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez.

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I had a very profound, very emotional interaction with Australian Sandalwood (santalum spicatum) essential oil last evening at the Aromatherapy Meet Up group I host in Santa Fe, NM. The topic of the evening was the spiritual and intuitive use of essential oils, and one of the experiences we shared was the exploration of inter-species communication, with the plants and trees (via their essence) as the species of choice. Each person picked an the essence out of the 20 I had brought, to commune with, in most cases, allowing the essence to pick them (i.e., just choosing an essence without looking at the label).

My instructions were as follows: “If you are familiar with your essential oil, ask her to share something with you that you don’t already know. If you are unfamiliar with your essential oil, ask what purposes she serves, and what, in particular, she has to share with you.” People could smell their essence, apply several drops, just hold the bottle…whatever they felt called to do. Then, they were to just sit in communion with the energy and spirit of that essence for 5 minutes.

When it came time to share what had happened during this “excercise”, many felt that they just didn’t have words, at that point, to describe their experience. I had had a profound experience with Sandalwood (Aus.), which I shared with the Meet Up group, and that I wish to share here.

I had brought both Australian and Indian Sandalwood (santalum album) essential oils to the aromatherapy meeting; the essence that chose me was the Australian Sandalwood. My first “act” was to read the label, to see the country of origin, so that I would know which Sandalwood I was holding. In general, Australian Sandalwood is considered somewhat of a “step sister” to Indian Sandalwood, the latter being the “mother” essence, the ancient one, the sacred one, the known one. Australian Sandalwood has been cultivated to offer an additional source of Sandalwood essential oil, as there is such high demand for the pure essence, and India will not always be able to meet that demand. Also, the “premium” Indian Sandalwood is very costly…our (Wisdom of the Earth’s) pure medicinal grade is $90 for a 5 ml bottle, compared to $68 for the Australian…so there has also been a desire to provide a lower cost, but still pure and effective, option for aromatherapists and perfumists. All of this is background for what happened next.

As I beheld Sandalwood, and took that fateful glance at the area of the label that indicates country of origin, the thought flitted thorugh my mind “Oh, I got Australian (not Indian) Sandalwood”, the implication being, I got the “second best” essence, and a little wave of disappointment went through me. She felt it. I put several drops of Sandalwood on my third eye and over my heart…and then I was flooded with the memory of my sister and I, still small children, each of us holding one of my dad’s hands. We were standing in line at the bank, and a fellow customer had struck up a conversation with my dad. “Oh, are those your little girls?” he asked? My dad said yes…and then the gentleman said, “do you have any sons?” No….my dad said. “Oh, that’s too bad”, the gentleman said, disappointment clear in his voice and his face. I don’t remember what my dad said, if anything. I honestly couldn’t hear, still smarting from the sting of this stranger’s comment. And he wasn’t the first, nor the last to comment on my father’s lack of sons in my presence. So, deeply, I knew, have known, and know what it feels like to be considered “less than”, “not as good as”, etc., because of my gender.

Sandalwood now entered the picture. “I am for all of those who have been made to feel ‘less than’ or ‘not good enough’ because of who they are. I support them in shining their light SO BRIGHT that they cannot be denied. It is not about being in competition with anyone else, or trying to be better than them because of how you have been made to feel. It is about being your true, authentic, best self, and letting that speak more loudly than any disparagement, any slight ever could.” I pondered that for a while, going back and forth with Australian Sandalwood in a silent, deep emotional exchange.

I then asked her if she was a wound healer. “Ahh”, she said. “I am for unseen wounds…wounds of the heart, of the spirit. While they don’t show on the surface of the body, they need healing attention as much as any cut or scrape. I help to heal those wounds that you carry– silently, painfully– so that you can be strongly and fully in the power of who you truly are.”

And so…Australian Sandalwood…often seen as the lesser of the two Sandalwoods most commonly known, has taken that diminishing label and used it to offer great healing to those also diminished by society, their families, or their colleagues, for some perceived failing, whether it be the color of their skin, their country of origin, their religious beliefs, their sexual orientation, their gender, the college they attended, their physical abilities, etc.

Australian Sandalwood, I honor you for your courage and your beauty, and I deeply apologize for my slight…so very unconscious to me, but so very apparent to you.

Shared with love,

Audre Gutierrez

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The Healing Power of Touch

We always say in our Level 1 & 2 classes that one of the healing aspects of medicinal aromatherapy that often goes unnoticed, or undervalued, is TOUCH. Topical application of the essences offers the greatest healing power (versus inhalation or ingestion). This is primarily because of the absorption rate, but also because of the application on the skin…touch. We suggest that essences be dripped directly onto the skin (undiluted – sometimes referred to as “neat”) and then feathered or massaged into the area of concern…the knee, shoulder, whatever you are treating. Of course, this advice applies only when you are using pure, medicinal grade essences whose quality you know and trust.

Students and clients have repeatedly and, often jokingly, expressed that their significant other, or their mother, or their child has wanted THEM to apply the essences (instead of the person applying it him or herself), even when the area of concern is easily reached. “Oh, no,” the client will say…”they won’t apply the essences themself…they want ME to!” And, we have always laughingly replied that it is much nicer to have the essences applied by someone else…especially someone who is loving and cares about you!!

When my husband, Leonardo, wrote his certification paper on Vetiver, he did the requisite research into its origin, production, etc. In the more personal section of the paper, where he was discussing his relationship to Vetiver, and how he had used her in his life, he spoke briefly about the importance of touch in having Vetiver applied to him. Often, when Leonardo talks about the paper to a client or friend, he will mention his discussion of touch, almost as though his entire paper focussed it; I have come to realize that it is that aspect of the paper that most powerfully continues to “speak” to him.

The other night, we were putting oils on each other before going to sleep. I was putting Vetiver and St. John’s Wort on him, and was telling him what I wished for him to put on me. When it was my turn, he had no idea what I oils I wanted him to use for me…”But I just told you! When I was putting your oils on!” And it was then that he had the insight. “I didn’t really hear you because I was purely in a receiving state.” My mind was completely turned off so that I could be fully open to receive the essences! It is so different when I apply the essences to myself; I have to be in the thinking mode…what I am going to use, where, how much, etc., as well as the receiving mode. That thought process doesn’t allow me to be as fully open to receiving the oils as when you put them on me. Then I can be a pure receptor.”

I have continued to think about the power of that insight since we had that discussion. Being a PURE receptor…being open in heart, mind, body, spirit. No thinking, no judging, no talking. Just being open on a pure, complete level. I am reminded of that as my goal when I meditate…wholly open, wholly ready to receive.

I know in my heart that this degree of openness to the essences and their healing messages and effects surely enhances the healing process and bond, the relationship between the essence and the receiver of that essence. It is like when we truly SEE a person, truly HEAR a person…no background thoughts or mental planning to distract, even at a subtle level. Just a full and open receiving of them…truly the greatest gift we can give another.

So, you may ask…what does this mean for me, if I have no one to apply the essences to me?? I would first suggest that you may, in fact, have someone to apply them. While the examples I gave earlier were of true intimates…partner, child, parent…this beautiful principle also applies to people with whom we have lesser ties. Take your oils to your massage therapist to have them applied on you; ask a friend to do an “essence share” …in our Level 1 class, we conclude the weekend with a “practical”…where two students who usually do not know each other except from the class as paired up as partners. Each has 15-20 minutes to work silently on the other — head, neck, shoulders, hands and feet — with three to five essential oils they have intuited for their partner. The results are literally incredible. The faces and energy of the people are changed…their testimonials give words to the love and high vibration that emanate from them. Fifteen minutes, unfamiliar individuals, no verbal guidance, head/neck/shoulders/hands/feet only, 3-5 essences …and this is a formula for transformation? Over ten years of doing this allows me to say without reservation, YES. I can’t imagine at least one friend or acquaintance wouldn’t enjoy sharing this experience with you, if you but have the courage to ask!

Finally…if those ideas are not an option…I would suggest making your self-application more of a ceremony and less of a “treatment”. Get your mind out of the equation as much as possible. Choose the essences ahead of time. Don’t worry so much about exactly how many drops you are using. (Trust the Universe that the amount will be exactly what you need!). Create a quite space and just ALLOW yourself to gently drip the essences on you and focus on the sensation of them. Bond with them, speak in your heart to them, thank them. Create as pure a receptive state as you can, and then give yourself a few moments with these sensations before going back to your usual routine.

Receiving…such a powerful part of healing. I know it. Thank you, Leonardo.

Much love,

Audre Gutierrez

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One of my clients called me the other day and asked where my posts were!! “I’ve been waiting!” she said…”When are you going to post again?” While I have been very, very busy with a 6 week program through Whispering Energy Collaborative for “heart-based businesses” — Yep! That’s Shining Sun Aromatherapy! — and have been spending considerable time with it, I realized that that was not the only reason.

When I committed to blogging about all of the beautiful essences in the Wisdom of the Earth portfolio, I turned my “blogging attention” to only that. I realized, talking to my friend & client, that this decision had taken me out of the “flow” and made me feel fenced in, and my subconscious wasn’t really all that crazy with the arrangement! So, I decided it was time to make a new choice (Departure)… and go back to my original blogging process (Returning) so I did!! I will continue to blog about the essences, but not necessarily in alphabetical order, and I will also intersperse those blogs with others that are just about life and how the essences support us in literally any endeavor or situation we find ourselves in. Ahhh. This decision feels good!

That being said…I want to talk today about an incredible experience I had with St. John’s Wort recently.

My husband, Leonardo, is probably the nicest guy on the face of the planet. Those of you who know him know I am not exaggerating (much) ! However, he has dealt with anxiety and depression his whole life, and since he has discovered the essential oils, through our relationship, he has become close friends with those that uplift and calm us, like Wild Chamomile, Lavender, the citruses, and Vetiver. A few months ago, I encouraged him to use St. John’s Wort on a regular basis, because of its legendary effectiveness as an anti-depressant. Although he wasn’t very familiar with her, he quickly brought her into his daily regimen.

One morning, we were talking before getting up for the day, and he said that he was feeling “a little down.” “Honey”, I said…”Put on some of your St. John’s Wort!” He took it off of the window sill (you should see our bedroom…oils on my bedside table, oils on his, oils on the window sill behind our bed….you get the picture) and sprinkled some on his chest and started rubbing it in. All of a sudden, he started dripping some on my chest…me, ever thinking about the cost of things, including St. John’s Wort, said “Don’t put it on me! I don’t need it, I feel fine!” Just as the words came out of my mouth, I started feeling the essence of St. John’s Wort penetrate my skin and enter my bloodstream. The feeling was indescribable…but I will try!

First, I felt a feeling of renewal spread through me. I felt refreshed, renewed. Like a breath of fresh air had gently blown through me. It was followed, a few minutes later, by a sense of well-being that was so sure and so deep that it permeated every cell of my body. Wow. Priceless.

St. John’s Wort, known and used in Europe for all levels of depression, was portrayed in this country as best for “mild depression”, planting the impression that only pharmaceutical drugs could address moderate to severe depression. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Just look at her! A picture of “sunny disposition”!

Additionally, the incredibly destructive side effects of many anti-anxiety/anti-depression drugs (personality change, violent behavior, sleep disruption to name a few…just listen to the ads on the TV, and you will get the picture), serve to complicate and compound the problems of the depressed and/or anxious person. I have seen them in my practice over the years, and it is heart-breaking to see the “zombie-like” behavior they exhibit. St. John’s Wort has no side effects…just the precious ability to penetrate and lift the heavy, wet blanket of depression and shine the light of love and balance into our hearts.

St. John’s Wort, like every other essence known to medicinal aromatherapists, has many other uses, though she is best known for her anti-depressant properties. She is also good for shock and post-traumatic illness. This essence is also anti-inflammatory, and because of her gentle nature, can be used in sensitive areas like the testicles. We are getting many clients with testicular/prostate inflammation, and St. John’s Wort is wonderful on her own to address this problem, as well as working in concert with other essences like Frankincense and Lavender. Another anti-inflammatory use includes nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

St. John’s Wort is definitely a “heavy hitter” in medicinal aromatherapy, and because of her rarity and cost, she is hard to find in her pure state. Our St. John’s Wort is exactly as it comes from the plant…no carrier oils, no blends. So…as an old TV advertisement proclaimed “You’re worth it!” More specifically, your emotional health and balance are worth it.

Much Love, Audre Gutierrez

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez.

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It is literally impossible to be grouchy, impatient, querulous, or just plain negative with the essential oil of Bergamot on your body. She is an instant “pick me up” and has the ability to bring a smile to your face without even knowing why you are doing it! You just ARE! While some forget Bergamot (citrus bergamia) is a citrus (see, if you know your botanical names, you won’t fall into that category), it is important to remember that she can be skin sensitive (it is always wise to do a test patch on your skin with ANY essence before dousing yourself with it!).

One of our dear friends and students on the East Coast remembered that the hard way some years ago. She was scheduled to go on a vacation to a sunny place (and it was not exactly the “sunny” time of year in Pennsylvania) and decided to go to a tanning salon to get a “base” tan before leaving for her trip. While I don’t condone that particular choice, she certainly didn’t deserve what happened next! She had put Bergamot on the tops of her feet (why, I no longer remember), and, forgetting that it was a citrus, and thus likely photo-sensitive as well as skin-sensitive, she went into the tanning bed. Lo and behold, she burnt the HECK out of the skin on her feet…to the extent that they were blistered and certainly no candidate for sandals. In fact, she could hardly walk. Though she was embarassed over her situation, she had the courage to call Barry, my business partner in Wisdom of the Earth, and ask for help.

He immediately ran over and, with the incredible help of Helichrysum italicum, Lavender (Fine) (lavendula officinalis), and Cypress (cupressus sempervirens), the huge blisters on the top of her feet healed, and by the time she had to leave (a few days), she was able to put sandals on her feet and walk. Medicinal Aromatherapy to the rescue!!

Now, She (Bergamot) says…”Get to the positive things about me! People are going to get the wrong idea about me!” Actually, there is quite a lot of wonderful things that can be said about Bergamot. She seems to have the ability to win you over in just one “whiff”. Another of our students BECAME one of our students, in part, because of her immediate love affair with Bergamot. She came to our booth at a show in CO, and was transfixed by the juicy, loving, soft and uplifting persona of Bergamot. To this day, it is one of her favorite essences.

Bergamot makes it hard to take things too seriously…not that She will cause you to abandon all sense of responsibility….let’s just say that she won’t allow your responsibilities to be an albatross around your neck. Even though you may feel that you are carring “the weight of the world” on your shoulders, Bergamot essence will lighten your burden (by lightening your view of it), softly suggesting ways to get assistance or creatively approach a difficult situation. She embodies the phrase “Lighten up!!” — especially when the phrase is used to get someone out of the doldrums so that he or she can “see the light” and become productive again.

Bergamot is a natural anti-depressant…bringing the light of the natural world to shine on your situation and the deepest recesses of your heart. In fact, she is a wonderful choice for those who experience SAD — Seasonal Affective Disorder. For those individuals, wintertime can be very difficult for them, with the reduction in light triggering depression, anxiety, loss of energy, loss of interest in usual activities, sleep pattern interruption (too much or too little sleep) and other symptoms. Essential oils carry in them the light of the celestial bodies (key to their process of photosynthesis), including the sun, moon, and stars. Let her “light up your life”…she is a Queen in this regard.

While she is wonderful for skin problems, I recommend using her with another plant essence such as Rose Hip Oil. This is more of a nut oil, but given Bergamot’s potential skin-sensitive nature, and the positive skin-healing and restoring benefits of Rose Hip (rosa rubiginosa), they partner beautifully.

Spiritually, Bergamot helps us regain a gentle energy flow when we have lost it due to fear, anxiety or stress. She is one that helps with nervous digestion problems, or loss of appetite due to stress. Psychologically Bergamot encourages us to release pent up emotions — anger, frustration, for example — helping us to avoid any number of physical maladies (depression, insomnia, mood swings, to name a few) that pent up feelings can cause.

Bergamot, though not well known, is an incredibly uplifting essence to have in your portfolio…though a citrus, she has her own unique personality. Consider her a “best friend” who cheers you up and gets you back on track!

Blessings and much love, Audre Gutierrez

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez.

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I am sharing this message from Sandra Ingerman regarding a celestial event of import to those of us seeking to live from our hearts. If you have essential oils, using one or more of the following during your meditation and throughout the days of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s will enhance your experience and bring you to the oneness described herein: Blue Lotus; Blue Spruce; Blue Cypress; Blue Tansy; Blue Chamomile; Ylang Ylang; Saffron; Frankincense; Hyssop.

December 31 “Blue Moon”
A message from Sandra Ingerman

We will be experiencing the alignment of the lunar and solar calendars and a rare blue moon on December 31. This will be a potent time.

There are many challenges the world is facing today. And from a mental and egoic place many of us keep searching for answers and methods that will create change.

For thousands of years the teachings have been that the greatest power to heal and to transform is love. In How to Thrive in Changing Times I asked that people do some spiritual work around experiencing the love that went into your creation and the creation of the world. For the creator brought through the formless into form through love.

And within this teaching was my answer to what I wanted to ask you to join me in on the blue moon.

On December 31 throughout the day and evening I invite you to join with me to drop into a deep place of unconditional love. This means opening your heart with absolutely no expectations of what will come from this event.

Place your hands on your heart and breathe deeply into your heart feeling the love for the earth, life, and all that is precious to you. Take some time and get into a true place of love that goes beyond your thinking mind.

Start by experiencing love for yourself and all you have been through to get you to this point in life. And when you feel ready expand your heart and allow your love to flow out to our circle throughout the world. Let’s create a strong focused energy of love just simply pulsating throughout our global community.

Remember that you are part of life and that you cannot give love without receiving love. So as you breathe through your heart allowing love to flow through you remember to breathe in the love so that our circle is complete. The earth, our circle, and the rest of life will not receive your love if you cannot receive the love yourself.

And as you feel yourself part of that pulsation of love allow yourself to experience that flow of love going out to the earth and touching every living being. This includes the elements earth, air, water, and fire and all of life that lives in these elements – the spirit that lives in all things.

We do this to be in service to the planet in the same way we have been guided to for thousands of years. Allow yourself to sink into the true power of love that comes from beyond the thinking mind. Allow it to flow from the depths of your soul. This is true service!!

And when you feel the circle is complete and the unconditional love is flowing, come back and continue to breathe deeply allowing the flow of love to continue and the flow of love to be received by you. Continue this throughout the day into your New Year’s celebrations.

We give thanks for this circle, we give thanks to all of life, and we give thanks for our life!

Much love to you and blessings for the New Year!

Sandra Ingerman

P.S. Please share this email with other groups. Let’s invite many to join our circle in love.

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Where has all of the time gone?? Has it really been nearly a month since I last blogged about the essences?? I woke up this morning knowing I could not go another day without exploring — deeply and intuitively — the wonderful world of medicinal aromatherapy essences.

Third Chakra Benefits of Benzoin Essential Oil

I knew Benzoin was “up”…I used Benzoin many years ago to help awaken my solar plexus chakra…the area around the diaphragm. The diaphragm so integral to breath, especially deep breathing. Those who have learned to work well with their diaphragm — for example, opera singers, orators — know how breath from this region of our body relates to our ability to express powerfully. So…expression is not only about the throat chakra, but also about the 3rd Chakra…the solar plexus. This chakra is also about personal power and manifestation, and, understandably, the two go hand in hand. Benzoin served me well those years ago…supporting me in creating (manifesting) the life I desired.

Benzoin – An Absolute Made from the Resin of Styrax Tonkinensis (botanical name)

I put on the golden, thick essence of Benzoin on my wrists and upper lip, and, remembering my previous experience with her, also put some on my solar plexus. She is a tiny bit “burny” on my upper lip, reminding me that she is an Absolute…an essence produced via chemical extraction. Her resin is the source of the essential oil. Sometimes absolutes can affect me that way…slight irritation of my skin. I am amused to realize that, in life, too, absolutes irritate me!! I have never been one for “black and white” interpretations of ANYTHING. I think life is much too deliciously complex for that world view. So, when I am given absolute anything, you can pretty comfortably predict that I will resist it — and it will irritate me! I love all of the symbolism and rich meaning inherent in our words and in the facts of life. Listening deeply and observing carefully, I maintain, are two of the best ways to truly understand life and the world we live in (both natural and man-made).

The Emotional Side of Benzoin

I am struck by the sweetness of Benzoin’s aroma and the creamy consistency of her material essential essence form. In the perfume industry, she can be used as a natural fixative. That means, she helps keep things (chemistries/aromas) from breaking down and deteriorating. Wow. Of course, that means that she can do that for us, too! So when things are “going down the tubes” (deteriorating), and you are in danger of a “break down” (see how informative our words are??), Benzoin can sweetly be the finger in the dike that maintains our security.

Aromatherapy that Supports our Ability to Manifest

As far as personal power and manifesting go, Benzoin helps us to let go of our old stories, reasoning and patterns that no longer serve us, and helps us to create and express our new stories — our dreams for the planet and our own life. She helps us breathe life into our plans and make them a reality…manifestation on a very physical and practical level. The manifestation that comes of DOING SOMETHING. “Wishing & Hoping” is NOT Benzoin’s theme song!

On a physical level, Benzoin is very anti-inflammatory, and has a sedating quality. I see the latter property as enabling us to get off the “fast track to nowhere” and encouraging us to be mindful of life and all of its choices. If you have to stop and think, hard, to remember what your day was like yesterday, because it is literally a blur in your mind, perhaps Benzoin’s deliberate, slow flow is something that will help you regain control over your life.

Take Time to Smell the Flowers!

Benzoin’s sweet, warm comfort cradles you…and when was the last time you allowed yourself or had the opportunity for that oldest of comforts?? “Be gentle with yourself”, she whispers. “Take time to smell the flowers.” Sounds like good advice to me (and for me). How about you?

Much love, Audre Gutierrez

Owner, Shining Sun Aromatherapy

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez.

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Beginning my Journey with True Basil

It is early morning. I get comfortable in my sun-filled Santa Fe office and prepare to connect with True Basil essential oil. I apply 5 drops of True Basil to my crown chakra (a very favorite place of mine to apply essences) and 3 or so over my heart. I immediately taste her in my mouth…my mouth feels alive! She is broadcasting the nature of her essence…Truth, Truth, Truth. I see the word, I “feel” the word, and I speak the word. She continues…”Truth is Simplicity.” So what, exactly, does she mean??

Keeping us in our Integrity…or…There are no “Innocent” Lies

I am reminded of the saying, “When you tell the truth, it is easy to remember what you said.” Or, in other words, you never have to worry about being “tripped up” in a lie…even an “innocent” one. (Are there really any innocent ones???) While a lie may seem innocent…it may “spare” someone’s feelings, for example, I am of the belief that, while it may not hurt them, it definitely hurts the one who spoke it. It eats away at one’s integrity, bit by bit, in the case of “innocent” lies, and by huge chunks when the lie is deceptive or hurtful. Our words reveal, in the deepest sense imaginable, who we are. They are forever noted in the Akashic records. When we speak anything other than the truth, we are diminished. We are less than who we were just minutes before. We become embellishers, manipulators, or, even sadder, someone who thinks who they TRULY are, or what they TRULY did, isn’t good enough for this particular situation or this particular audience.

Knowing What to Say, and How and When to Say it

True Basil helps us to “walk the line” of truth…to learn to be better communicators so that we can speak the truth, our truth, in a loving way. She helps us to refine the skill of timing, so that we say what we have to say when it can be most fully received. So if you know that you will be addressing a situation where the truth may be difficult to express, put a few drops of Sweet Basil on your throat chakra and another drop on your heart, and you will be supported in your desire to express your truth in a respectful and loving way. Own your truth, and it will set you free.

True Basil’s Ability to Balance the Brain, Purify the Body

One of the properties of True Basil that enables her to help us in our efforts to maintain our integrity is her ability to balance the brain on all levels (physical, emotional and spiritual). She is also an incredible purifier, and in this process, helps us to sift our thoughts and words, so that we can choose what to address and the most effective means of expressing it. She helps you to “pick your battle” so to speak, affording you a powerful clarity of purpose and expression.

Staying “On Purpose”

True Basil also helps us to keep things simple in other ways. She starts working on you (if you use her regularly) to clear out the clutter in your life. Self-defeating or judging thoughts, commitments that do not serve you, physical clutter that drains your energy (do you really need all of those “chachkas” around??) — these are all things that keep us from being our highest and best self because they keep us “off purpose”. That is, they distract us from acting and being in ways that move us toward achieving our life purpose. With all of the space and energy we can claim when we minimize the clutter and “off purpose” things in our lives, we are much more likely to discover and act according to our true purpose in this life.

Doing a Life Audit with True Basil as Your Guide

I would encourage you to put 5-7 drops of True Basil on your crown chakra, and another 3-5 on your heart…and then survey your life. Literally walk around your space, and see it with these new eyes. What would make your life simpler?? What have you been planning to tackle…and, these months or years later, is still stacked in your dining room or garage? Do a comparable scan of your emotional life…what makes you happy? When do you feel like you are “home”? What brings tears of joy to your eyes? Now reflect upon your spiritual life. What inspires you? What resonates as truth to you? Do you surround yourself with people and places that feed your concept of God/The Universe? Do you spend time connecting with Nature? Looking at the key aspects of your life (that all reflect past choices) with True Basil as your guide allows you to look at the consequences of those choices in terms of the life you have created for yourself. As I once said to myself after one such review…”I created this life, and I can un-create it and build a new one.” And I did.

True Basil comes to us from the country of Egypt, imbued with the ancient wisdom of that land, and offering her clear, unwavering perspective to you, if you will only reach out your hand and invite her into your life.

With love, Audre

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez.

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Take me seriously!

As I sit here in Santa Fe, contemplating my bottle of Sweet Basil, I wonder just how distinctive the personalities of the members of the essence families will be (I have one more Basil to go in this blog site after this one…and the very large families of Eucalyptus, Spruce, and Lavender, among others…looming ahead of me!) Will I be at a loss for words? Will my entries become redundant, forcing me to address an entire botanical family in my blog, instead of each individual essence?? NO WORRIES!! My continuing experience with the Basil family affirms that each brings her own special nature to the practice of medicinal aromatherapy, while sharing in some common “family traits”.

I have just applied 5 drops of Sweet Basil essential oil to my crown chakra, 2 or 3 drops over my heart…and in deference to her legendary ability to relieve all types of digestive distress…I add 5 drops to my stomach. Her scent swirls around me and the message is “Take me seriously.” I will tell you why.

Food Poisoning and Other Stomach/Digestive Distress

If you have food poisoning, Sweet Basil is your girl. While she partners beautifully with essences such as Tarragon, Ginger, Peppermint and Cardamon Seed for just such situations (and believe me, when I had my one and only bout with food poisoning, I was pouring essences on me like there was no tomorrow…), she is also a strong “lone ranger” if need be.

Sweet Basil essential oil also makes short work of an upset stomach, gas, bloating, diarrhea…all the symptoms the woman in the TV commercial for an over-the-counter remedy glibly recites as she moves along the “people mover” in the airport. (They couldn’t PAY me enough to be in that commercial!!) I don’t know about you, but I know I would much rather use something completely natural to address any stomach problems I might experience.

Sweet Basil for Stings and Bites — Both Physical & Emotional

In the medicinal aromatherapy world, Sweet Basil is also a “first responder” for wasp stings and snake bites. That is some more pretty serious stuff, as she is quick to point out! There is something about the quickness and the invasiveness of such attacks that leave us stunned and unsettled. Sweet Basil is soothing on many levels, restoring our balance and neutralizing the poison introduced to our system. On an emotional and spiritual level, we have all experienced words and events that have “stung” us or that had a “bite” to them. We are no less devestated by such venom when it is energetic instead of physical. Sweet Basil can be applied to the area where you are most feeling the attack…over the heart, the solar plexus, or the stomach. If it is an “all over” feeling, you can always apply her to the soles of your feet and your crown chakra.

Rich Foods? Anger or Resentment? Sweet Basil to the Rescue!

Sweet basil essential oil is a purifier for the gall bladder and the liver (the gall bladder stores the bile produced by the liver for the digestion of fats). If you are one who loves rich foods, Sweet Basil can support that habit, and reduce the toll it takes on your body. Emotionally, it is said that the gall bladder and the liver are also repositories of any bitterness or anger that we hold. If you are one who holds a grudge, never forgets a perceived slight, or is in the “three strikes, you’re out” club, it is quite likely that you are straining your gall bladder and your liver just as much as the person who likes that 16oz steak a couple of times a week.

Sweet Basil can help you to make healthier choices…supporting you in letting go of behaviors that really do not serve you. She also reminds us of the #2 agreement in Don Miguel Ruiz’s wonderful book “The Four Agreements”…Don’t take anything personally. Your world would change — in fact THE world would change, if we could all adhere to that simple rule each and every day. As the graphic to the left admonishes “Refuse to eat emotional poison”.

No matter what happened, it is NOT about you! And, even if it really, really seems to be, in the grand scheme of things, it is not. Only YOUR choices are about you, not someone else’s. Their choices are about THEM.

So, I invite you to consider and explore the deeper levels at which Sweet Basil works on us. Let her take the “sting” out of your life and replace it with a serious dose of sweetness!

Blessings,

Audre Gutierrez, Santa Fe, NM

Please note: The content of this blog posting is the sole property of Audre Gutierrez and Shining Sun Farm, LLC. No portion may be used commercially without the written approval of Audre Gutierrez. The image from the Four Agreements Card Deck came from the website of tarot reader Janet Boyer, and is used with permission.

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