Meditations from A Course in Miracles(On recognizing the value of what your have.) What have you taught yourself that you can possibly prefer to keep, in place of what you have and what you are?
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The Benefits of Lovely Lavender It’s a scent almost all of us are familiar with. Whether it’s your lovely body wash or that Earl Grey tea you’re drinking, the fragrance of lavender brings back memories and soothes the soul. Lavender oil has a lot of great health benefits you may not have known about! Lavender oil is commonly found in a lot of potpourri mixes, especially those used in the bedroom, since the fragrance is said to help people fall asleep. Traditionally the oil has been used in different aromatherapy preparations such as lotions, soaps and blended with stronger scents like cedar and nutmeg to help balance the smell. When your muscles are store and stiff, or if you suffer from rheumatism, lumbago, or muscle tension, massaging with Lavender essential oil is said bring relief. Insomnia Can’t drift off to sleep? Try burning a Lavender scented candle in your bedroom before you go to bed, or create a sachet by putting Lavender in a sock and putting it under your pillow. The fragrance will relax you and help you sleep. For those anxious days If you suffer from headaches, migraines, anxiety or emotional tension, you may want to try bringing some Lavender into your home. Many people say that it can help you relax as it removes restlessness and stimulates the mind. For your skin Lavender oil is well known for its antiseptic and antifungal properties. Steeped in a tea with chamomile, and then used on the skin, it also helps treat eczema and sunburns. Some have found it to be helpful for conditions such as acne and psoriasis, too. For your tummy If you have flatulence, indigestion or a generally “icky” stomach, you may want to try Lavender tea. The oil helps stimulate the gastric juice production in your stomach and helps aid digestion. Important: Warnings and Exceptions Diabetics should not use Lavender oil. Women who are pregnant and breastfeeding should also avoid using Lavender oil. Some people are too sensitive to Lavender and may find themselves having allergic reactions, including headaches, nausea and vomiting. It's a good idea to consult with your doctor before using it. When silence is golden After a busy day at work or a jam-packed day with the kids, do you relish the thought of escaping to a quiet getaway where you are able to concentrate on your own thoughts? Okay, I admit that it sounds kind of weird. But the more I think about it, the more the idea appeals to me. The idea behind a silent retreat is you go somewhere peaceful and quiet and…don’t talk. At all. For a day, two days, or sometimes even longer. Besides talking, there are no other sounds—blasting from a television, honking cars, blaring music, and so on. If there are any sounds at all, it may simply be the sounds of nature, the breeze blowing through the trees, a bird singing in the morning, a toad croaking in the evening. Admit it, the idea is sounding better! The concept behind a silent retreat is without any outside influences to sway you, you are able to hear yourself think and focus attention on yourself for a change. There are a lot of silent retreats available around the country. At most retreat centers, upon arriving you will find there are usually no strict guidelines as to how you should behave. A typical day often begins with a group lecture or discussion so you will have some direction for your personal silence. People who have been on a silent retreat can’t say enough about their positive experiences. The fact that ordinary people have such a life-changing experience by simply not talking proves that quiet is such a rarity in our lives. Not only will a silent retreat help to clear your mind, but also you’ll be relaxed and rejuvenated enough to return your busy life. And perhaps motivate you to make a few changes in your hectic schedule as well. Silence…the blissful enjoyment of quiet. No speaking. No answering. Simply..quiet..quiet… |
For centuries lavender oil has been known to help relax the mind, remove tension, help with certain respiratory problems, relieve pain and act as a disinfectant for the skin. The word "lavender" comes from the Latin word “lavare” which means to wash. No wonder everything smells so clean and fresh when there's just a hint of Lavendar. 
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