Positive Changes

by Geoff Lyth

This weekend many people around the world celebrate the resurrection of Christ, and Easter Sunday on the 23rd is considered to be one of the most holy of days in the Christian calendar.

For Christians, the Easter message is one of hope and life everlasting. It recalls that Christ rose from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, symbolising death, rebirth and the immortality of life. In other words; out of suffering, something new and wonderful can be born. It can just be a bit of a bumpy road.

Despite all of the technological advances of the present world, we can’t protect ourselves from the unexpected and unwanted changes to our daily life. These challenges can often be painful, overwhelming and hard to bear. Therefore, instead of letting go of the past and moving on to pastures new, we cling to yesterday and therefore limit tomorrow.

Make way for change

An example of this is when someone loses their job. This can be seen as a death to their ‘old’ way of life, and when starting a new job it is the birth of a ‘new’ path. However, some people get so stuck in the loss of the old that they can not make way for the birth to the new very easily. Because of this they can make life very difficult for themselves.

All of us, without exception, live in an ever changing world which brings constant challenges, and we should try to adapt to new ideas and concepts in everyday situations. The wise person understands this and adjusts, seeing the challenge for what it is - growth and development of their whole being, including their soul.

Nevertheless, many people do not like change and prefer to exist in the world that they feel safe and secure in, whilst the world around them continues to change. If only we would realise that although the new path may well be different and even uncomfortable, it opens up the door to new experiences and possibilities that were not available in our old circumstances. It is through this process that we learn and become a wiser person.

Transitional aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a valuable tool that can be utilized to help us through the various stages of growth and development in our lives, bringing both welcome continuity and reassurance. Essential oils can influence our emotions and mind in a positive way, helping us through the ‘death and resurrection’ stages of our progress through life.

So if like me, you do not always welcome change, you should use essential oils as your first line of defence every time life throws you a curved ball. Your oils can be used in a positive way to help you cope with and accept some of the more difficult changes that life can bring.

We go through a whole range of emotions whilst trying to adjust to changing circumstances, and not necessarily in any particular order. We are all individuals and will react differently to the circumstances. By using an appropriate essential oil when a negative emotion sets in, you will take your first positive step to being in control of your situation.

Here are the oils that I have found particularly helpful over the years when clearing negative emotions;-

• Fear - Although fear may not be the obvious emotion that we are experiencing in times of change, it often lurks at the back of the mind impeding our progress. Essential oils of Cedar Atlas, Cypress, Frankincense, Juniper Berry, Palmarosa, Rose and Ylang Ylang can all relieve negativity and aid with the transition into a new phase.

• Anger - After the initial shock of your new state of affairs, anger often follows fear. Chamomile Roman, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Neroli, Orange Sweet and Ylang Ylang are all oils that can all be used effectively to calm the outrage that is often felt with circumstances forced upon us.

• Frustration - When we want to change our situation but know that we can’t just yet, frustration may develop. Once again, oils of Sandalwood, Chamomile Roman, Frankincense and Ylang Ylang show their value and flexibility with calming emotional states, together with Bergamot, Grapefruit, Lavender, Orange Sweet and Yuzu. These oils all help soothe the frustration of circumstances that are beyond our control.

• Insecurity - We may be left feeling vulnerable and insecure by all the changes entering our lives, so Bergamot, Geranium, Jasmine, Juniper Berry, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Yarrow and Vetiver would be the oils of choice at this phase.

• Regret - Invariably, after the first raw emotions have been overcome, a tinge of regret often remains; ‘why didn’t I . . . . if only I hadn’t . . . .’ This emotion often lingers the longest, and if not dealt with effectively we can be left emotionally scarred for life. Using essential oils of Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Lemon, Rose, Sandalwood, Spikenard, Yarrow and Yuzu can help you get rid of this emotional baggage and move on.

Do a baggage check now and look at the glass of your life - is it half full, or is it half empty?

Still not sure? Better get those essential oils out again . . . . . .