I sometimes have people ask me; why I choose the Essential Oils I choose, when their are cheaper alternatives. It is a good question. I asked myself that too, before doing my own research. It wasn't until then that I started to understand why some essential oils are more expensive than others.
Firstly, it's important to do research, so that you can understand why the price difference is worth it. The price difference is definitely worth it. It is also important to understand what essential oils are and also how they are made.
Essential Oils are plant extract and they have been made by steam distilling, resin tapping or pressing various parts of the plant (flower, leaves, bark or fruit) to capture the compounds that produce the essence or fragrance. It can take a huge amount of plant matter to produce a single bottle of essential oil. Every essential oil is priced differently depending on the plant; where it's grown, how much plant matter is needed to produce the oil, purity of the plant, rarity of the plant, shipping costs and more.
It can take a huge amount of plant matter to produce one single oil such as Rose. I find it incredible that it takes up to 9.98kg or rose petals to produce only one 5ml bottle of pure Rose oil! It takes 75 lemons to produce one 15ml bottle of Lemon! Isn't that incredible.
It's a delicate process to harvest the plants. Some botanicals has to be harvested at specific time of the day, month and season to make sure you get the best quality oil.
Some plants are also very rare such as Blue Tansy which originates from the mediterranean coast of Mexico.
The best quality oils are grown in their natural environments to produce the best quality oil. This means that it can cost a lot in shipping.
Here are just some things that I would check before purchasing the essential oil:
- Read the ingredients on the bottle
- Research the company you are looking at buying the essential oil from
- Check so they don't have any synthetic fillers
- Check if you are allowed to go and visit the company's farm
- Make sure the oil is pure and authentic
- Look at the companies values and how long it's been around
They are just some things that I would check.
After doing extensive research myself and using many different brands of oils, I decided that I choose the essential oil based on Quality and the company that ticked all my boxes was Young Living. Young Living has high quality products. They have a strict Seed to Seal quality commitment. They oversee the making of their oils from start to finish.
The price range of Young Living's oils vary a lot but you can get oils that are under $30 such as
Lemon, Cedarwood, Lemongrass, Eucalyptus Globulus, Lime, Nutmeg, Grapefruit, Orange, Pine, Spearmint, Tangerine and also some of the blend RC, Citrus fresh, Envision, DiGize, Christmas Spirit, and Seedlings Calm and Sleepyize.
FREE AWAKEN essential Oil Blend when you start your Clean Living Journey in June 2023.
Overcoming procrastination and taking action towards a healthier and fitter lifestyle requires commitment, discipline, and a strategic approach.
Here are some steps to help you stop procrastinating and start taking action:
1. Set Clear Goals: Define specific, measurable, and realistic health and fitness goals. Having clear objectives will give you a sense of direction and motivation to take action.
2. Break It Down: Break your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. This makes them less overwhelming and easier to tackle. Create a step-by-step plan that outlines the actions you need to take.
3. Create a Schedule: Establish a regular schedule for your health and fitness activities. Set aside dedicated time for exercise, meal planning, and self-care. Treat these appointments with yourself as non-negotiable and prioritize them.
4. Start Small: Begin with small, achievable actions to build momentum. For example, commit to a 10-minute workout or incorporate one healthy meal into your day. Starting small helps you overcome inertia and build consistency.
5. Find an Accountability Partner: Seek support from a friend, family member, or fitness buddy who shares your goals. Having someone to hold you accountable, offer encouragement, and celebrate your progress can be highly motivating.
6. Remove Distractions: Identify and minimize potential distractions that hinder your progress. This may include reducing screen time, turning off notifications, or creating a dedicated workspace for exercise or meal preparation.
7. Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward yourself for taking action and reaching milestones along the way. Celebrate your achievements, whether it's treating yourself to something you enjoy or acknowledging your progress with positive self-talk.
8. Practice Time Management: Improve your time management skills to maximize productivity. Break your day into blocks of focused work, incorporating designated time for health and fitness activities. Avoid multitasking and allocate specific time slots for different tasks.
9. Find Your Motivation: Discover what truly motivates you to be healthy and fit. It could be improving your overall well-being, boosting your energy levels, achieving a personal fitness goal, or setting a positive example for your loved ones. Connect with that motivation regularly to stay committed.
10. Embrace Mindset Shifts: Cultivate a growth mindset and embrace the belief that you have the ability to change and make progress. Replace negative self-talk and self-doubt with positive affirmations and self-compassion. Focus on the benefits and the joy of living a healthy lifestyle.
11. Seek Professional Guidance: Consider consulting with professionals such as a fitness trainer, nutritionist, or wellness coach. They can provide personalized guidance, support, and expertise to help you stay on track and overcome obstacles.
Remember that change takes time and effort. Be patient with yourself and stay committed to your goals. Each small step you take is a valuable move towards a healthier and fitter life.
Karin xx
Become the expert of You!
Rosmarinus officinalis plant - Rosemary is a well-known and commonly used herb found in many households. It has a refreshing, uplifting and energizing aroma and can be used in a variety of ways. In addition to its culinary uses as a flavorful seasoning, Rosemary essential oil can also be used topically and aromatically for its soothing and invigorating properties. It can be applied topically to help soothe sore muscles and joints, promote healthy skin and hair, and support overall wellness. When diffused, Rosemary essential oil can help create an environment of mental clarity and focus, making it a great oil to use during work or study sessions. Overall, Rosemary essential oil is a versatile and valuable addition to any essential oil collection.
Rosemary essential oil is a powerful and versatile oil that can be used in a variety of ways. One way to take advantage of its benefits is by creating your own blends.
Here are a just a few ideas for you to use rosemary essential oil:
- Mental clarity blend: Combine 3 drops of rosemary oil, 3 drops of peppermint oil, and 3 drops of lemon oil for a refreshing and invigorating blend that can help promote mental clarity and focus.
- Respiratory support blend: Mix 4 drops of rosemary oil, 3 drops of eucalyptus oil, and 3 drops of tea tree oil for a powerful blend that can support respiratory health and ease congestion.
- Digestive support blend: Combine 2 drops of rosemary oil, 2 drops of ginger oil, and 2 drops of fennel oil to create a blend that can soothe digestive issues and support healthy digestion.
- Headache tension: Make an essential oil roller blend with Rosemary oil, Peppermint oil and M-Grain Oil.
- Hydrating hair mask: Warm up 2 tablespoons Coconut Oil and 1 tablespoon of honey. Add 3 drops of Rosemary oil and mix together. Apply to the hair shaft, especially the ends, put on a shower cap and leave it in for about 30 minutes. Rinse out the mask, then wash and dry hair as usual.
- Massage Blend: Make a massage blend with 15ml rosemary essential oil, 10 drops of Thyme essential oil, 10 drops of Panaway oil blend, 5 drops of Lemongrass Essential Oil Fill to the top with V6 essential Oil.
Remember, when using essential oils, it's important to dilute them properly and follow safe usage guidelines. And always make sure you are using high-quality oils from a trusted source, like Young Living.
To get your free essential oil e-book >> Free e book
On May the 26th 2023 I did my first VLOG - Video Log.
Since starting my "Great Wellness Reset" 2022 - about a year ago, I have had so many people contacting me saying how much they liked following my journey on Facebook and said they would like me to share more.
I have always felt a little "shy" when it comes to sharing more personal stuff, but I decided that if I don't start sharing now, when will I.
In the first video I am just sharing a little bit of my paradise here in Porepunkah, in the Alpine Region of Victoria.
We are just a few days of winter now, and the colours are changing as the leaves are falling of the trees.
I have loved the colours of the autumn here in Bright. The colours are incredible.
I do hope you enjoy watching my little paradise VLOG. Please make sure you subscribe to my YouTube channel, turn on the notifications and like the video. I will be my adventures and wisdom with you.
I look forward to hearing your comments.
Karin x
A MALA is a string of beads used for meditation and prayer in various spiritual practices, particularly in Hinduism and Buddhism. It is similar to a rosary in the Christian tradition. Malas can be made from various materials such as gemstones, wood, seeds, or crystals, and they typically consist of 108 beads, although variations exist with different bead counts.
The number 108 holds significance in many spiritual and cultural traditions.
Here are some interpretations of why the mala typically has 108 beads:
1. Sacred Number: In Hindu and Buddhist traditions, the number 108 is considered sacred. It is believed to represent the wholeness of existence, including the individual self, the universe, and the divine. Each bead is a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things.
2. Cosmic Relationships: The number 108 is said to reflect various cosmic relationships. For example, it is believed to represent the 12 zodiac signs and the 9 planets, resulting in 12 multiplied by 9 equaling 108. Additionally, the distance between the Earth and the Sun is about 108 times the diameter of the Sun.
3. Energy Centers: In yoga and Ayurveda, it is believed that the human body has 108 energy channels or nadis that converge to form the heart chakra. Each bead on the mala can be seen as a symbol of these energy centers and serves as a tool for aligning and balancing them during meditation.
4. Mantra Repetition: Malas are often used to count repetitions of mantras during meditation. A mantra is a sacred word, sound, or phrase that is repeated to focus the mind and enhance spiritual growth. The mala with 108 beads allows practitioners to track the recitation of the mantra by moving one bead at a time, helping to maintain concentration and awareness.
It's important to note that while 108 is a significant number, not all malas have precisely 108 beads. Some malas may have fewer beads, such as 54 or 27, and there are also wrist malas with around 18 to 27 beads. The symbolism and purpose of the mala remain regardless of the specific bead count. Ultimately, the mala serves as a personal tool for meditation, prayer, intention setting, and spiritual practice.
Using a mala necklace for meditation and spiritual practice is a simple and effective process.
Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a mala necklace:
- Set Your Intention: Before you begin using the mala, take a moment to set your intention or purpose for your practice. It could be a specific mantra, affirmation, or quality you wish to cultivate during your meditation.
- Choose a Comfortable Position: Find a comfortable seated position for your meditation practice. You can sit on a cushion, chair, or in any other position that allows you to maintain an upright posture while being relaxed.
- Hold the Mala in Your Hand: Hold the mala in your dominant hand, allowing it to rest on your middle or index finger. You can let the mala drape between your fingers or hold it loosely, ensuring that it is comfortable and doesn't restrict your movement.
- Start at the Guru Bead: The guru bead is the larger bead at the center of the mala. Begin your practice by holding the mala with your thumb and middle finger and starting at the bead next to the guru bead (the bead before and after the guru bead are not counted).
- Recite Your Mantra or Affirmation: With each bead, gently move your thumb or middle finger to the next bead while reciting your chosen mantra or affirmation silently or aloud. You can use a specific mantra or simply focus on your breath or a word that resonates with your intention.
- Keep Count: Continue moving from bead to bead, repeating your mantra with each bead until you reach the guru bead again. You can choose to go around the mala once or multiple times, depending on your preference and the time you have available for your practice.
- Pause or Reverse Direction: When you reach the guru bead, you can pause for a moment of reflection, gratitude, or to transition to another practice. If you wish to continue, you have the option to reverse direction and move back along the mala without crossing over the guru bead.
- Closing Your Practice: Once you have completed your desired number of repetitions or reached the end of your meditation, gently place the mala down or wear it as a reminder of your practice throughout the day.
Remember, the mala is a personal tool, and you can adapt its usage to suit your individual practice. You can use it for meditation, mantra repetition, mindfulness, or any other spiritual practice that resonates with you. Enjoy the process and let the mala serve as a supportive tool on your spiritual journey.
Understand what makes you different from everyone else and learn the profound insights into your psychology, along with strategies and techniques for making correct decisions, ultimately leading to a life of more ease and fulfillment.
