As I mentioned in my previous blog 'being present' may be hard and may even feel almost impossible to ever reach. Perhaps something only achieved through consistent daily meditation, and you could be only able to achieve it at a silence retreat, or a vow to really 'go there!'
In my line of work, in the field of Aromatherapy I find that essential oils can be so supportive to unlocking your pathway into your own healing journey in line with your rhythm.
Sometimes we don't even know whether we are ready or not, or even know if we need or must do, and that's where I find the very beauty in the practice of Aromatherapy as it brings forth your true response. You can't hide your body's natural response to the smell of an oil. Whilst I've known this for some time I got to witness it on another level with a child who is elective mute. It was the very first time we'd ever met and his Mum had said not to be offended if he chooses not to speak, and that he is very 'particular' about smells. After building rapport through outside play, we stepped into the Summer house to explore the essential oils. He had a strong aversion to Bitter Orange, and found Vanilla okay (shared through his body language) and I acknowledged these on paper, and thanked him for communicating this to me. He looked surprised that I had somehow read his mind! I said the next oil was mystical and he leaned in a couple of times to Holy Basil 'you're curious about this one, aren't you?' He nodded and couldn't resist speaking to me, he wanted to know more and was then open to explore Elemi and Niaouli. Later he opted to make a recipe with Benzoin, Lime & Frankincense. I share this as a prime example of the somewhat silent communication the body provides, it's just noticing and listening to it.
How can we find you place of balance before your readiness towards being present? In my aromatherapeutic opinion I would suggest reaching for Palamarosa, Rose Geranium, Agnus Castus, Vanilla, Benzoin, Ylang Ylang, or Jasmine.
Let me share a little more and help guide you towards the right ones to focus on for your personal attention.
Palmarosa - over the years I've turned to this oil in the realms of balancing skin health but in recent times I have seen some benefits for finding balance emotionally. At a time when you feel between places, without a firm foot in a direction or feeling of certainty, maybe a cautiousness over a decision you have to make.
Rose Geranium - brought to the forefront in any hormonal situation but again has gone on to be loved by male and female smell buds, where they beam with contentment and an immediate sense of groundedness in their body expressions.
Agnus Castus - if hormones are strongly misbehaving, and distracting you from everything you would like to be able to do then settle here with this otherwise known plant - Vitex Berry.
Vanilla - the sweetness is comforting for so many, and is often such a pleasant place to start your journey but be mindful it's sugar-like addiction capabilities which may make it hard to move away from. Don't get too comfortable here.
Benzoin - so similar to Benzoin in use and sweet-holding strengths as Vanilla, but a much more heavy, earthy grounded feeling comes forth if you feel that most of the time, your life is moving so fast you barely get a chance to enjoy life along the way.
Jasmine - the 'Yin' of the Yang in terms of balance through the femininity path where you need to bring more empathy, nurture, and compassion to be in a balanced state.
Ylang Ylang - the 'Yang' to the Yin bringing masculine balance when you need to be more decisive, firm, and clear at this time of your balance-seeking journey.
Spend time here in BALANCE, as much as you personally need on your route to becoming present. Do not rush, push, or force the experience. It's your adventure, let it BE.