::lessons from the bud light bandit::

This time of year, when the snow melts and leaves behind piles of dirt and trash, always gets me a little twitchy.  I'm that crazy person walking down the street in my pajamas picking up trash and cursing.  With the crazy winds we had last week, everyone's trash barrels (including mine) tipped over and trash and recycling blew everywhere.  So each day I try to get out and pick up a little more to quiet the voices in my head that make me bananas.

Since we moved to town, I've noticed a ridiculous amount of Bud Light cans thrown to the side of the road in our neighborhood.  Every time I see them, I can't help but yell WHO IS THIS CRAZY PERSON WHO THROWS BUD LIGHT CANS OUT OF THEIR CAR WINDOW?!?!  I've always called this person the Bud Light Bandit. And I've always wanted to pound the crap out of them if I ever find out who they are.

The other day I was driving down the streets near my house and realized that the Bud Light Bandit has returned, in full force.  I can't blame it on the wind, or the melting snow.  These blue cans just seem to be mocking me, and testing my patience.  But I took a deep breath and realized that maybe these cans are teaching me that I don't have any control (duh), and no matter how many Bud Light cans get dumped all around me, the best I can do is get out there and pick some up and keep going.  There are always going to be more cans.  I have no control over the Bud Light Bandit, just like I have no control over pretty much everything else that life throws my way.  It's my reaction that I can control, and only that.*

(*but if I do find you BLB, I will still want to kick your ass)

::breathing into the pain::

So I tweaked my shoulder.  It might've been that sneezing fit the other night, when I sneezed approximately 50,000 times in a row.  Whatever the cause, physical pain is no joke. My body has been good to me and I'm usually injury and pain free, but it's tweaks like this that make me want to curl up in bed and shut down.  It's been making me think about my clients and how lots of them deal with chronic pain on a daily basis.  People come to me broken and begging for relief.  I do my best but sometimes the cause of the pain just doesn't want to budge.

But pain can be a teacher if we allow it.

Wait, what?  It's not easy.  My temptation is to try to fix it, and fast.  Slathering on oils, balms, stretching...anything that will make the pain disappear.  But what if there was something else that could facilitate the healing?  Healing from the inside out?

Which brings me to my point----breath.  I've been thinking so much about deep breathing lately and while laying in bed with the heating pad on my neck and shoulders, I read this quote::

"Put your hand on the affected area, take a few breaths while you let your hand warm up, and ask for focus:  What do you need from me now?  What step can I take to help?  Let the pain speak.  You might get an odd little flash:  Rest.  Stretch.  Stop sitting with your legs crossed.  When I first started doing this, my self-talk would get in the way-- I can't do this;  it's delusional talking to myself--but when I'd shut up and listen, I'd usually hear something.  Keep asking:  What do you need?  Get quiet and listen for a response.  It might take a minute or two, or five or six days, but if you start to ask, you can regain that natural, healthy internal communication. 

Get curious about what you can learn from your pain.  A plant has a taproot--one primary, big deep root--and lots of secondary roots.  You don't have to find all those smaller roots, but you do need to find the taproot of your pain.  Discover, go deep, and shift.  What does the area in pain need?  How can you give your pain a voice, and then offer it what it needs?" 

-- Ana T. Forrest, Fierce Medicine

So instead of fighting against the pain, I've been trying to ask my body what it needs.  I've been working hard to send the whole area deep, cleansing breaths.  Instead of pushing the pain away, I've been welcoming it in and seeing where it takes me.

Let's be clear...I still think pain is a giant pain in the ass, but until I'm 100% cool with the lessons it has to teach me, I'm just going to keep sending it breaths.

xo

::give love::

Give love::  so simple, and yet so important.  It should be effortless-- yet sometimes it's the most difficult thing to do.  It's my mantra every day---Want to feel good?  Give love.  Having a bad day?  Give love.  Feeling worn thin and overwhelmed?  Give love. 

I've had this song by MC Yogi on repeat.  Here are some of the lyrics-
-----
Love is the answer, love is the key, love is the glue between you and me
Open up your heart and you will see, love is the thing that'll set you free
'Cause love is the remedy love is the cure, love is the only thing that'll stop the war
It's what the whole world is looking for, so what in the world are you waiting for
Give love, give love away
Give love, give love away
Give love, give love away now
Give love, give love away
Give love to your brother, love to your father, love to your mother, your sons, and your daughters
Give love to your sisters and all your friends, shine your love in all directions
----

Today, and every day.
Give love.

::what a year brings::

In my Facebook memories from a year ago, one of my blog posts popped up.  A year ago today, we were settling into the unknowns after John's pulmonary emboli.  We had so many questions about what our future would look like, and we were trying so hard to have faith and enjoy the days.  We were looking forward to the November ahead---to Thanksgiving, to hockey games, family parties.  I was awaiting the results of the second embryo transfer.

These are some of the words I wrote a year ago today:

"Today, I light a candle, and sit in ceremony, reflecting.  I'll gather with friends for an Indian lunch.  I'll go thrifting.  I'll go to a parent-teacher conference.  But through it all, I'll hold this feeling close---this unknowing, this beautiful jumping-off-the-edge feeling that starts it all."

It's wild to think how little has changed in a year.  We're still in a holding pattern as far as the future in regards to John's job.  We are still looking forward to all the same things, and filling our days with all the same things that we love.  The only difference is that I grew and gave birth to a beautiful baby for an incredible couple!

There's been an insane amount of growth and learning that's happened during these 12 months.  We've learned the ultimate lesson in patience.  We've learned the hard way that things don't always go as planned.  That life throws curveballs when you least expect it.  But the bottom line remains the same--- we circle, we take care of each other, we check in.  We have low moments, we check out, we're human.  We rise up again, we wait, we rally.  It's cyclical, and maddening, and full of bright moments. 

deep sleep...

Evidently my blog has been experiencing a bit of "Deep Sleep" these past couple of sultry, summery months!  And now it's time to transition to my absolute most favorite time of the year--- a time filled with steaming cups of tea, hula hooping in the backyard while the leaves fall, trips to the orchard, homemade treats, cozy decorations---I could go on and on!  With the kids back at school, there will be more moments for self care as well as more time to sink myself back into work and volunteering. There will also be the hustle and bustle that hockey season brings, as well as the celebrations, afterschool activities, and all the other stuff that comes along with the craziness of having three kids in three different schools in town.  Deeeeeep breaths...

This summer was incredible in so many ways, but it was also difficult---healing from the c-section took much longer than I anticipated, and as soon as I started feeling more human, it was time to slap on a bathing suit and prance my postnatal body around the beach while we were on vacation.  There's nothing more humbling that putting on a bathing suit after having a baby, especially when that cute baby isn't around to hide behind!  I got my fair share of "So when are you due?"s (you know, AFTER the baby was born) and as cool as I'd like to say that I am with my ever-changing body, each one was tough to swallow.  But I'm finally feeling closer to back to normal, and looking forward to getting back on track now that the season of frosty summery drinks and kielbasa has passed ;)

For lots of us, back to school means back to routine, and the most favorite part of our bedtime routine is Deep Sleep.  Our bedtimes shift back to a more decent hour, and we use this blend called "Deep Sleep" that I created to assist us not only in falling asleep, but staying asleep once we're there!  It's made with lavender, cedarwood and vanilla essential oils.  It's necessary in these parts.  I just made up a batch for our bedside tables---if you're like one too, message me. Take care of yourselves during this transition---it can be a little funky for some of us. Carve out some time for self care...it's important! xo

*Belly Breaths* and connecting

Some of the most incredible things that have been happening in my life lately are the opportunities that keep arising for me to hold space for people.  It's one of my favorite things, and not something I take lightly.  Each day, I wake up to emails and messages from people that I love, and some who I've yet to even meet yet, sharing stories and reaching out.  Asking for help, and advocating for themselves and their loved ones.  Searching for comfort.  It's a beautiful thing.  Through developing my own line of essential oil mists and roll-ons, I've been able to strengthen these connections.  I love helping people connect to blends (or pure oils) that will support them through whatever they may be dealing with in their lives. 

Because it's no secret, party people...life is freaking hard sometimes.  And plant medicine is here to help!

The best part of it is is that most of the time, I'm developing these blends for myself, or my family, first.  I love having these plant tools at my fingertips to help ease and soothe.  Lately my favorite, most comforting oils have been sandalwood (on my arms and in a diffuser necklace), frankincense every morning on my third eye and throat chakras (and the back on my neck), InTune on my temples and neck, and Forgive in the diffuser. As much as I always have a hard time nailing down which oils are my favorites, I'd have to say these four are on the heaviest rotation right now.  Lulu loves wild orange and goes to it first every time.  Johnny is a vetiver guy.  The other two kids have a love/hate relationship with oils but are always willing to give anything a try if they are desperate enough ;)

Creating my own blends and custom blends for people gives me the freedom to explore and play, which is my favorite part.  For example, I created Belly Breaths because lots of friends were reaching out to me about overwhelming feelings of anxiety. My son deals with crippling anxiety almost on a daily basis, so I knew that I needed to formulate something that would help him, too.  Belly Breaths is created with a blend of frankincense, marjoram, geranium, clary sage, and wild orange essential oils in a base of fractionated coconut oil, with floating pieces of citrine for added anxiety support.  The blend also helps with hormonal headaches and monthly cramps, added bonus!  (*If you or someone you love would like to try the blend, please reach out to me.  It's $10 local delivery and $12.50 shipped US).  I love hearing feedback and stories so please share if you feel inclined!

If there's something else you'd like to try, or if you'd like to explore essential oils in general with me, please reach out.  If you're struggling and feeling down, I encourage you to reach out to a friend or someone safe instead of shutting down and closing off.  Sometimes human connection is the best gift we can give ourselves in times of struggle.  xo

::springtime pest mist recipe::

With tick and mosquito season quickly approaching in New England, I thought it might be helpful to share how to create your own anti-pest mist with all natural essential oils!  Essential oils are something we're very passionate about in our family, because they are effective, safe, and toxin-free.  This mist can be sprayed directly on the body and clothing, used on children, and also sprayed directly on pets.

Springtime Pest Mist

In a 4 oz. amber spray bottle, combine the following:

*15 drops of lemongrass essential oil
*15 drops of eucalyptus essential oil
*5 drops of melaluca (tea tree) essential oil
*Top off bottle with distilled water

Make sure to shake well before every application.  Before venturing out into the woods, spray your shoes, pants, socks, and any area where the skin is exposed.  Don't forget about those pets, too! (Avoid spraying near eyes for both humans and pets).   If you have peppermint or lavender essential oils on hand, they would also make a great addition to this mist as well.  Feel free to add or subtract ingredients based on your preferences.  I make up a couple of bottles and keep one in my bag, one in the car, and one with the kids' sports equipment.  Essential oils are an incredible, plant-based way to help fight off unwanted pests this spring season!


Nina Gilbert is a Licensed Massage Therapist and Reiki Practitioner working at Body and Mind Physical Therapy and Wellness at 25 Indian Rock Road, Suite 26, in Windham NH. She's passionate about essential oils and educating people about their effectiveness.  Any questions, please contact her at bodyandmindpt2@gmail.com or check out the website at www.bodyandmindpt.com.