Category Archives: Better Living

How to Use Essential Oils: Angelica

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Angelica essential oil is well known for its soothing and calming aromatic qualities, making it a popular choice for creating a relaxing environment. Often referred to as the “oil of angels,” it has a gentle yet grounding aroma that can help ease stress and tension. Many people use Angelica oil in aromatherapy to unwind after a long day or to promote a sense of peace during meditation. Its natural properties make it a valuable oil for emotional balance and relaxation.

In addition to its calming effects, Angelica essential oil has been studied for its ability to reduce fevers. It is believed to help fight the infections that cause fever, supporting the body’s natural healing process. To use Angelica oil for this purpose, dilute 1-2 drops with a carrier oil and apply it to the chest. The oil’s therapeutic properties may assist in boosting the immune system and providing relief from discomfort. It is also commonly used in diffusers to promote feelings of tranquility, helping to create a restful atmosphere.

Beyond its traditional uses, Angelica essential oil has been noted for its potential in combating addictions. When diffused, it is said to cause a distaste for alcohol, making it a helpful tool for those looking to break free from certain habits. Some people also use it to help manage cravings and support emotional resilience during recovery. While not a standalone solution, incorporating Angelica oil into a wellness routine may provide additional support for those seeking to overcome various dependencies.

A Story From The Art of Happiness

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A Story from The Art of Happiness

One of the most memorable stories from The Art of Happiness that reflects the quote “A calm mind brings inner strength and self-confidence, so that’s very important for good health.” is the story of a Tibetan monk who endured years of imprisonment and torture yet emerged with unshaken peace and inner strength.

The Story of the Tibetan Monk

During a conversation, the Dalai Lama shared the story of a Tibetan monk who had been imprisoned by the Chinese government for nearly 20 years after the invasion of Tibet in 1959. The monk had been tortured, starved, and subjected to brutal conditions in a Chinese prison camp.

When the monk was finally released, he traveled to India and met with the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama, knowing the suffering he had endured, asked him,

“What was the greatest danger you faced during your time in prison?”

The monk replied, “The greatest danger I faced was losing my compassion for my captors.”

What This Story Teaches Us

Despite experiencing unimaginable suffering, the monk maintained a calm mind and inner strength. He understood that if he allowed anger, hatred, or fear to take over, he would have lost his inner peace and self-confidence—which, in turn, would have destroyed his mental and physical health.

Instead of focusing on his suffering, he focused on compassion, forgiveness, and maintaining a peaceful state of mind. He survived the ordeal not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually intact.

The Gift of Generosity

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I remember a kind couple, John and Nome Mackaleash, who loved my parents and enjoyed spending time with our family. They had big hearts and a genuine desire to help. They often brought us new clothes from a business they owned, showing their thoughtfulness in ways we deeply appreciated. One visit stands out in my memory: my sister Rachel was participating in a fundraiser, selling boxes of M&M candies for a dollar each—a significant amount of money in the 1980s. Without hesitation, John pulled out twenty dollars and bought the entire case of candy. Then, in an act of pure generosity, he gave each of us our own box.

Fast forward 20 years, and now it was my turn as a parent. My children were doing school fundraisers, but my reaction was the opposite of John’s. I completely discouraged them from participating. I’d say, “I’ll give you a dollar if you don’t do that fundraiser.” I was downright unpleasant to anyone who came to my door selling something.

One day, while listening to an audiobook, I heard the speaker say, “Be generous with your money, and it will come back to you tenfold.” Something about that message resonated with me. I decided to change my ways. I started being more open and generous, buying from every child who came to my door. It reminded me of John’s incredible generosity and the example he set for me all those years ago.

This shift in mindset also made me realize how giving can create a ripple effect. I even hired neighborhood kids to clean up rotten apples in my front yard and rewarded each of them with a crisp two-dollar bill. Seeing their smiles made me realize that generosity isn’t just about money—it’s about creating moments of joy and encouragement for others.

This perspective ties perfectly into my love for essential oils. Generosity isn’t just about giving money or gifts; it’s about sharing things that have positively impacted your life. For me, essential oils have been life-changing. I use them daily, appreciating their ability to promote better health without harmful side effects. When I experience the benefits of an oil—whether it’s improved focus, better sleep, or relief from discomfort—I feel compelled to share it with others.

I believe essential oils represent the same spirit of generosity that John and Nome demonstrated. They offer people hope and an alternative path to better health. Generosity, whether it’s giving time, money, or a small bottle of essential oil, creates a harvest far greater than we can imagine. Every time I share an oil, I’m reminded of the beauty in giving: it transforms lives—mine and others’—and fosters a deeper connection to those around me.

The lesson is clear: generous giving of ourselves, whether through kindness, encouragement, or something as simple as sharing essential oils, leads to a generous harvest of joy, hope, and connection. And just like John’s act of kindness with those boxes of candy, it’s the small, thoughtful gestures that often make the biggest difference.

How to Use Essential Oils: Pets

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Essential oils can be a natural and effective way to support your pet’s well-being when used safely and correctly. A calming spray made with diluted lavender or chamomile oil can help ease anxiety in pets, especially during stressful situations like thunderstorms or travel. Lightly misting your pet’s bedding or crate can create a soothing environment that promotes relaxation. These gentle essential oils are known for their calming properties and can help pets feel more at ease in unfamiliar or high-stress situations.

For pet owners looking to protect their furry friends from pests, a natural flea and tick repellent can be made by blending cedarwood and lemongrass essential oils with a carrier oil. Applying a small amount of this mixture to a pet’s collar or bandana can help keep insects away without the use of harsh chemicals. Additionally, dry and cracked paw pads can be soothed with a homemade paw balm made from frankincense or myrrh essential oils combined with coconut oil and shea butter. This nourishing balm helps restore moisture and protect a pet’s paws from rough surfaces and extreme weather conditions.

Beyond these specific uses, pet owners should always be cautious when introducing essential oils to their animals. Some oils, such as tea tree oil for dogs and citrus oils for cats, can be toxic and should be avoided. Essential oils should always be properly diluted, and it’s best to consult a veterinarian before using them on or around pets, especially if the pet has pre-existing health conditions. Observing how a pet reacts to an essential oil and adjusting usage accordingly ensures their safety and comfort while benefiting from natural remedies.

How to Use Essential Oils: Energy Boost

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Essential oils can be a natural way to boost energy and increase alertness throughout the day. One of the best ways to start your morning is by adding a few drops of peppermint or eucalyptus oil to the shower floor. As the steam rises, it carries the invigorating aroma of the oils, helping to wake up the senses and provide a refreshing start to the day. This method is especially useful for those who struggle with grogginess in the morning or need an extra push to feel energized.

For a portable energy boost, creating a DIY roll-on blend can be an effective solution. Mixing wild orange, peppermint, and lemon essential oils with a carrier oil in a roller bottle makes it easy to apply to pulse points such as the wrists, neck, or temples. This blend provides an uplifting and revitalizing scent that can be used throughout the day. Another quick method to regain energy is inhalation—simply rub peppermint oil in the palms, cup hands over the nose, and take deep breaths. This technique is particularly useful for afternoon slumps, helping to increase focus and refresh the mind.

Another lesser-known but effective method for boosting energy is using essential oils with a cold compress. Soaking a washcloth in cold water infused with peppermint or rosemary oil, then wringing it out and applying it to the back of the neck, provides a refreshing and cooling effect. This technique can help reduce fatigue, regulate body temperature on hot days, and provide instant invigoration. Incorporating these methods into a daily routine can naturally enhance energy levels and improve overall well-being.

Bulgarian Folk Tale

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A Bulgarian Folk Tale: The Wise Old Man and the Closed Heart

Once upon a time, in a small village nestled in the Bulgarian mountains, there lived a wealthy but bitter man named Petar. He had everything—land, livestock, and a grand house—but he kept to himself, trusting no one and helping no one. His heart was closed to friendship, love, and kindness.

One winter, a wandering old wise man arrived in the village, seeking shelter. The villagers, knowing Petar had the most space, asked him to let the old man stay for the night. Petar scoffed, “Why should I? What do I owe him?” and shut his doors.

A kind young woman named Maria, who had little, offered the old man a small corner of her humble home, sharing her simple meal. Grateful, the wise man thanked her, saying, “Kindness keeps the heart warm, and a warm heart keeps the body strong.”

As the years passed, Maria thrived—her family grew, her home became filled with love, and she lived a long, happy life. Meanwhile, Petar, though still wealthy, grew lonelier and sicker. No one visited him, and his once-strong body became frail.

One day, near the end of his life, Petar recalled the wise man’s words and realized he had shut out not just people but also joy and health. He tried to change, but time had already taken its toll.

When Maria, now an old woman, passed away peacefully, the villagers remembered her warmth and generosity. But when Petar passed, few mourned him, for he had lived with a closed heart.

Moral of the Story:

💛 A heart that is open to love and kindness leads to a life full of warmth and longevity. A closed heart, no matter how rich, leads to loneliness and suffering.

This tale beautifully reflects the meaning of the Bulgarian proverb: “If you would live long, open your heart.”

How to Use Essential Oils: Warm

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Essential oils can create a warming sensation on the skin, but it’s important to remember that everyone experiences this feeling differently. What may feel mildly warm to one person could feel hot or even irritating to another. When using essential oils classified as “warm,” caution should be taken, especially for those with sensitive skin. If an oil accidentally gets into the eyes or mucous membranes, it can cause discomfort or a burning sensation. Always use proper dilution methods to prevent adverse reactions.

The 50/50 rule is a helpful guideline when using warm essential oils. This means mixing equal parts (5 drops) of a warm essential oil with a carrier oil (5 drops) before applying it to the skin. Proper dilution helps reduce the risk of irritation while still allowing the oil’s therapeutic benefits to take effect. Some warm oils, like peppermint, may feel cooling initially but can have a warming after-effect, while others, like black pepper or ginger, provide steady warmth upon application. For internal use, extra caution is needed, as some warm oils may cause discomfort if not properly diluted.

In addition to their warming properties, these essential oils offer a variety of benefits. Oils like basil, cardamom, and clary sage can support digestion, while eucalyptus and rosemary may help open airways for clearer breathing. Other oils such as ginger and wintergreen are commonly used to ease muscle tension and support circulation. Understanding how warm oils interact with the body allows for more effective and comfortable use in aromatherapy, skincare, and wellness routines.

Essential Oils in the Bible

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Isaiah 41:19 is a beautiful verse where God promises to transform the wilderness into a flourishing land by planting various trees, including cedar, acacia (shittah tree), myrtle, the oil tree (possibly the olive tree), fir, pine, and box tree. This passage is part of a larger prophecy where God reassures His people that He will provide, restore, and renew even the most barren and lifeless places. In a spiritual sense, this symbolizes God’s ability to bring life, hope, and abundance to those who feel lost or dry in their faith. Just as trees provide shade, shelter, and resources, God provides strength, guidance, and blessings to His people.

This verse also has a strong connection to essential oils, as many of the trees mentioned produce valuable oils used for healing, anointing, and purification. For example, cedarwood oil was used in biblical times for purification and protecting against disease, while myrtle oil was known for its uplifting and cleansing properties. The oil tree likely refers to the olive tree, which produced olive oil—a sacred and essential substance in biblical times, used for anointing, cooking, and healing. These trees not only represent physical blessings but also symbolize spiritual nourishment and restoration that God provides.

For us today, Isaiah 41:19 reminds us that God is capable of bringing life and renewal even in the driest and most desolate places—whether in the land, in our lives, or in our hearts. Just as the trees in this verse provide essential oils and resources for healing, God’s presence in our lives brings spiritual healing, strength, and restoration. This verse is a promise that God can turn struggles into blessings, weakness into strength, and emptiness into abundance when we trust in Him.

A Journey to Reading

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When I was a small child, I struggled immensely with my ability to read. I was born with a lazy eye and astigmatism, which meant that for the first four years of my life, I wandered around half-blind. When I finally got glasses, it felt like a whole new world opened up to me. However, while I could now see clearly, I was developmentally behind my peers in many ways, including reading.

In first and second grade, I found myself at the bottom of my class in nearly every subject. Determined to improve, I worked hard to catch up. One year, my efforts paid off when I received an award for reading 1,000 books aloud to my mom and my two oldest siblings, Ramona and Sherry. It was a big accomplishment, especially since the next closest person had read only 400 books. I later learned that my mom secretly wanted to show the other moms how much effort she had put into helping me succeed. Her support made all the difference.

I was fortunate to have many caring and dedicated teachers who helped me along the way. One teacher introduced me to a special reading machine that became both a tool for learning and a source of mischief. The machine worked by sliding a card through it, which triggered a strip of recordable tape to say the word written on the card. It was fascinating to me. But I soon discovered that I could erase the correct word and record the wrong word in its place. While my teacher was not amused by my newfound “skill,” I secretly enjoyed being a little mischievous. That experience, though naughty, also reflected my natural curiosity and desire to learn in my own way.

It’s interesting to reflect on how far I’ve come since those early struggles with reading. Despite my challenges, I eventually overcame them and developed a passion for writing and sharing knowledge. Today, I channel that passion into teaching others about essential oils, something I deeply enjoy. I find it especially fulfilling to share oils that can help children improve their ability to focus—a challenge I faced as a child and continue to manage as an adult.

I feel truly blessed to have discovered an essential oil focus blend that has significantly improved my ability to concentrate. It’s remarkable to think about how my journey has come full circle—from a little girl struggling to read to someone who writes, teaches, and shares tools that can help others. My past struggles have shaped me, and I’m grateful for the lessons they’ve taught me about perseverance, curiosity, and finding joy in the process of learning.

How to Use Essential Oils: Under the Tongue

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Using essential oils under the tongue is known as the sublingual route, which allows the oil to enter the bloodstream quickly through the tissues beneath the tongue. This method bypasses the digestive system, enabling faster absorption and more immediate effects. Essential oils taken this way can support various health benefits, including relaxation, immune support, and respiratory relief. However, it is crucial to use only high-quality, food-grade essential oils that are safe for internal use.

When applying essential oils under the tongue, tilt your head back slightly and carefully drip the oil without letting the dropper touch your lips. This prevents contamination and ensures a clean application. Allow the oil to absorb naturally without swallowing or drinking water immediately after, as this helps maximize its effectiveness. Some essential oils, such as peppermint or cinnamon, may feel intense, so dilution with a carrier oil like fractionated coconut oil may be necessary for a more comfortable experience.

Beyond immediate absorption, sublingual use of essential oils may enhance overall wellness by supporting the nervous and immune systems. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is commonly used under the tongue for its calming effects and potential respiratory benefits. It may help soothe occasional throat irritation and promote relaxation. Incorporating this method into a wellness routine can provide fast-acting relief for stress, respiratory concerns, and overall balance.