We can all use a bit more self love. Make that a LOT more. The messages we tell ourselves matter most. Read the latest ACP Enews to find out why and get a simple way to start giving yourself good vibes right now. I also share a personal grief story and some tips on how to spread the warmth this winter season. Here’s to a warm, loving and clear new year! Take a look now.
Winter
Cedar the Season
One of the oldest known distilled oils, cedarwood has a surprising myriad of benefits to bring into your home. If you’ve stood in the presence of these magnificent trees, you already have a sense of how fresh and reviving it feels to breathe in that air. One of the sacred trees used in clearing ceremonies, cedar has antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Our brain loves it. It’s restorative and calming at the same time. Grounding and uplifting. It can relieve arthritic pain, clean your counters and renew the scalp. HOW TO USE: A little bit goes a long way. Whether you distill or add to shampoo or lotion, a drop or two will do it. Always use authentic essential oil from a trusted source. Tip: When diffusing, I like to blend Cedarwood with Bergamot and Lavender. Like a walk in the forest, it provides the perfect ambiance for putting up the Christmas tree and enjoying the holiday spirit year-round. See my Resources Page for essential oil and diffuser source suggestions.
Winter – the Season of Stillness
Winter is a time of great illumination and insight. Fireside and candlelight. As the Earth grows dormant, we become quiet in order to listen to our inner voice. As the days grow shorter, we are grateful for the light both in and around us. This season honors the elders, the white-haired ones. The wisdom of buffalo, bear and turtle with their message of security and protection. It is the time of the night sky with all of its stars, stillness and peace.
Colors for the season are white, midnight blue and forest green. Scents include pine, fir and cedar. Adorn your space with birch bark, evergreen boughs and pine cones. Clean and attend to the Earth elements in your home including furniture, floors, wool rugs and blankets.
Winter corresponds to the Element of Earth, the direction of North and the night time.
About this photo: I am forever in awe of how quiet the world becomes after a first snowfall. And of how little crystals illuminate the beauty of nature in such a breathtaking way. This backyard pine tree offered a wonderful example of winter simplicity and stillness.
Let nature inspire your space. Order your A Clear Place Wisdom Cards and get connected to beauty and balance: click here for more details.
Lighten Up
Light can come from the most wonderful sources. I love how a recent rain shower left this bare maple looking like it was dresssed in twinkle lights! Be inspired by the simple joys of nature and bring the outdoors inside. String mini-lights across a door or window frame. Or weave a strand of white lights through your indoor plants.
During the season of Winter, it’s especially nice to have some extra light around us to keep our hearts warm and bring a smile to our spirits. Right now, take a look outside to discover what light wonders are waiting. Have fun finding ways of bringing nature’s gifts into your home and office.
Appreciating the simple things is a wonderful way to keep your energy and your space clear.
A Clear Place 