Energy, or chi, is at the heart of Feng Shui. The way in which the energy flows, the elements and colours associated with each part of the home and the way in which we can create a harmonious and auspicious environment to live in dictates the colour and placement of furniture, rooms and décor items. Going from recent personal experience, when we have clutter or the wrong items in certain areas of our homes, things can go a LONG way down the toilet.
In a similar way, our internal life is also affected by energy. When we look at alternative and holistic health modalities, the central focus is in moving stuck or stagnant energy, thought forms or beliefs in the mind, body or energy field. We can often see a reflection in the body of what is happening in the mind. Back issues and pain might be a physical reflection of a feeling of being unsupported for example, while ulcers can be a sign of too much worrying and stress.
As someone who works with people to release and reprogram old beliefs and patterns, I have seen many times how shifting energy in one part of your life can lead to shifts in other areas too. I work with a number of energetic tools including colour, essential oils, Reiki and intention as well as techniques that are more logic based and work on the mechanics of the mind. All of these can work on a subtle level (sometimes more like a sledgehammer) to create positive change where there was only stagnant energy before.
One of my favourite ways to shift energy is by using essential oils, words and intention to affirm daily what it is I want to change. The right kind of essential oils (and there are many wrong kinds out there) are literally the living essence of the plant, and therefore are an energetic substance in and of themselves. What that means, is that when an oil blend has been created with love, intention and knowledge to stimulate a certain feeling in the mind/body, then that can lend more power to our affirmation.
Take an oil such as Joy for instance, which was created to inspire feelings of love and happiness. When we anoint our chest with a drop of the oil, and affirm that we are open to experiencing love and joy today while smelling the oil, it creates an anchor in our awareness. It not only reminds us of what we are choosing to experience, but we start to condition ourselves with the scent too. Before long, just opening the bottle will remind us to be open to experiencing love and joy without us even thinking about it. As scent works directly on the emotional centre of the brain, it is a powerful tool to use.
Just like all tools though, they need to be used regularly and properly to be of assistance. First, we must be willing to commit to our daily practice - even if it is only 5 minutes in the morning where we anoint, affirm and breathe. Investing in good quality tools always saves money in the long run, so make sure you have the right kind of oils and know how to use them (ask me, because I know and can teach you). You also need to be clear on what you want to change and why. If you aren’t clear and committed, you won’t know when it shifts.
As with Feng Shui, we usually need to remove the clutter and rearrange a space before the energy shifts – and sometimes on a personal level that involves a serious look at the behaviours, people and places you surround yourself with. It may be time to let some things go, or spend less time with people who keep you stuck. To get some clarity on this, download my free worksheet here: What do I want to shift_.pdf
Finally, be open to whatever happens during the process – you may meet someone who can help you, stumble upon a new activity that brings you joy or make a new friend. Usually once you commit, things start to happen – but not always what you expect. Things that appear negative at first may turn out to be exactly what is needed for that energy to shift, so look for the lesson and be open to change. May you experience many blessings and opportunities in your journey.
xxx Nessa Lovell
PS. If you would like to learn more about what to look out for when buying essential oils, you can download my free ebook here. You will also find my contact details for when you choose to buy some yourself, because you know I will look after you.
Hi Lovely!
I don’t know about you, but for years I always thought that stress just meant being under a lot of pressure. I didn’t realise that it was also a physical thing that causes all manner of health issues, and it can come from either outside of the body – like when we are under a lot of pressure at work or in our relationships – or inside the body, like when the foods we eat are creating stress within our body.
So – here are a few ways to help manage stress in your lifestyle. Even if you start with one, and add another one gradually, you will be doing yourself a favour. Remember to check with your doctor if you have a medical condition or are on medication before trying any of these, and check out some other natural ways of dealing with stress too. Everyone is different and there is no one-size-fits-all for this kind of thing.
Mindfulness or meditation – find a few minutes a day to just focus on your breathing, focus on an action you are performing, or listen to one of the many guided meditations you can find online. There are also some great apps like Headspace and Smiling Mind that can help you with this.
Microbiome health – your gut is one of the main systems in your body, and if there is a problem in there it may be causing lots of internal stress. Poor gut health has been linked to autoimmune conditions, and a range of other illnesses. So - get your microbiome checked – there are companies you can find online that will send you a simple test to do. If you would like to learn more about the gut, I find Dr Peter Dingle is both entertaining and fascinating to listen to.
Food sensitivities and deficiencies – if you are eating foods that your body doesn’t like, that can cause weird things too. You can get a simple hair analysis test done (no needles!) which will give you a list of foods to avoid for a period of time. Talk to a naturopath or functional medical practitioner about whether you need one of these, and while you are at it, see about having your vitamin and mineral levels checked too. If you are deficient in certain minerals and vitamins that will deplete your well-being and add extra strain on the body.
Breathing – the way you breathe can have a big impact on your stress levels. Talk to a breath work practitioner or do some research online.
Movement – exercise can be really beneficial in getting the blood pumping and the angst out. Try some daily movement like a walk, hitting the bag, or dancing around the house to your favourite tunes.
Essential oils – this is one of my favourites! Get yourself some high quality therapeutic grade essential oils (low quality ones won’t have the same effect) and get diffusing. The sense of smell works directly on the emotional part of the brain, so a great, calming oil can really take the edge off after a long day at work. Essential oils won't cure your life circumstances or problems, but they can certainly provide greater access to relaxation and ways to reduce the chemical load on your body. Remember to check any advice on the label and talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition before using oils. Always invest in high quality oils (if you aren't sure why this is important, you can download my free ebook The 6 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Essential Oils here) as low quality oils are less likely to have any beneficial impact.
Finally - if stress is becoming overwhelming for you, PLEASE speak to a professional such as a psychologist or counselor.
Here is to living your best life! Catch you next time.
Nessa xxx
Follow me: @NessaLovell or #NessaLovell
