Give thanks, as it key to truly being happy in life.
According to the Oxford Dictionary, the definition of GRATEFUL is: feeling or showing an appreciation of kindness. Synonyms include being thankful and appreciative [1]. This is Merriam-Webster’s definition: being appreciative of comfort supplied or discomfort alleviated [2].
The holiday season is the TIME to be with loved ones in a communion of thankfulness for our blessings. TIME and GRATEFULNESS are a co-mingling paradigm in which we slow down our hectic lifestyles, and set aside time to meditate on all the wonderful gifts and acts of love we have been the recipient of in our life. We reflect upon and are grateful for our cornucopia of relationships, experiences, and growing wisdom.
Clary sage aroma can help slow down a hurried mind.
Clary Sage essential oil is composed of about 10-20% linalool, known for its sedative effect. The additional esters of linalyl acetate and geranyl acetate make up over 60% of the oil, and also have calming properties[3]. Thus, this is a great essential oil for relaxing the nerves, slowing down time, and meditating on all there is for which to be grateful[4].
In history, clary sage was used to clear obstructions out of the eye; and the name clary can translate from the Latin word sclarea, meaning “clear.” Additional names for the plant include: clear eye, eye bright, and its Latin name: Salvia sclarea [5].
Life is hectic, and it’s important to take time during the holidays to meditatively reflect on all the things for which we are thankful, before life zooms by and we have missed out on an opportunity to count our blessings. Below is a “Zen Intervention,” when stress is taking its toll, and it is time to stop and smell the clary sage.
Third Eye Meditation Using Clary Sage Essential Oil to Connect with “Thankfulness.”
The Indigo Chakra, located between the two eyes, is also called “The Third Eye,” and is associated with opening one’s intuition and foresight in life. To invigorate the Third Eye, place one single drop of clary sage essential oil in 1/4 tsp of coconut oil, mix, then dab on an inner wrist.
Then, rub the two wrists together in a circular motion. Close your eyes, and sit in a relaxed position. Place the wrists an inch or two from the nose and take three long deep inhales and exhales. Take time to meditate on your gifts in life and the people for whom you are grateful. Feel the gratitude spread into your heart with a warm green glow.
Take a deep breathe in. Exhale while thinking the words: “I am grateful for…” Then inhale while completing the sentence with that for which you are grateful. As you inhale with your grateful item, send it to your heart and feel your heart glow with happiness. Repeat several times.
Another option instead of rubbing the diluted oil on the wrists is to diffuse a few drops of clary sage oil in a nebulizer, cool mist diffuser, or other type of essential oil diffuser. Turn it on near you during the meditation.
Safety Notation: Not for use with pregnant women, those with low blood pressure, or those taking medicines that may further increase sleepiness. [6] As with all essential oils, if skin irritation occurs, rinse with milk or a vegetable oil.
Give Thanks: References
[1] Oxford Dictionaries, (2015). Oxford University Press.
[2] Merriam-Webster Dictionary. (2015). Retrieved in November, 2015. Retrieved from www.merriam-webster.com
[3] Lis-Balchin, M. (2006). Aromatherapy science, A guide for healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical Press: London.
[4] Seol, G. H., Shim, H. S., Kim, P. J., Moon, H. K., Lee, K. H., Shim, I., … & Min, S. S. (2010). Antidepressant-like effect of Salvia sclarea is explained by modulation of dopamine activities in rats. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 130(1), 187-190.
[5] Petersen, D. (2015). Aromatherapy materia medica. Essential oil monographs. American College of Healthcare Sciences.
[6] WebMD. (n.d.). Clary Sage. Retrieved in November, 2015, Retrieved from www.webmd.com
When things are bad, be thankful…they are not as bad as they could be.
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Post By: Kathy Sadowski, MS in Aromatherapy, Registered Aromatherapist, LMT
Post Updated: 12/16/18
