INSECT REPELLENT

Essential oils make wonderful natural fragrant non-toxic insecticides which are kind to humans but repulsive to insects.

Mix 15 drops of essential oils to 100 ml (20 fl oz)of water in a pump action spray bottle and shake well. Spritz into the air to repel flying insects.

Another tip is to add five drops of essential oil to a damp cloth and wipe around wardrobes, drawers, shelves, window and door frames.

A few drops of oil on your pillowcase or mattress will drive away droning mosquitos.

Alternatively you can mix six drops of essential oil in 30 ml (1 fl oz/6 tsps) of sunflower oil and rub it into exposed skin before going to bed. It will also soothe any insect bites!

Best Oils to use:

Camphor - moths

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Citronella - Mosquitos

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Lemongrass - most flying insects

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Tea Tree - ants, fleas, most insects

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Thyme - most hopping/crawling insects

TO GET RID OF ANTS OR COCKROACHES

Dilute eight drops of Tea Tree and Seven drops of Thyme in 30 ml (1 fl oz/6 tpsp) water in a spray bottle. Spray everywhere they might walk.

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TO RID A PET OF FLEAS

Dilute six drops of Geranium, five drops of Lavender and four drops of Tea Tree into 30 ml (1 fl oz/6 tsps) of water in a spray bottle.

Spray into ruffled fur. Avoid eyes.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY forgive them

Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.

~ Harriet Nelson

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ESSENTIAL OIL DEODORISERS

FOR DISINFECTING THE AIR IN A SICKROOM, burn oils as described in a vaporizer

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TO DEODORISE AND NEUTRALISE ODOURS put 4 drops of essential oils on a cotton ball and place it in a wardrobe, laundry, rubbish bin, shoe rack etc.

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FOR SMELLY SHOES rub 4 drops of essential oils into the insoles with a tissue.

FOR PERSISTANT UNDERARM ODOUR place two drops of essential oil on the inside, underarm seams of shirts, jackets or jumpers.

Best Oils for:

 Deodorising 

FOR A SICKROOM:

Eucalyptus for congestion, colds

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Tea Tree for viruses, flu etc.

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Lavender as antiseptic and calming, relaxing

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Myrrh for sore throat, coughs

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Bergamot for deodorizing. uplifting

Deodorise and Neutralize Odours

Bergamot, lavender, lemongrass, peppermint, thyme

For Underarm Odour

Bergamot, citronella

For Smelly Shoes

Lemon

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Love is kind

Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous,
it is not pompous,
it is not inflated, it is not rude,
it does not seek its own interests,
it is not quick-tempered,
it does not brood over injury,
it does not rejoice over wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth.
It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
Love never fails.

St. Paul, 1 Corinthians 13:4

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INHALING ESSENTIAL OILS

When we breath in the aromas of essential oils they effect us in numerous ways. Firstly the smell itself is instantly recorded in the limbic area of the brain which is where we also store memories and emotions. For this reason we are sometimes reminded of hospital visits etc. when we smell antiseptics. Or it could be the smell of lavender reminding us of a childhood cuddle with grandma, if she used it a a perfume, it can be accompanied by a feeling happiness and safety.. This is the reason we can either love or hate a particular smell, and why our sense of smell is so important.
Secondly. the tiny chemical elements which make up each molecule of an essential oil are absorbed through our nasal membranes and  can change our mood, relax our nervous system, make us feel more alert etc. Although research has not explained how this happens, there is physical proof that it does. It has been shown for example that inhaling a relaxing smell causes an immediate reduction in blood pressure and slows the heart beat.
Both of these things indicate that inhaling essential oils is a quick, simple and effective way of enjoying their therapeutic benefits. Using aromatherapy on a daily basis tests and strengthens our sense of smell and improves our health and well being: and the house smells wonderful too!

ESSENTIAL OIL CLEANSERS (FOR THE HOME)

KITCHEN SURFACES, CHOPPING BOARDS AND WASHING FLOORS

Add 8 drops of essential oil to a small bucket of warm water, wring out the cloth as necessary.

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CLEANING BASINS, TOILETS, BATHS AND SINKS

Put three drops of essential oil onto a damp cloth.

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TO STERILISE CUTLERY AND DISHES

Add two drops of essential oil to the washing up water.

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TO RINSE CLOTHING

Add three drops of essential oil to the final rinsing water.


BEST CLEANSING OILS

Lemon and Geranium mixed for kitchen surfaces etc.
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Tea Tree or Pine for toilets
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Lemon and Lavender mixed for basins, baths and sinks
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Geranium and Lavender mixed for washing up

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY anger makes you small

Anger makes you smaller, while forgiveness forces you to grow beyond what you were. 

~ Cherie Carter-Scott

AIR PURIFYING

A good idea for making your whole house smell fresh and to purify the air, you can add essential oils to the dust bag of your vacuum cleaner. Put 5 drops of oil on a cotton wool ball inside the cleaner, against the exit filter where the air exits the machine. To refresh or change the fragrance, replace it with a new cotton ball.

BEST PURIFYING OILS

Bergamot, citronella, lavender, lemon, peppermint, pine, rosemary or tea tree.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - within your heart

Within your heart, keep one still, secret spot where dreams may go.

~ Louise Driscoll

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USING ESSENTIAL OILS IN THE HOME

Using essential oils around our homes does more than just get rid of smells and bad tempers. Many oils have powerful disinfectant properties which improve hygiene and  kill germs more effectively than many household cleansers.  of course the added bonus is the oils are natural and don't need any environmentally damaging chemical additives to help them clean properly.

For most cleansing jobs we only need a few drops of essential oil - which also makes then amazingly economical and long-lasting. In some cases it is best to use as little oil as possible so that they disinfect without leaving a noticeable aroma.

Here are a few suggestions for cleansing, protecting and purifying your home.

BEST HOUSEHOLD OILS

LAVENDER

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BERGAMOT

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MYRHH

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EUCALYPTUS

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ORANGE

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CEDARWOOD

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GERANIUM

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PEPPERMINT

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LIME

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PINE

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MANDARIN

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SANDALWOOD

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Breath

"Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure."

~ Oprah Winfrey

HAVE FAITH AND KEEP GOING

When things go wrong as they sometimes will,

When the road you're trudging seems all up hill,

When the funds are low and the debts are high

And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,

When care is pressing you down a bit,

Rest if you must, but don't you quit.

Life is queer with its twists and turns,

As every one of us sometimes learns,

And many a failure turns about

When he might have won had he stuck it out;

Don't give up though the pace seems slow-

You may succeed with another blow,

Success is failure turned inside out-

The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,

And you never can tell how close you are,

It may be near when it seems so far;

So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-

It's when things seem worst that you must not quit.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - DREAMS

God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them. 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -Life is eternal

"Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon; and a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. "

~ Rossiter Worthington Raymond

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Trust yourself

"Trust yourself. Create the kind of self that you will be happy to live with all your life. Make the most of yourself by fanning the tiny, inner sparks of possibility into flames of achievement."

~ Golda Meir

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - LOVE, WHOOPIE!

Love makes your soul crawl out from its 

hiding place.

Zora Neale Hurston

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - the seed remains

"Oh heart, if one should say to you that the soul perishes like the body, answer that the flower withers, but the seed remains."

~ Kahlil Gibran

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY -your opinion is important

The most important opinion you have is the one you have of yourself, and the most significant things you say all day are those things you say to yourself.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - angry heart

A heart filled with anger has no room for love.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - the end of your rope?

"When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on. "

~ Franklin D. Roosevelt

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Forgive

"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future. "

~ Paul Boese

MEDITATION

More and more people are becoming interested in meditation.

What is it? How do you do it? 

Our busy lifestyles may seem to prohibit this peaceful practice, or provide a convenient "excuse" not to begin, or continue, to meditate...but, the happy news is, you CAN successfully benefit even if you practice for short periods. With the simple technique described below, you will begin and incredible journey. If it is your desire, it will connect you to your own spirituality and to source. There are 100's of styles, traditions and forms of meditation, but this simple practice has always been highly recommended.

There is a saying: "Here is where the beginner begins and the Master ends". 

Sit comfortably, preferably upright and alert. If you are unable to sit upright, lie down. When sitting, allow your spine and back muscles to support you, if you're able, otherwise use the back of the chair. If you're uncomfortable, your mind will be distracted and you will not benefit fully --- it will distract you from your process. You may alter things for your needs. If sitting in a chair, feet flat to the floor, thighs parallel to floor, feet aligned with knees, knees aligned with hips and shoulders, back straight (but not rigid), hands resting in lap. 

Do not slump or slouch --- imagine your head suspended by a golden thread from above. The suspension point is the crown of your head, so your chin is slightly tucked inward. If you slump or tire, just pull your string upward! You'll feel weightless and relaxed. Remember, you can change your position a little if you need to.
To sit on a mat, cushion or pillow, sit cross-legged, half or full lotus, depending on your ability. Do not force this, or any other posture; move gradually into it. Whether practicing indoors or outdoors, the air should be fresh and well-ventilated, without draft or high wind and clothes should be loose and comfortable. 

You may close your eyes (unless this causes you to fall asleep) or gaze with almost-closed eyes as if looking downward and inward. If you wish, rest the tip of your tongue on your upper hard palate behind your teeth. Unless there is a physical restriction, breathe through your nose. 

Traditionally, the best times to practice are upon arising and in the evening or before bedtime. With busy schedules, any time is fine. Don't allow a "lack of time" to stop you. You can still benefit even if you practice for "a few odd moments" throughout your day --- you will be surprised how a few minutes here-and-there add up for your peace of mind. Recommended practice time is 20 minutes, twice per day --- IF YOU CAN ... some people practice more often and for more than 20 minutes. Remember, this is personal; just do your best and enjoy. Do not practice when exhausted; try to avoid eating 30 minutes before or after. Practice for a few minutes at first in a quiet environment. The time will lengthen as you become more comfortable...you will surprise yourself! You may use soothing music as a pleasant background. 

PRACTICE

Sit comfortably...allow yourself to become aware of your environment as you gently and slowly close your eyes...become aware of your body...feel yourself sitting...feel the contact your body makes with each surface...feel body parts touching other body parts (hands resting in lap, legs crossed)...feel your body resting comfortably and safely in the surrounding air...draw your awareness inward as you feel your body relaxing into the surfaces...calmly be aware of your breathing, without altering your breath...rest your attention either at your navel or your nostrils...calmly feel and be aware of the rhythm of your breathing...if thoughts come into your mind, don't try to stop or avoid them; just be aware of them and let them drift away --- don't follow them and don't try to solve problems...thoughts will always come; just smile as you notice them...observe them and let them go as you return to awareness of the soothing flow of your breath...always, as your mind wanders, bring it back to your breathing.

You may wish to imagine or think of your breath as a colour or a light or a pleasant thought moving in and out of your body in a smooth flow --- words like "peace", "calm", "love", "light", "safe", "tranquil", etc are fine...use whatever you wish...you may repeat such words in your mind in rhythm with the flow of your breathing...smile inwardly as you meditate...just sit and listen to your breath and the calming thoughts...be aware...rest in the stillness and silence of this peaceful, powerful moment...and for just this moment, you can release all thoughts, worries and concerns and just be tranquil and serene. 

When you feel ready, slowly return to awareness of your body...awareness of being in your environment...turn your attention outward and slowly, gradually open your eyes. You may stretch and/or rub your palms together, place them over your eyes, then rub gently down your face and back of head and neck several times. Then simply proceed with your normal activities.

Meditation is a cultivation process --- be patient and natural, enjoy each moment, do not "try hard"...just allow and everything will naturally fall-into-place. The biggest blocks to meditation are impatience and expectations. Just continue to repeat the simple process and you will benefit. Don't wait for or desire "spectacular" results; that is a distracting disturbance.  Don't be impatient with yourself or disappointed if today's practice wasn't as good as yesterday's practice...that happens! Just rest for a moment...breath...rest in the stillness and silence, and enjoy! 

MEDITATION IS...

• Allowing your mind to be alert and attentive 
• Allowing your mind to be calm, concentrated without strain and focused
• Increased awareness of the world around you
• Being in the moment - not worrying about the past or future
• Pleasant
• A process more than a goal...a beautiful, inspiring journey rather than just a destination

BENEFITS

• Decreased stress, tension, depression, anxiety - more balanced emotions
• Strengthened immune system, improved health
• Sense of identity and connection, Improved confidence and concentration
• Peace of mind, optimism and self-worth
• A sense of greater spiritual connection

MEDITATION IS NOT...

• Falling asleep
• Going into a trance
• Shutting yourself off from reality
• Becoming lost in thought and/or forgetting who and where you are

Some information edited from an article by Joi Eden

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - Resentment

"Holding resentment is like eating poison and waiting for the other person to keel over."

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

A wonderful way to improve sleep is to take a moment before going to bed to go outside and look at the night sky. Seeing the stars, knowing they are other suns with planets revolving around them, we realise how tiny we are compared to the infinite vastness of the universe. We are beings on one small planet in one solar system in one galaxy among many other galaxies. Then relax, take a few slow deep breaths. Take a few moments to breathe in the peace of the creator of it all.

SPIRITUAL BEINGS...

We are not human beings on a spiritual journey.

We are spiritual beings on a human journey.

     ~ Stephen Covey

 

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY- willing to forgive

"We may not know how to forgive, and we may not want to forgive; but the very fact we say we are willing to forgive begins the healing practice."

~ Louise Hay

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - lifes miracles

"There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as if everything is. "

~ Albert Einstein

KARMA

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - not your reality

"Someone's opinion of you does not have to become your reality."

~ Les Brown

ITS NO ONES FAULT

If we put ourselves in another persons shoes, we understand why they behaves the way they do.  We are all born beautiful babies, wide open, with confidence in life, great self- esteem and a sense of personal worth. If we no longer feel this way it is because somewhere along the way someone taught us to be otherwise. We can unlearn the negativity.
AFFIRMATION "I let go the need to blame others or to blame myself. We all do the best we can with the understanding, knowledge and perception that we have at that time."

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - LOVE MAKES IT WORTHWHILE

Love doesn't make the world go 'round.

 Love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

Franklin P. Jones

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY Dreams

"Trust in dreams, for in them is hidden the gate to eternity."

~ Kahlil Gibran

Thought for the day - love and forgiveness

"There is no love without forgiveness, and there is no forgiveness without love."

~ Bryant H. McGill

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY - LOVE

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal."

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Thought for the day - look inside

"I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence but it comes from within. It is there all the time."

~ Anna Freud

Thought for the day - Imagination

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. "

~ Albert Einstein

Raise your Self Esteem

High self-esteem is a major factor that can positively affect most areas of our life. If however, we have low self-esteem, it acts as a constant challenge . . . a hurdle we have to get over each and every time we want to try something new, it’s a constant force dragging us down.
Whilst our self-esteem can be difficult to change it is by no means, an impossibility. Here are just a few tips for improving your self-esteem, and will get you feeling better and more positive about yourself on a daily basis:

It is a good idea to make a list of things you like about yourself and refer to it often. (don’t be shy – the list is for you) The list should include your successes and achievements, and your positive traits and qualities.  This is a good exercise - the more you practice liking and accepting yourself, the more things you can to add to the list.

·         Surround yourself with people who are caring, loving and accepting. Don't let yourself get dragged down by the negative attitudes of others. Your true friends truly like you the way you are.

·         Take good care of yourself.  Think about how you would treat your best friend if they needed some support! Give yourself that care and attention you deserve, that might mean breaking a few bad habits, paying more attention to your physical health and appearance, or taking a break with some relaxing time alone. 

·         Do the things you love. Find a way that you can shine, using your strengths and talents to the best of your abilities.  Pursuing activities that you're good at is one of the best ways to build self-confidence! 

High self-esteem is a powerful motivator and an important predictor of future success. You can get started improving your self-esteem today. 

 

The Fourteen Precepts of Interbeing –Thich Nhat Hanh

1. Do not be idolatrous or bound to any doctrine, theory, or ideology. All systems of thought are guiding means; they are not absolute truth.

2. Do not think that the knowledge you presently possess is changeless, absolute truth. Avoid being narrow-minded and bound to present views. Learn and practice non-attachment from views in order to be open to receive other’s viewpoints. Truth is found in life and not merely in conceptual knowledge. Be ready to learn throughout your entire life and to observe reality in yourself and in the world at all times.

3. Do not force others, including children, by any means whatsoever, to adopt your views, whether by authority, threat, money, propaganda, or even education. However, through compassionate dialogue, help others renounce fanaticism and narrowness.

4. Do not avoid contact with suffering or close your eyes before suffering. Do not lose awareness of the existence of suffering in the life of the world. Find ways to be with those who are suffering, by all means, including personal contact and visits, images, and sound. By such means, awaken yourself and others to the reality of suffering in the world.

5. Do not accumulate wealth while millions are hungry. Do not take as the aim of your life fame, profit, wealth, or sensual pleasure. Live simply and share time, energy, and material resources with those who are in need.

6. Do not maintain anger or hatred. Learn to penetrate and transform them while they are still seeds in your consciousness. As soon as anger or hatred arises, turn your attention to your breathing in order to see and understand the nature of your anger or hatred and the nature of the persons who have caused your anger or hatred.

7. Do not lose yourself in dispersion and in your surroundings. Practice mindful breathing in order to come back to what is happening in the present moment. Be in touch with what is wondrous, refreshing, and healing, both inside and around yourself. Plant the seeds of joy, peace, and understanding in yourself in order to facilitate the work of transformation in the depths of your consciousness.

8. Do not utter words that can create discord and cause the community to break. Make every effort to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

9. Do not say untruthful things for the sake of personal interest or to impress people. Do not utter words that cause division and hatred. Do not spread news that you do not know to be certain. Do not criticize or condemn things that you are not sure of. Always speak truthfully and constructively. Have the courage to speak out about situations of injustice, even when doing so may threaten your own safety.

10. Do not use the religious community for personal gain or profit, or transform your community into a political party. A religious community should, however, take a clear stand agains oppression and injustice, and should strive to change the situation without engaging in partisan conflicts.

11. Do not live with a vocation that is harmful to humans and nature. Do not invest in companies that deprive others of their chance to live. Select a vocation that helps realize your ideal of compassion.

12. Do not kill. Do not let others kill. Find whatever means possible to protect life and prevent war.

13. Possess nothing that should belong to others. Respect the property of others but prevent others from enriching themselves from human suffering or the sufferings of other beings.

14. Do not mistreat your body. Learn to handle it with respect. Do not look on your body as only an instrument. Preserve vital energies for the realization of the Way. Sexual expression should not happen without love and commitment. In sexual relationships, be aware of future suffering that may be caused. To preserve the happiness of others, respect the rights and commitments of others. Be fully aware of the responsibility of bringing new lives into the world. Meditate on the world into which you are bringing new beings.