Happy Halloween!

A Time for Change

We live in a time where the groaning need and dividedness of humankind is especially to be felt and recognized. Countless people are subjected to hatred, violence and oppression which go unchecked. The injustice and corruption which exist today are causing many voices to be raised to protest and cry out that something be done. Many men and women are being moved to sacrifice much in the struggle for justice, freedom, and peace. There is a movement afoot in our time, a movement which is growing, awakening.

Yet this terrific human need and burden of the times causes us to see how weak and powerless we are to change this. Then we must see that if we are to advocate change, we must start with ourselves. We must recognize that we as individuals are to blame for social injustice, oppression, and the downgrading of others, whether personal or on a broader plane. We must see that a revolution must take place against all that destroys life. This revolution must become a revolution different from any the world has ever seen. God must intervene and lead such a revolution with his Spirit and his justice and his truth.~Dwight Blough from the introduction to When the Time was Fulfilled (1965)

It's amazing to me that this is still so true today--maybe even more so. I wonder what God must think when He looks down at us and sees such utter disregard for life. God bless the victims of Pittsburg and the people that mourn them.

The Autumn Blues

This time of year it's hard not to get the autumn blues. Here in MN we've lost not only our warm temps but hours of daylight. If you're like me, you might need some help to chase away those blues.
*Try lighting a candle. It's warmth and encouragement will help to add some light to the dark evenings of autumn. I like to use a fall aroma such as pumpkin spice, cranberry or cinnamon. (An alternative to using a lit candle would be to try a reed diffuser. You'll get the wonderful fragrance but not the light and warmth.)
*Make a cup of herbal tea or hot chocolate. It's a pleasure just to hold the warm cup!
*Take a soothing bath. A warm soak after a chilly day is just what you need. Using oats in your bath is a terrific way to soothe the skin.
*Dig out the warm, fuzzy socks and slippers. Keeping your feet warm helps you feel warm all over.
*Keep exercising. This seems like a chore sometimes and I think I just don't have the energy. In reality, if you exercise, you'll have more energy to fight off those blues. Add some of your favorite music to get motivated.
*Spend more time with your favorite people. This is a great time to snuggle up with someone special!
These are just a few ways to make the days of autumn go by just a little faster. Soon it will be the holidays and that's a subject for another day!

Wordless Wednesday

Whatcha lookin' at?

A Beautiful Mind

Looking after the health of your mind is an important part of your road to balance and well-being. Maintaining mental health is extremely important. Here are some ways to make your mind beautiful to match your beautiful body.

Improve your diet: What you eat and drink can protect against feelings of anxiety and depression. Cut back on refined sugar, white flour and alcohol.
Maintain friendships: Just listening and talking to friends who are feeling down can make a huge difference-for you and for them. With email and cell phones you have no excuse not to!

Exercise: The effects of exercise on mood are immediate. Whether it is a workout in the gym or a simple walk or bike ride, exercise is uplifting and a can be a great social activity.
Rest: Sleep is essential to our health. Sleeping is the time when the body can renew and rebuild its physical and mental energy. If you have problems relaxing and falling asleep, perhaps a drop of Lavender essential oil on your pillowcase can help you find your peace.
Laugh: A good laugh does amazing things for the mind and soul. Cry: It's good to let everything out of your system and to release pent up feelings. Most of the time, we feel much better after we have allowed ourselves to cry.
Take a bath: The mental health benefits of a comforting bath are well known. Allow yourself to escape in a soothing aroma infused bath. It will help you reset and re-energize. Try our Stress Relief Blend in your ritual and experience the power of the bath.
Make time for you: Make time for your hobbies and interests. Scheduling time for yourself is sometimes hard, but it will increase a positive attitude and self image.

Wordless Wednesday

Usually the heels come off first!

Skin Care 101

*Cleansing your face shouldn’t be complicated. Experts say you just need one gentle face soap. Products should be formulated for the face, not the body and shouldn’t contain deodorant, antiseptics or ideally, fragrance.

*Nighttime is the best time for skin to rejuvenate. While you’re sleeping, your skin repairs itself. When applying tap or pat softly to help ingredients penetrate your skin.

*Remove your eye make-up before washing your face. Avoid too much rubbing of your delicate eye area.

*Moisturizing your skin right after cleansing will help lock in hydration.

*Skin irritated? Try using a washcloth soaked in cold soy milk. Leave compress on for about 10 minutes. The soy milk will calm and soothe your skin.

Wordless Wednesday

Follow me into this Garden of Eden.