by Leslie Moldenauer | | Spirit
I have a confession to make.
For the last six months, I have been struggling to figure out the next steps of my business.
I knew in my heart what I wanted, but I hung onto who I was, an “essential oil safety” focused business.
Sometimes we have to let go of who we were in order to be who we really are. Many of us aromatherapists or holistic health practitioners/complementary medicine educators teach from what we know, from our experiences, and from what we have been through and fought for.
It is time. I am shifting to what my heart is calling me to do.
My education goes well beyond just essential oils.
I have a degree in all things complementary medicine. Herbs, nutrition, have extensive training in Ayurveda, have had a meditation and yoga practice for over a decade, and have done a lot of healing/energy work in order to share my life’s passion. My learning will never stop.
I have also been through a lot of pain. A LOT of it. I have many stories to tell that have shaped who I am today. I have been quiet on much of this, my past 10 years really….but I want to help so many more that I am currently….let them know they are not alone…help teach all that I know, so I am stepping into my calling.
I will hold nothing back.
I have begun my shift toward addressing, supporting, and encouraging mental wellness. It is needed, not just for me….but many of you…all of you…the world!! The stigma has to stop, and I want to play a part in that.
Through my story and my healing, I have SO MUCH to share.
As Ellen would say…so much that is so RELATABLE…..as she would say…”No matter how many many scoots it takes on your bath mat to reach your towel”.
It is time to use all that I have in my toolbox to help others to heal as well.
Through this platform, I can teach so much about how to stand up and take back the power of your health and your healing process.
To speak your truth.
To push through, not around your fear.
To stop caring what other people think.
To know that you are enough, not when you (___________)….but right now, all along, forever!
To put yourself first.
To nurture your body, mind, and spirit through holistic practices.
To adopt daily habits for your highest good.
To use essential oils, herbs, nutrition, mind-body balance techniques, mirror talk, and so much more to take your power back!
To love YOU.
My 100+ blogs on essential oil safety are not going anywhere. They have reached tens of thousands and that message is very important. I will always share safety in any modality I talk about, as not enough are doing it…and the need will always be there.
The part that is falling away is safety being my main focus. This has caused a lot of disharmony in my life, as it is a topic many are passionate about….some do not want me to talk about it at all! I can assure you that is not why I am making the shift…anyone that knows this fiery redhead is laughing right now.
I need something that lights me up inside, something that I can scream from the rooftops about…figuratively speaking…and safety is no longer it.
If any of this resonates with you, then this site is going to offer you AMAZING things into 2019.
Also, if you choose to begin healing with me….follow me over on Instagram, as I have begun a lot of raw, real sharing of life stories along with holistic ways to manage stress, self-doubt, fears and ways to generally feel better in day-to-day life! @lifeholistically
I am SO ready to evolve. Are you?
Sending you all <3 love <3 as we head into the new year.
Let’s make self care our health care,
Leslie xo
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit, Uncategorized
As women, “most” of us are not prepared for motherhood in the way I am about to discuss. Other than books and articles preparing us for Baby, such as the best seller, “What To Expect When Expecting,” there is not much at all by way of truly preparing us moms for this huge life shift. I am speaking emotionally, mentally and physically. We can find information in books regarding cracked nipples, perineum tears, how long to wait before sex, stretch marks and hemorrhoids, but ladies; we need so much more than that! During this important time, I am not sure how many of us really think about ourselves as the most important one! It is crucial that you begin to see it that way, even with that brand-new life that you have made and is about to be in your arms nearly 24-7! Prepare to take impeccable care of self, for your health and sanity, as well as everyone else’s around you. How to prepare for motherhood, taking best care of self.
In sweet anticipation of the new baby on the way, we make lists of what baby needs; the A-Z of the cornucopia of “stuff” needed to support the new life in the home. After birthing our offspring, we throw ourselves into their care with abandon. With this, we second guess if we are doing everything right. We agonize over why they are crying, and we may even worry about how other moms perceive us. In addition to this emotional conflict, we attempt to place them in a proverbial bubble, so they do not get sick, although this tends to be a phenomenon most prominent with the first-born. Through all of this, our own well being often takes a back seat, or maybe even the trunk.
It is an extraordinary moment when we allow ourselves to stop the world around us. If only for a minute, to capture a coy smile that appears while our babe is sound sleep, or to look into his or her eyes and really see their soul, or just take a few moments to daydream, pondering the miracle of life. Try to embrace more of these moments.
We are encouraged to sleep when the baby sleeps or take time for self-care. How many of you, who have been through this already, just thought, “Like I could ever have found time for that.” Everyone offers advice on what you “should” be doing, solicited or otherwise. It is easy to offer advice to others, but not always so easy to enforce it in your own life.
I am not necessarily saying that naps are the answer. I have never been much of a napper unless I was up all night with a growth spurt feeder, sick baby or under the weather myself. So, if you have had a particularly rough night, then perhaps yes, that is what would be of most benefit to you.
What I am really talking about here is true, self-care: no chores, no laundry, and no dishes. Perhaps a bath or a nice hot shower followed by moisturizing the newly sensitive areas is just what you need. I liked to place my oldest in his car carrier on the bathroom floor, and in that he slept as I bathed slowly and thoughtfully. The sound of the shower water, or my new age music if in the bath, provided extra soothing for both him and me.
Perhaps you can take a seat outdoors for a little bit of vitamin D and complete silence or take a walk while Baby naps in the stroller. While you walk, be sure to not go over the to-do list for once you arrive back home but take that time while your feet are hitting the pavement to look around you, soak up the sun and sounds, and truly rest your mind. When you get back home, read a book, have a nice warm cup of tea; something that helps you to slow down and supports your ability to truly unwind. Remind yourself how important you are during this time that is making many extra demands on you physically and emotionally. Maybe some self-pleasure is in order. Endorphins will do amazing things for any goddess! Remove the phrase, “I do not have time,” from your vocabulary; you are worth making the time.
So where do you start?
*Challenge:
In addition to your A-Z list of things that Baby needs, I challenge you to make your own A-Z list. When the house is quiet, sit down and make your list, something like this:
A. Ask for help, art, allow stillness, acupuncture
B. Bath, breath work, breast massage, book, Be
C. Candles, call a friend, cuddle in a warm blanket, cake, chakra cleansing, cook a healthy meal, create a special space, color
D. Dance, date night, “Dear self” letters
Try it, A-Z. Expand on it regularly. Put it somewhere where you will see it often and try to do a few of them every day.
Here is a fun and free printable for you to help make your list. Place it on your fridge, bathroom mirror or wherever in your home will be the most beneficial for you.
A-Z Selfcare list
“Solitude is where I place my chaos to rest and awaken my inner peace.”– Nikki Rowe
Learn a lot more like this in my latest book!
Mom’s Essential Oil Evolution
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Spirit, Uncategorized
We are all unique people with a gift to offer others. I am a firm believer that we all possess this gift. I have spoken with quite a few inspiring people both in my field and in other healing fields very recently, and I am so inspired by what individuals bring to the table. They inspired me today to write this. One of the best aspects for me is the collaboration to help people in any way that they can. And the support we have for another’s trials and tribulations…discovering that they are oftentimes not very unique in nature. This is something that I hope more pledge to do as well, baby steps in that direction are important.
Writing a blog, a book, hosting a webinar or training makes the author very vulnerable to many interpretations. I know some that are afraid to share their voice, but they have so much to contribute! I give credit to anyone that is trying to make this world a better place whether it is a writer/speaker who helps the LGBTQ community to know that they are perfect just the way that they are and that they are not alone, a practitioner who works solely with energy to help those around her in any way that she can to breakthrough obstacles and reframe thought patterns, to someone that is bedridden much of her day but still has the best attitude and heart to love and help others, the naturopath who helps sort peoples eating and fitness and influences thousands, and the brilliant researcher that is willing to share all they discover to the communities in which they are a part.
We all have our own individual talents, missions, and purpose. What helps us to get out of bed in the morning wanting to help as many people as possible may be different from your neighbor, whether that is a one on one consultation, a book, a class, or on a stage in front of thousands….living your soul’s true purpose is where we all truly connected, intertwined. This is where we all come together and where we all shine.
I have been criticized for saying there is room for all of us, I have been made fun of for wanting all of us to hold hands and sing kumbaya. I never said those exact words, but I rather like that interpretation of me. This makes my heart smile, because this is my thought process, and I see no fault in that.
Life is meant to live to the fullest and to be happy. My self-care and self-love is always #1, but the more people that I can help in any given day, the more care and compassion I can provide to others…is what it is all about for me.
Read more about my why if you are so inclined.
My hope is that more people find their voice. That more people speak out loud….more articles, more books, and more people speak their truth. That communities come together and overcome our differences, whatever those may be. That we use our gifts to help others to heal and to live their happiest life possible. That people see their light and their gift and shout it from the rooftops.
To you…hoping you are all living your happiest life possible. <3
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit
Energy is found in everyone and everything. Harnessing it from mother earth is integral to the health of mind, body, and spirit. Cultivating it is not only fun but truly palpable. Anyone that performs Reiki, as well as anyone on the receiving end of the experience, can testify to this. The Manipura chakra is the third chakra and is located right behind the navel, therefore this energy area is also called our navel center, or solar plexus.
“Each side of the solar plexus symbol’s triangle has a T-shaped arm stemming from the middle. This is a variation of the Hindu swastika, which is an ancient holy symbol that represents the sun. The red triangle is located in the center of a yellow circle surrounded by 10 darker petals, which calls to mind the lotus flower.” [1].
Every chakra comes with it areas of focus and strength, and when we are out of balance they also come with feelings of lack and imbalance. Let’s see what those might look like.
In balance, the solar plexus charka brings clarity and centers on self. Self-confidence, self-assurance, self-care, and self-worth. Some others might say this chakra is connected to the spirit when in balance, and ego when out of balance. Out of balance may also bring feelings of being a victim of life, where you think life is happening to you, not for you. In the more tangible aspects of health, the sacral chakra focuses on our digestion, so it governs our digestive organs and our pancreas. So if really out of sorts here, the possibilities are digestive issues, which can vary in severity, and trouble balancing blood sugar. This is an issue that would warrant immediate attention.
Now, on the flip side, a very strong sacral chakra is integral for health. It is our seat of power. Energy flowing freely here brings us brilliant vitality.
When we look at how the energy of the body, our thoughts, and our imbalances ultimately affect our overall health, we can begin to see how placing focus solely in one area is not ideal for our overall well-being.
I performed a practice in school that I like to revisit to this day called the ‘Wheel of Life’. There are varying wheels online, but I am going to share what I used, from the book Business Mastery by Cherie M. Sohnen-Moe [3].
I have attached the wheel as a printable PDF so that you can see where you may need to place focus, and for future use as well.
>>>>>>Wheel of life<<<<<<<
Its purpose is helping you to evaluate where you might need focus in your life to help bring about more balance. The center of the wheel is the least desired point to be, and the outside of the circle is the most desired point. Honestly evaluate each area and place a point on the line of where you are currently, not where you wish to be. Now, connect the dots. The idea is to have as close to a symmetrical circle as possible, not a starburst of sorts. The object is to now work in your life to bring more balance to the wheel. I usually do this practice every six months or so. It is a great tool to assist in our balance of the sacral chakra, and harmony overall.
Crystals and Stones
Quartz is a great choice for the energy channels of the body, specifically smoky quartz for the sacral chakra [4]. Utilizing quartz while meditating is quite effective.
Tiger’s eye is my second recommendation. Utilize this mineral when seeking clarity. Melody states that tiger’s eye contains solar energy, which can be beneficial to enhancing our intuition [5].
Essential Oils
There are a number of essential oils that can help bring about balance and clarity when addressing our navel center.
Plant Therapy has a blend that not only smells amazing but also it focuses energy right on our solar plexus [6]. The blend includes Black Pepper (Piper nigrum), Cardamom (Elettaria cardomomum), Davana (Artemisia pallens), and Grapefruit Pink (Citrus paradisi). It is called Self-Manifestation.
Other essential oils that provide support include Peppermint (Mentha piperita), Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile), and Rosemary (all varieties). (Not all inclusive)
The Chakra Series: Our Navel Center/Manipura
Affirmations
Affirmations can be said during a tough time, placed on Post-it® notes around the home or in your car, or spoken right before bed or upon awakening. A few affirmations that suit the solar plexus are:
-I make my voice heard with clarity and authenticity.
-I am always free to express myself in healthy, positive ways.
-I can achieve my goals with courage and confidence.
-Personal power is mine. I take action and accomplish all things in good time.
This is a good start to get you on your way to balancing the solar plexus chakra. Take some time every day to visualize the chakra spinning freely in all its glory to support you on your path to feeling secure, and well on your way to greatness. <3
****ATTENTION****
Photo credit: Just Breathe Aromatherapie
A fellow friend and colleague who owns Just Breathe Aromatherapie, has created beautiful chakra cards and essential oil blends to correspond to each chakra.You can find the information here. If you are just looking for the cards and would like to do your own blending, you can do that as well..find that here.
Like so many practices in life, I encourage you to become educated on the proper use of essential oils. When using them, please do so cautiously, understanding that there is often misinformation on the internet. You can be assured that I support only educated and proven resources. While essential oils should not be feared they should be respected and used properly to ensure the safety of the individuals using them.
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
References
[1] The solar plexus chakra symbol. Retrieved from http://www.chakras.info/solar-plexus-chakra-symbol/
[2] Lotus flower symbolism. Retrieved from https://www.lotusflowermeaning.net/symbolism.php
[3] Sohnen-Moe, C. (2016). Business mastery: A guide for creating a fulfilling, thriving practice, and keeping it successful. Tucson, AZ: Sohnen-Moe Associates.
[4] [5] M. (1995). A kaleidoscope of crystals::update: The reference book describing the metaphysical properties of the mineral kingdom. Wheat Ridge, Co.: Earth-Love Pub. House.
[6] Plant Therapy’s Self Manifestation Blend. https://www.planttherapy.com/self-manifestation-solar-plexus-chakra-essential-oil
by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Spirit
Finding balance, not an easy task. I went from stay at home mom focused on raising two rambunctious boys, to a full-time student and stay at home mom raising two rambunctious boys, to being a small business owner, same boys. Finding work life balance, a mom life.
I also have moments where I crave balance and feel like I am failing miserably. And I have had those days when my boys were smaller where I felt so accomplished as I was productive and FINALLY finished ‘XYZ’, but I had a hard time truly enjoying it as much as I should have because of the incredible guilt of feeling like I neglected my kids much of the day.
HOW DO WE FIND BALANCE!?!?!?!
The first suggestion I have (as I am in NO WAY expert status here) is to realize that sometimes shit is going to happen, and guilt is the worst thing that you can put on yourself. You are only human, well you’re a mom….so I think you qualify for superhuman status….so first things first, pull out that favorite essential oil and starting inhaling that goodness! Breathe, smile at all that is wonderful and amazing in your life, and let’s see if I can be of any assistance.
Some days will be crazier than others, but you ARE more than a mom. You are a beautiful woman that deserves just as much love and attention that you give to your children. If you have babies this will not be as effective as if you have children around the age of mine (10/12), but if your children see you taking exceptional care of yourself, they will not only look up to you for it, but they will reap the benefits…because you will be calmer…steadier…happier…and in the limited vocabulary of their cognitive abilities …MORE FUN!
If we all continually work to place focus on the things that we love and that bring us happiness, the more happiness we will find. Of course, chores and errands are always going to be there, but if you can take a break every couple of hours to do something just for you, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes, it will make a big difference.
Sometimes we are so busy that when we stop to do something for us we say, what on earth should I do? I have an exercise for you to try!!!
When the house is quiet, sit down and make a list A-Z, of things that would help to calm you and help bring you back to center. Something like this:
A. Ask for help, art, allow stillness, acupuncture
B. Bath, breath work, breast massage, book, be
C. Candles, call a friend, cuddle in a warm blanket, cake, chakra cleansing, cook a healthy meal, create a special space, color
D. Dance, date night, “Dear self” letters, diffuse essential oils while sipping tea, etc.
Try it, A-Z. Expand on it regularly. Put it somewhere where you will see it often and try to do a few of them every day. See how much that helps you.
I have a ton of other ideas like these, stay tuned for my next blog just for you mom!
Resources
Mom’s Essential Oil Evolution
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by Leslie Moldenauer | | Essential Oils, Mind, Spirit, Uncategorized
Self-Love A-Z
How much attention do you place on self-love? Is it your number one priority in your day-to-day? Even as a full-time mom and entrepreneur, with many balls up in the air at all times, self-lovin’ is still numero uno for me. I am a list maker, I have lists in my journal, post-it notes, whiteboards, even spoken lists into my phone. I call these my “Leslie stays sane” lists, and in making them, I allow myself reprieve from the hundreds of things that are always in my head.
Recently, I tried an A-Z list. I included the idea in my most recent book, “Mom’s Essential Oil Evolution” for two reasons, it was a lot of fun, and it worked great! It takes work, but I have compiled an A-Z list for you and incorporated a few tips along the way.
A. Ask for help
If you are anything like me, a strong, confident and very stubborn woman, you may find yourself thinking, “I’ve got this. I do not need any help.” Or possibly you do ask for help, and then it does not get done the way you would have done it, and you say to yourself, “Nothing gets done right around here unless I do it myself!” Perfectionist anyone? I am saying this from my own life experience. This was me, big-time!
Ask for help! It could be as simple as calling a friend and asking him or her to make a meal, pick up take-out, or take the baby for a walk so you can take a bath! You are human, so let the notion of, “I can do it all by myself,” go. I will not argue the fact that you can, in fact, do it all by yourself, but at what expense is the question.
B. Be you!
C. Comparison be gone!
I do not compare myself to others. I may analyze marketing of other entrepreneurs, admire someone’s work ethic, or honor someone’s amazing energy..but I never compare myself to someone else in looks, accomplishments or goals, ever.
Why is this? I believe that comparing can be a real energy sucker. It breeds jealousy and envy. The only person I compare myself to is the person I was yesterday, always looking for self-improvement.
Comparison is the thief of joy!
D. Drop old beliefs
E. Embrace your strengths
There is no better way that I know to embrace your strengths than reminding yourself of them, often. But I think it is equally important to try new things, discover more. Know that you can push yourself. I do not think that we should allow ourselves to become stagnant, so to speak. Cultivate your strengths, find new ones, challenge yourself.
F. Forget the negative
G. Get out in nature
Nothing brings my spirit more peace than nature. Water is the best for me, being a water sign. But I love very simple things like watching the clouds float by, sitting in complete silence and watching the stars, as well as a vigorous hike in the mountains. I have been blessed to hike mountains all over the world, some of the best moments of my life. Get out in nature, let your bare feet make contact with the earth, feel the sand in your toes, or even the snow! Brrr….
H. Hobbies!
I. Invest in your growth
“Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you’re climbing it.” Andy Rooney
Some people are perfectly happy with what they have and who they are, and while I have great appreciation for loving yourself, all of yourself, there still has to be growth. I think this is different from change. Everyone has places to improve whether internally, in business, in friendships, in love, etc.
Growth should never stop, what are you focusing on today?
J. Journal the good, the bad and the ugly
K. Keep your chin up
Everyone at some point in their lives will find themselves in tough times. It is important to embrace the feelings, acknowledge them and keep moving forward. Do not allow yourself to sit in the negative moments for too long. Try to remember that even hard times pass.
Keep in mind too, that as everyone goes through hard times, some harder than others…always practice kindness with everyone you meet. This is so incredibly important.
L. Love, laugh, live!
M. Maintain your healthy boundaries
Create, honor and follow through with clear boundaries! Boundaries are created to protect your energy. Honor what is yours and what is not. Do not allow others to cross the boundaries you have set for yourself.
A book I recommend you purchase and study if you have not already done so, is “The Four Agreements,” by Don Miguel Ruiz. This book has quite literally changed my life. Ruiz’s lessons are paramount to understanding our boundaries. The four agreements are as follows:
1. Be impeccable with your word
2. Don’t take anything personally
3. Don’t make assumptions
4. Always do your best [1]
Are you clear on your boundaries? If not take some time to write them down. Be true to them.
“Boundaries are a part of self-care. They are healthy, normal, and necessary.”-Doreen Virtue
N. Never give up, but learn how to say no
O. Only positive self-talk
What does your self-talk sound like? Positive? If not, this takes some work, but it can be changed…and I encourage you to work on it. Every cell in your body listens to what you say, and your mind absolutely believes it. So care for yourself, even when you are not talking out loud. Love you!
P. Practice saying NO
Q. Be quiet
What do I mean when I say be quiet? Practice mindfulness. How many times a day are you doing one thing but thinking about something else? I will pause while you laugh. This likely explains much of your day-to-day, right? How many times have your children stood in front of you asking a question or telling you a story of something that just happened, and you shake your head and say, “I’m sorry, what?”
The beginning of mindfulness is breath. This is what brings you back to the present moment. This does not need to be meditation in the form of sitting atop a meditation cushion, in silence, eyes closed, the world stops… Mindfulness is purposefully focusing your intention on the current moment and nothing else and accepting it exactly as it is. This should be cultivated in everything you do, in every moment of the day.
If you would like to cultivate this practice, I recommend the book Peace Is Every Step, by Thich Nhat Hanh [2].
R. Reminder lists
S. Speak your truth
Speak your truth. Not only in your relationship with your partner but with friends and family too. By far, the number one person you need to be truthful with is yourself. It is ok to admit that you do not have all you’re shit together. It is ok to admit you’re overwhelmed. It is ok to admit that you’re angry and resentful. It is ok to not be ok. Whatever it is, communicate it as calmly and lovingly as you can. Yes, even negative feelings need to be expressed when you are in a good place to do so. Holding in feelings of any kind is completely toxic to one person in particular, you. Forget the notion of being afraid to rock the boat. Create a tidal wave!
T. Take time to reflect
U. Unwind. This is a BIG word, isn’t it.
This is all about self-care. Not watching TV or scrolling Facebook. Take some time for yourself. Really treat yourself, each and every day.
V. Visualization, aka guided imagery
W. Celebrate the WINS!
As women, we often get hung up on the to-do list and thoughts of the future. What needs to be done tomorrow, next week, what will next year look like, how will you make it all come together? Although, all of those things are important, as we are often the glue that holds everything and everyone together, it is really important to always celebrate growth and success.
Any kind of celebration does a couple of things to your body and your mind. Your endorphins flow and you are left feeling exhilarated, confident, and ready to take on the world. Even the small things are worthy of celebration. Was the to-do list long and you managed to get a couple of things checked off, and you did them really well? Were you able to help a friend through something and left them feeling loved and supported? Were you able to do something special to pamper yourself today? All of those are worthy moments! Celebrations reinforce future success, so go for it!
X. Examine your feelings
Y. It is all about YOU
Here is one of my favorite inhaler synergies, just for you!
Self lovin’, self-care, winning!
Z. Zero tolerance for those who seek to violate your boundaries
References
[1] Ruiz, D. M. (1997). The Four Agreements: Practical Guide to Personal Freedom. San Rafael, CA: Amber-Allen Publishing, U.S.
[2] Hạnh, N. (2013). Peace is Every Step. Bantam/AJP.
Hoffmann, D. (2003).
Please note that I am not a medical practitioner. The content of this website is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice. Do not use the information on this website for diagnosing or treating any medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. By using this website, you assume full responsibility and liability for your own actions.
