the truth about Comfort

We know what we need.
Intuitively…
Yet sometimes the cyclone around us seems so unbearable, we can’t even gather a simple thought, let alone what we really NEED during hardship.
Comforts tranquilize and calm us. They bring us back to our true nature. The anger, frustration, exhaustion, resentment dissipates slowly when we allow ourselves the refreshing reliefs that cradle our hearts and nurture our spirits.
Years ago I stumbled upon the lavender plant …
In one scientific study of Lavender and the Nervous System, lavender was found to reduce “symptoms such as restlessness, disturbed sleep, and somatic complaints and had a beneficial influence on general well-being and quality of life”.
Ask any dirt loving gardener what they grow and they will almost always sing out that at least one lavender plant grows in their garden. Look closely and watch them …. just the mention of this not only beautiful, but truly fragrant plant, will set the stars to twinkling in their eyes. They will parade you through the throngs of bliss amassed in their well manicured yard only to deliver you next to this amazing garden treat and insist you take in its delights.
Whether it is inhaled through essential oils (therapeutic grade is always best) or placed in a sachet in a hot bath or baked or brewed, there is always an easing sense of life’s turmoils when we take time to incorporate this garden beauty into our lives.
Here is a great recipe for you to try that I often make in my own home that is great at relieving fatigue, depression and even tension headaches …
Boil 7 cups of water
Pour 4 cups of the boiled water over 2 tablespoons of lavender buds in a bowl
(Mountain Rose Herbs is a great resource for organic lavender)
Steep covered with a cheese cloth for 10 minutes
Pour the leftover 3 cups of boiling water into a pitcher
Add ½ cup of agave or local honey
Stir until dissolved
Strain lavender “water” with a cheesecloth into your pitcher
(make sure the kids are watching … it is truly magic for the soul)
Add the juice of 3 lemons (about 8 ounces)
Serve over ice
Enjoy your bliss!
Micki