I want to talk about an experience I had today. It was an intense one. But as all challenging experiences often do, it brought me some clarity, & actually, a bit of relief.
Anxiety. Instant panic. Uncontrollable, irrational seeming fear.
Ever been there?
For me it happens anytime I step into a doctors office. Not a dentist office. Not any other office. Just a doctors office.
And this morning I thought I was totally going to be fine. I slept well last night, I was sitting in the waiting room relaxed & calm. Until they walked me to the room & opened the door.
The piercing, sterile smell of alcohol sent me into an instant panic. Then the glaring lights hit me. Then the sight of all the familiar, yet always uncomfortable metal tables, tools, chairs, & gowns registered in my brain.
And there I was. In my usual panic.
My first thought when this happens is usually something like "UGH, not againnn. This is so ridiculous." It's as if my logical brain & emotional brain are feeling two completely separate things at the same time.
I actually get annoyed. And sometimes even laugh. Because I know there's nothing to be afraid of. But even still I just can't help but feel the anxiety build.
I was going in to have an excision done on a mole that came back pre-cancerous. I've had this done before, a couple times, so I knew what to expect: it would only take 20mins, I'd have some stitches, & that's about it. But that didn't make it any easier.
For those who have anxiety, you know that when it hits, it's hard to diffuse. And sometimes your job is just to ride it out the best you can.
I bring essential oils with me everywhere I go (which I'm pretttty sure doesn't come as a surprise). And today I brought one that has been vibing with me in such a lovely way lately - Magnolia.
It's been soothing, calming, quieting, comforting (if you're into chemistry, Magnolia is actually more relaxing than Lavender because of its high linalool content).
I've enjoyed carrying it around over the past few weeks, using it throughout the day, & finding mini moments of peace & quiet no matter what else is going on around me. Rolling it on my wrists in the morning, on my neck throughout the day & even at night before bed.
Before the doctor started my procedure, I grabbed for my Magnolia, took the cap off & I kept it under my nose. It blocked the sterile doctors office smell, but it also transported me to all those moments of peace & stillness that I had been experiencing lately.
Just as quickly as that alcohol smell shot me into panic of that familiar scene, the Magnolia pulled me out of it.
And it was just like that I was able to breathe.
I'm surprised that I still get surprised when these essential oils create such an obvious & powerful experience. But when you use them, they do. Again & again.
Essential oils act as aromatic anchors. You can create habits with them in positive situations, so that you can more quickly & easily access those feelings & states of mind whenever - & wherever - you need to.
Let this be a reminder to use your oils. Let yourself play. Grab for the oil that calls to you. Don't think about it. And see what happens.
You never know, you might find joy, or even comfort, when you least expect it.
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What anchors have you created with Essential Oils, even if by mistake? How have they served you well?
If you're not sure, then how about this - What essential oils have been pulling you in lately, even if you have no idea why?
I'd love to hear your experience in the comments.
If this resonated with you, you might also enjoy my blog post What Your Intuition Can Teach You About Essential Oils.