The HErbalist Corner 12/29:

3….2.. wait not yet- we still have a few days before the New Year’s celebrations begin, but did you make your resolution yet? It is that looming question on everybody's mind, but where do you start to even divulge the list of changes you hope to enact in the year to come. Take a deep breath and try not to panic, and let’s see if my short guide to resolution setting can ease you through this stressful time of year.

My first piece of advice in differentiating between my needs from my wants for the upcoming year is with a good, old fashioned list. Never underestimate the value of physically writing something down, putting it in an intuitive order from most to least supportive as they come to you naturally, and allow yourself to step back and observe all of the notions you just put on the table. Although it might not feel like it yet, you actually have already taken the first step toward what I consider a mindful transition to achieve our New Year's resolutions. I sometimes like to take it one step further by after completing my list to my best ability (and you are always welcome to add and delete- there are no real rules here), I start to go, one-by-one, through the items and visualize their success. I’m sure you have heard it before, something along the lines of: you must see it to believe it, and it’s many other variations- but it works! I implore you to try this practice while beginning to set your New Year’s resolutions.

Another practice I find supportive when beginning to contemplate the goals for the year to come is through meditation and mindfulness practices. These can manifest in so many ways from yoga or workout classes, to healing self-care routines such as abayanga, Ayurvedic oil massage, or a simple date with nature. I find my most clear-minded states when grounded in the forest, surrounded by the scent of pines, cedars, and junipers, in a space where I feel I am able to connect to my intentions most acutely. It is important to find a practice that fits well with yourlifestyle, that feels safe, and that allows you the space to explore even the silliest of notions. Our goals and intentions for the New Year may not be as clear-cut as we may have hoped, so by tapping into a more mindful sate, I find that the clutter begins to clear and the truly supportive ideas shine. 

Lastly, herbal allies have always been there for me in times of confusion or intense desire, when all I want is to make that thing happen and I become fixated on whether I fail or succeed. This year, instead of letting these feelings of doubt and control come over you, befriend and herb that allows you to escape these negative feelings of self. Thymoleptic herbs, or mood enhancing botanicals, work to both nourish and uplift the nervous system, helping us to shake the rollercoaster of emotions. When I am in a pinch, and need to escape overwhelming feelings, I lean on my tincture preparations of herbals and when I have a longer moment to unwind, I like to indulge in a variety of herbal teas, such as Chamomile, Lavender, and Skullcap- to name a few favorites.

Here at Breeze Botanicals we are fortunate to carry Sun God Medicinals compounded formulation of herbal tinctures, teas, and topicals that are formulated for the intentions of supporting the nervous system and to nourish tissues throughout the body; this enables us to feel more-centered and ready to tackle any New Year’s resolution we have decided to set. Products such as the Heka and Hercules lines of teas, tinctures, and topicals, provide a variety of nervous tension relief and may help support a clearer mind, helping you to be more precise when setting those personal goals for the upcoming year. Also, for a more in-depth consultation, we have a clinical herbalist on staff who is ready to support you as we move into the New Year- reserve an appointment today and start your year with positive change!