Boosting Your Self-Esteem, Part 2

In many ways, life itself is a self-fulfilling prophecy. A person reared amidst harsh criticism and ridicule will grow up believing he is worthy of this type of treatment. And being creatures of habit, we easily adapt to our environments--even if that environment is unhealthy. For many who have experienced traumatic or abusive childhoods, this adaptation is a survival mechanism. The insecurities we develop as children become so deeply rooted in who we are, teaching us to "survive" by employing such emotional responses as avoidance, dependency, or
violence. And rather than addressing these painful issues, we alienate those around us, distancing from real intimacy and healthy relationships with others.

These behaviors are usually anchored in a lack of self-esteem caused by emotional stress from our past. Perhaps your childhood was filled with cruelty, punishment, or abuse. Perhaps you were consistently ignored and discounted, or were always held in comparison to your siblings or other children in the community. If you suffered from emotional stresses like these during your childhood, you likely adapted to this conduct, believing it must be deserved, and gradually becoming less and less confident in yourself.

It is so important to overcome this type of deeply-rooted pain in order to lead a fulfilled life. Moreover, a lack of self-esteem and the negative behaviors that accompany it leads to failure, depression, frustration, loneliness, and much more. Fortunately, there is extensive support available to help you discover your true self. From therapists to coaches to support groups, there are many ways to begin healing.

Along with the support of others, it is important that you take the time to nourish yourself as well. Soothing and gentle natural therapies like Swedish massage, flower essences, and aromatherapy can help bring peace to your body and soul.

If you are ready to begin healing, try the following aromatic recipes as a first step toward boosting your sense of self worth.

Symptom: Social Avoidance
This aromatic blend awakens the will while bringing more courage and confidence. Using this blend opens you up toward others and reveals your self-pride and confidence.

Apply it either in the morning or at night, and before any social gathering or event.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:

• 6 drops Rosemary
  
• 7 drops Bay leaves
  
• 6 drops Lemon
  

Anoint the solar plexus. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale it deeply.

Symptom: Lacking Sense of True Self
This aromatic blend allows you to acquire more insight about yourself. Using this blend centers and grounds your personality. I suggest you use one drop of Rose otto on the heart chakra to soothe the release and support the growth process. Apply the blend at night when the mind is calm and ready to receive healing and insight.

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In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:

• 6 drops Sandalwood
  
• 2 drops Helycrisum
  
• 5 drops Cedarwood
  

Anoint the third eye (include the neck and temples), the solar plexus and sacrum. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale it deeply.

Symptom: Dependency
This aromatic blend eases one's dependency on outside validation. Using this blend calms the mind and helps to release any addictive or compulsive neediness toward others.

Apply it in the mornings.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:

• 7 drops Orange
  
• 7 drops Lemon
  
• 5 drops Cypress
  
• 3 drops Marjoram
  

Anoint the solar plexus, the abdomen, and the sacrum. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale it deeply.

Symptom: Violence
Melissa is one of the most precious essences in aromatherapy. Its healing properties on the soul, spirit and heart chakra are highly valuable. True Melissa is rare, but any derivative brings much comfort. It calms the body, mind and soul of its many sorrows and pain, while helping the individual to release any negative past experiences in a safe emotional space. Using this aromatic blend soothes, supports the release of painful past life experiences, and eases growth while bringing comfort and security.

Apply on morning and/or at night, anytime when needed.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:

• 6 drops Sandalwood
  
• 2 drops Melissa
  

Anoint the sacrum and the heart chakra. Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale it deeply.

Symptom: Fear or Avoidance of Healthy Relationships
This aromatic blend opens the heart center helping you better connect with others. It also eases anger, resentment, and frustration that may impede healthy relationships. For any relationship issues, I recommend you work with either a therapist or personal coach. By doing so, you receive more insight into what is blocking or impeding happiness.

Using the blend brings joy, opens the heart and heals heart pain and sorrow. Apply in the mornings and/or at night, when needed.

In a 10-ml bottle, pour the essential oils and then add organic vegetable oil to fill:

• 2 drops Rose
  
• 6 drops Patchouli
  
• 6 drops Orange
  

Anoint the heart chakra, the abdomen and the solar plexus Pour a few drops into the palm of your hands and inhale it deeply.

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Click here to purchase or learn more about the essential oils used in these blends.

To review Part 1 of this series, click here.
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In Good Health,
Francoise Rapp
www.aromalchemy.com

This article was originally published by Francoise Rapp in "The Arom'Alchemy Newsletter," a weekly ezine dedicated to healthy mind, body and soul through the use of aromatherapy. Join her for many aromatic moments to come by subscribing at www.aromalchemy.com/education.

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