Energy Healing, Essential Oils, Healing Journey, Health, Self-Discovery

Healing Beyond the Trigger: Working Through PTSD, Anxiety, and Emotional Responses

Life has a way of bringing up emotions when we least expect them. A scent, a phrase, a certain place—suddenly, you’re overwhelmed, heart racing, body tense, mind spiraling. Triggers are real, and for those navigating PTSD, anxiety, or emotional wounds, they can feel all-consuming. But healing is possible. Through research-backed techniques, meditation, essential oils, and energy healing modalities like Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code, we can shift from reactive to resilient. Let’s explore the path to emotional freedom.

Quick Techniques for In-the-Moment Relief

When emotions rise suddenly, having a few quick techniques on hand can make all the difference. Here are five powerful strategies to help ground yourself in the moment:

  1. 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Exercise: Identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste. This brings awareness back to the present.
  2. Box Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. Repeat until your body relaxes.
  3. Butterfly Hug: Cross your arms over your chest and gently tap your shoulders in an alternating rhythm to activate the calming response.
  4. Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups from head to toe to release built-up tension.
  5. Affirmation & Essential Oil Inhalation: Apply an essential oil like Adaptiv or Lavender to your palms, inhale deeply, and repeat a calming affirmation such as, “I am safe. I am grounded. I am in control.”

Research-Backed Strategies for Processing PTSD, Anxiety, and Triggers

  1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD and anxiety. Research shows that CBT helps reframe negative thought patterns, reducing fear responses to triggers (Watkins et al., 2018). By working through thoughts and emotions in a structured way, individuals gain control over their reactions and begin the healing process.
  2. Somatic Experiencing Trauma isn’t just in the mind—it lives in the body. Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Peter Levine, focuses on releasing stored trauma through body awareness and movement. Studies show that SE significantly reduces PTSD symptoms by completing the body’s natural fight-or-flight response (Payne et al., 2015).
  3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) EMDR is a well-established therapy that helps individuals process trauma by engaging in bilateral stimulation while recalling distressing memories. Research confirms its effectiveness in reducing PTSD symptoms by changing how the brain stores traumatic experiences (Shapiro & Maxfield, 2019).
  4. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) Mindfulness isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a science-backed way to reduce emotional distress. MBSR, developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, has been shown to decrease symptoms of PTSD and anxiety by helping individuals stay present rather than being pulled into past trauma or future worries (Khusid & Vythilingam, 2016).
  5. Journaling for Emotional Release Writing about trauma and emotions provides a safe outlet for expression. Studies reveal that expressive writing significantly reduces symptoms of PTSD and anxiety, aiding in emotional processing and cognitive restructuring (Pennebaker & Smyth, 2016).

Supporting Emotional Healing with Meditation

Meditation is a powerful tool for calming the nervous system and reducing emotional reactivity. Breath-focused meditation, body scans, and guided visualizations help retrain the brain to respond differently to stress. Studies indicate that regular meditation lowers cortisol levels, reducing overall stress and improving emotional regulation (Goyal et al., 2014). If you’re feeling overwhelmed, try a simple grounding practice: inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four. Repeat until your body relaxes into the present moment.

Supporting Emotional Healing with doTERRA Essential Oils

Essential oils work on an emotional and physiological level, helping the body shift out of fight-or-flight mode. Some of the most supportive oils include:

  • Lavender: Known for its calming properties, lavender reduces anxiety and promotes relaxation (Koulivand et al., 2013).
  • Frankincense: Helps support deep emotional healing by grounding and stabilizing emotions.
  • Adaptiv Blend: Specifically designed to support mood and stress, Adaptiv aids in emotional resilience.
  • Shinrin Yoku Blend: Inspired by the Japanese practice of forest bathing, this oil creates a sense of peace and presence.

To use, apply diluted oils to pulse points, diffuse them in your space, or inhale deeply for immediate support.

Supporting Emotional Healing with Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code

Sometimes, our emotional triggers stem from trapped emotions, energy imbalances, or limiting beliefs. The Emotion Code, Body Code, and Belief Code are energy healing techniques that help identify and release these underlying blocks.

  • Emotion Code: Releases trapped emotions stored in the body that contribute to triggers and anxiety.
  • Body Code: Balances the body’s energy systems, addressing physical, emotional, and energetic misalignments.
  • Belief Code: Rewires limiting beliefs that keep us stuck in fear, self-doubt, or emotional distress.

Through muscle testing and intention-based release, these methods help bring the body and mind back into alignment, allowing for deep emotional healing.

Final Thoughts

Healing isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about rewriting your response to it. Whether through scientifically backed therapies, meditation, essential oils, or energy healing techniques, you have the power to reclaim peace. If you’re ready to take the next step in emotional healing, let’s connect. Schedule a session and experience firsthand how deep transformation is possible.

References

Goyal, M., Singh, S., Sibinga, E. M., Gould, N. F., Rowland-Seymour, A., Sharma, R., … & Haythornthwaite, J. A. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 174(3), 357-368.

Khusid, M. A., & Vythilingam, M. (2016). The emerging role of mindfulness meditation as effective self-management strategy, part 1: Clinical implications for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and anxiety. Military Medicine, 181(9), 961-968.

Koulivand, P. H., Ghadiri, M. K., & Gorji, A. (2013). Lavender and the nervous system. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2013, 681304.

Payne, P., Levine, P. A., & Crane-Godreau, M. A. (2015). Somatic experiencing: Using interoception and proprioception as core elements of trauma therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 6, 93.

Pennebaker, J. W., & Smyth, J. M. (2016). Opening up by writing it down: How expressive writing improves health and eases emotional pain. Guilford Publications.

Shapiro, F., & Maxfield, L. (2019). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Information processing in the treatment of trauma. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 75(11), 2078-2090.

Watkins, L. E., Sprang, K. R., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2018). Treating PTSD: A review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12, 258.

Essential Oils, Healing Journey, Health, Self-Discovery

Unlocking Our Emotions: A Path to Healing and Balance

Emotions are the language of our inner world, a bridge between our thoughts and physical experiences. They guide us, teach us, and—if we listen closely—can unlock a profound sense of healing and transformation. Yet, too often, we suppress, ignore, or misunderstand our emotions, leading to stress, disconnection, and even physical discomfort. What if we could change that narrative? What if unlocking our emotions meant unlocking our full potential?

Keep reading to receive support in expanding your emotional vocabulary and understanding your emotions on a deeper level. Plus, at the end of this blog, you’ll find a FREE Emotions Journal to help you track, process, and navigate your feelings with greater clarity and confidence.

The Science Behind Emotions

Research in psychology and neuroscience confirms that emotions are deeply connected to both our mental and physical well-being. Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, a leading researcher in affective science, explains that emotions are not hardwired reactions but rather constructed experiences influenced by past events, environment, and even physiological states (Barrett, 2017). This means we have more control over our emotional experiences than we might believe.

Chronic stress and unresolved emotional patterns have been linked to physiological ailments such as cardiovascular disease, weakened immune function, and digestive disorders (Sapolsky, 2004). Conversely, emotional awareness and regulation can improve overall well-being, fostering resilience and healthier relationships (Gross & John, 2003). By learning to recognize, process, and release our emotions, we allow ourselves to live in greater harmony with our bodies and minds.

Emotional Healing: Releasing What No Longer Serves You

The process of emotional healing is about acknowledging past experiences, understanding their impact, and allowing ourselves to move forward. According to Discover Healing, emotional imbalances often stem from trapped emotions—energetic imprints from past experiences that, if unaddressed, can contribute to emotional distress and physical discomfort. Techniques such as the Emotion Code, meditation, and mindfulness practices help release these stored emotions, allowing for renewed energy and clarity.

One key to emotional healing is self-awareness. By tuning in to how we feel and why, we begin to break free from automatic responses and unconscious emotional loops. Journaling, affirmations, and guided breathwork are simple yet powerful ways to cultivate emotional awareness and healing.

Supporting Emotions with Essential Oils

Essential oils can be profound allies in emotional wellness. Their aromatic compounds interact with the limbic system—the part of the brain that processes emotions—helping to shift emotional states and promote balance (doTERRA, 2016).

  • For Stress & Anxiety: Lavender and Bergamot help calm the nervous system and promote relaxation.
  • For Sadness & Grief: Citrus oils like Wild Orange and Lemon uplift and energize the spirit.
  • For Anger & Frustration: Frankincense and Roman Chamomile support grounding and emotional release.
  • For Confidence & Motivation: Peppermint and Rosemary invigorate the senses and promote clarity.
  • For Emotional Release & Healing: doTERRA’s Console Blend is formulated to soothe the heart and encourage peace.

By integrating essential oils into our daily rituals—through diffusion, topical application, or mindful inhalation—we create a supportive environment for emotional transformation.

Expand Your Emotional Vocabulary

Unique Emotions & Phrases

  1. Tickety-boo (British, possibly from Hindi ṭhīk hai, bābū) – Everything is going smoothly and well.
  2. Hiraeth (Welsh) – A deep longing for something, especially home or a place in time that can never be returned to.
  3. Saudade (Portuguese) – A melancholic longing for someone or something lost, mixed with fondness.
  4. Schadenfreude (German) – The pleasure derived from another’s misfortune.
  5. L’appel du vide (French) – “The call of the void,” the sudden urge to jump from high places or do something reckless.
  6. Dépaysement (French) – The feeling of being out of place, especially in a foreign country.
  7. Iktsuarpok (Inuit) – The anticipation of someone’s arrival, causing frequent checking outside.
  8. Torschlusspanik (German) – The fear of opportunities slipping away as one ages.
  9. Meraki (Greek) – Pouring your heart and soul into something you do.
  10. Litost (Czech) – A state of grief, regret, or torment, especially caused by self-awareness.

General Emotions & Expressions

  1. Ebullient – Overflowing with enthusiasm and energy.
  2. Serene – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
  3. Discombobulated – Confused or thrown off balance.
  4. Blissful – Extremely happy and content.
  5. Giddy – Lighthearted excitement or dizziness.
  6. Wistful – A mix of sadness and longing for something past.
  7. Jubilant – Overjoyed and triumphant.
  8. Lugubrious – Excessively mournful or gloomy.
  9. Exasperated – Intensely frustrated or annoyed.
  10. Nonplussed – Surprised and unsure how to react.

More Expressions for Emotions

  1. Gobsmacked – Astonished beyond words.
  2. Over the moon – Extremely happy.
  3. On cloud nine – Experiencing deep joy.
  4. A bundle of nerves – Very anxious or stressed.
  5. Miffed – Slightly annoyed or put off.
  6. Beside oneself – Overwhelmed with emotion.
  7. Gutted (British) – Deeply disappointed.
  8. Chuffed (British) – Pleased or proud.
  9. All at sea – Feeling lost or confused.
  10. Like a cat on a hot tin roof – Restless or anxious.

Complex or Subtle Emotions

  1. Forelsket (Norwegian) – The euphoria of first falling in love.
  2. Mono no aware (Japanese) – A sensitivity to the fleeting nature of life.
  3. Sisu (Finnish) – Extraordinary perseverance in adversity.
  4. Komorebi (Japanese) – The feeling of sunlight filtering through trees.
  5. Depaysement (French) – Feeling displaced in a foreign land.
  6. Resfeber (Swedish) – The restless anxiety and excitement before a journey.
  7. Kilig (Tagalog) – The butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling of romantic excitement.
  8. Mudita (Sanskrit) – Taking joy in the happiness of others.
  9. Fernweh (German) – A longing for distant places, the opposite of homesickness.
  10. Voorpret (Dutch) – The joy of anticipation before an event.

Expressions of Deep Emotion

  1. Sonder – The realization that everyone has a complex inner life like yours.
  2. Melancholy – A reflective sadness, often without an obvious cause.
  3. Cathartic – Feeling relieved after releasing emotions.
  4. Ethereal – Feeling light and otherworldly, often connected to beauty.
  5. Poignant – Deeply emotional, touching, and bittersweet.
  6. Stoic – Enduring hardship without showing emotion.
  7. Rapture – Intense pleasure or joy.
  8. Awe-struck – Filled with wonder and amazement.
  9. Nostalgic – A warm yet bittersweet longing for the past.
  10. Devastated – Completely shattered emotionally.

Final Thoughts: Embracing the Journey

Unlocking our emotions is not about controlling or suppressing them but about honoring them as part of our human experience. When we cultivate emotional intelligence, embrace healing, and utilize natural tools like essential oils, we empower ourselves to live with greater joy, resilience, and connection.

Are you ready to unlock your emotions and step into greater emotional freedom? It starts with a single moment of awareness—and a willingness to feel, release, and heal.

Essential Oils, Healing Journey, Health

Harness the Power of a Ways of Being Journal

Journaling is more than just putting pen to paper—it’s a tool for transformation. Your Ways of Being Journal is designed to help you track, reflect, and reshape your Ways of Being, guiding you toward a more intentional and fulfilling life. The best part? You can select and print the pages that best suit your journey, making it a truly personalized experience.

How to Make the Most of Your Journal

1. Daily Check-Ins: Track Your Ways of Being

Each day presents an opportunity to observe how you’re showing up in the world. Are your thoughts and actions leaning toward the positive, or are they clouded by negativity? Maybe it’s a mix of both. By tracking your Ways of Being throughout the day, you bring awareness to patterns that may need a shift.

2. Reflect and Review: Shift the Narrative

Before you close out the day, take a few moments to reflect on your experiences. What brought you joy? Where did you struggle? When you recognize a negative pattern, use your journal to identify a positive Way of Being to replace it in the future. This practice fosters growth and helps you step into a more empowered version of yourself.

3. Set Intentions: Align with Your Best Self

Your journal isn’t just a record of the past—it’s a tool for shaping the future. Set daily or weekly intentions that align with how you want to feel and act. Write affirmations that counter any negative Ways of Being and reinforce positive ones. This simple act strengthens your mindset and encourages lasting change.

4. Sensory Support: Enhance Your Experience

Journaling can be even more powerful when combined with sensory support. Essential oils are a wonderful way to create a soothing atmosphere that promotes emotional clarity.* Try diffusing oils as you write, or apply them to your pulse points to ground yourself in the present moment. Whether it’s the calming scent of Lavender or the uplifting aroma of Wild Orange, these natural tools can deepen your mindfulness practice.

Scholarly Support for Your Practice

Research supports the powerful impact of both journaling and essential oils in emotional well-being:

  • A study by Smyth et al. (2018) found that positive affect journaling (PAJ) serves as an effective self-regulation tool, improving mental distress and overall well-being.
  • Setzer (2020) reviewed the mechanisms by which essential oils influence mood and emotional balance, highlighting their role in promoting relaxation and stress relief.

Your Journey, Your Way

Your Ways of Being Journal is meant to serve you, not the other way around. Select and print the pages that resonate most with you, allowing for a flexible and intuitive experience. Whether you’re using it for self-reflection, intention-setting, or tracking your progress, this journal is here to support you every step of the way.

Take a deep breath, pick up your pen, and begin the journey to a more intentional, balanced life.

References:

Smyth, J. M., Hockemeyer, J. R., & Tulloch, H. (2018). Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being: A preliminary randomized controlled trial. JMIR Mental Health, 5(4), e11290. https://doi.org/10.2196/11290

Setzer, W. N. (2020). Therapeutic effect and mechanisms of essential oils in mood regulation and emotional disturbances. Medicines, 7(10), 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/medicines7100064

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Essential Oils, Healing Journey, Making a Difference, Self-Discovery

Transform Your Business and Career Through Energy Healing

I am so honored to be on the Rebranded Marketer podcast with Amber! I am humbled by the introduction she gave.

**TRIGGER WARNING: we discuss topics surrounding domestic violence, suicide, and weight management.

Episode 8 | Transform Your Business and Career Through Energy Healing with LeeAnn Mason

✨ Listen to the Rebranded Marketer podcast:

Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/gASeZGHw

Spotify: https://lnkd.in/gFBrMBuG

Essential Oils, Healing Journey, Health, Self-Discovery

Empowering Your Journey: The Magic of Affirmations and Intentions

In a world full of distractions and challenges, finding balance and staying connected to your true self can be difficult. But what if you had a tool that could help you stay centered, focused, and aligned with your deepest desires? That’s where the power of affirmations and intentions comes in – a practice that can transform your life from the inside out.

Affirmations are positive statements that you repeat to yourself, often in the present tense, to reinforce a desired belief or outcome. For example, saying, “I am worthy of love and success,” helps to cultivate a mindset of self-worth and confidence. These statements are powerful because they help to rewire your brain, replacing negative self-talk with empowering thoughts.

However, sometimes stating affirmations and intentions as if they’ve already happened can feel uncomfortable, or even make you feel like an imposter. This is completely normal – especially when you’re working on shifting long-held beliefs. To ease this discomfort, consider using language that resonates more authentically with where you are in your journey. Phrases like “I choose…,” “I am becoming…,” “I am attracting…,” or “I am claiming…” can help bridge the gap between where you are and where you want to be. For instance, instead of saying, “I am completely confident,” you might say, “I am becoming more confident each day.” These subtle shifts make your affirmations feel more achievable and true, helping you embrace them with greater conviction.

Intentions, on the other hand, are more about setting a clear focus for your actions. They’re the commitments you make to yourself about how you want to approach your day, your goals, or even your life. For instance, you might set an intention to approach challenges with grace or to seek out opportunities for growth. Intentions anchor you in the present moment, guiding your actions in alignment with your highest self.

When you combine affirmations with intentions, you create a dynamic duo that propels you toward your dreams. Imagine starting your day with a simple ritual: taking a few deep breaths, grounding yourself, and then speaking your affirmations aloud. Follow that with setting a clear intention for how you want to show up in the world today. This practice not only elevates your mindset but also aligns your energy with your goals.

The beauty of this practice is that it can be tailored to fit your needs. Whether you’re seeking more peace, joy, abundance, or love, your affirmations and intentions can be customized to reflect your unique journey. And the more you practice, the more you’ll notice a shift in how you think, feel, and experience life.

Incorporating affirmations and intentions into your daily routine is a powerful way to stay connected to your truth and to create the life you desire. If you’re ready to take this practice to the next level, consider pairing it with other tools like gratitude journaling or the doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy Kit for added support. And if you’re seeking deeper guidance, I invite you to schedule a session with me for Emotion Code, Body Code, or Belief Code – together, we can unlock the full potential of your affirmations and intentions, paving the way for lasting transformation.

Start each day with purpose. Speak your truth. Set your intentions. And watch as your life begins to align with the magic you’ve always known is possible.