We’re often told to “rest” when we’re overwhelmed. But rest is not one-size-fits-all—and it’s certainly not limited to a nap or a weekend off. True self-care begins when we learn how to listen: not just to the noise of the world around us, but to the whispers within.
There are many types of rest—seven, in fact. Each one speaks to a different dimension of our being: physical, emotional, mental, sensory, social, creative, and spiritual. Understanding which kind of rest you truly need is the beginning of deep self-care and regeneration.
If you’re feeling drained and unsure why—this post is for you.
Let’s explore how you can reconnect with your whole self and discover what you really need to feel nourished, restored, and alive.
7 Types of Rest: A Brief Reflection
Physical Rest – Your body asks for stillness. This might mean sleep, stretching, or a walk.
Emotional Rest – Your heart longs to release. Self-care, boundary-setting, and journaling help here.
Mental Rest – Your mind seeks space. Take a break, play with puzzles, practice mindfulness.
Sensory Rest – Your senses crave quiet. Step away from screens, be in nature, enjoy a book.
Social Rest – Your soul needs connection—or solitude. Spend time with loved ones or simply be alone.
Creative Rest – Your spirit yearns to express. Paint, write, explore something new.
Spiritual Rest – Your inner self calls for meaning. Meditate, reflect, and reconnect.
Guided Meditation: Tuning Into Your True Needs
Find a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed. Sit or lie down comfortably. Let this be a sacred moment for yourself.
After the Meditation: Journal for Inner Discovery
Take a few moments now to write freely. Download the workbook and let these prompts guide you into deeper self-awareness.
Rest is not a reward for burnout. It is your birthright.
When you rest with awareness—when you ask your inner self what you need and respond with love—you begin to regenerate. Not just physically, but energetically, emotionally, and spiritually.
This is the heart of self-care. Not a checklist, but a relationship—with yourself.
So today, give yourself permission to pause. Tune in. And respond.
There is wisdom within you. It’s been waiting patiently for your attention.
You don’t need to do more. You need to feel more. Be more. Trust more.
There’s something sacred about pausing long enough to breathe deeply, to ask the deeper questions, and to connect with the One who knit us together. In a world rushing to do more, be more, and prove more, the greatest shift we can make is to slow down and align with our divine design.
That’s exactly what we’re doing in our upcoming class on Spiritual Health—and it’s not your typical “self-help” moment. This is soul work. The kind that ignites purpose, awakens potential, and calls us into the full expression of who we are created to be.
🕊 Essential Oils: Ancient Tools for Modern Faith
When I first started exploring essential oils, I had no idea they would become spiritual tools in my wellness journey. But the more I learned—especially from experts like Dr. Josh Axe, who teaches about the Oils of the Bible—the more I realized God’s provision has always included the natural world.
There are approximately 33 specific essential oils and aromatic oils mentioned in the Bible, with hundreds of references throughout.
John 12:3 (KJV) Then took Mary a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair: and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment.
1 Samuel 16:12–13 (KJV) 12 And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the Lord said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he. 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up, and went to Ramah.
The Holy Anointing Oil, as described in Exodus, was a blend specifically designed by God for consecration.
Exodus 30:22–25 (KJV) 22 Moreover the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, 23 Take thou also unto thee principal spices, of pure myrrh five hundred shekels, and of sweet cinnamon half so much, even two hundred and fifty shekels, and of sweet calamus two hundred and fifty shekels, 24 And of cassia five hundred shekels, after the shekel of the sanctuary, and of oil olive an hin: 25 And thou shalt make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound after the art of the apothecary: it shall be an holy anointing oil.
Isn’t it beautiful to think He gave us a recipe for holiness? Dr. Axe explains how these oils supported not only the body but also the spirit—offering grounding, clarity, and divine connection.
And today, with the purity and power of doTERRA essential oils, we have access to these same gifts—ready to support our spiritual practice in a deeply tangible way.
1. Frankincense
Biblical Use:
Presented to Jesus by the wise men (Matthew 2:11)
Used in incense offerings (Exodus 30:34)
Symbol of prayer, worship, and holiness (Leviticus 2:1–2)
Modern Use:
Soothes skin when used topically
Supports meditation, spiritual connection, and emotional grounding
Promotes healthy cellular function and immune support
3. Cinnamon
Biblical Use:
Ingredient in the Holy Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:23)
Symbol of holiness, warmth, and sacred covering
Modern Use:
Supports healthy metabolic function and immune response
Warming oil that invigorates body and mind
Used in cooking, diffusing, and topical blends
5. Spikenard
Biblical Use:
Mary anointed Jesus’ feet with spikenard (John 12:3)
Symbol of extravagant worship and devotion (Song of Solomon 1:12)
Modern Use:
Deeply calming and emotionally centering
Supports skin health and hormonal balance
Encourages humility, worship, and inner peace
7. Sandalwood (Biblical equivalent: Aloes)
Biblical Use:
Mentioned as “aloes” in the preparation of Jesus’ burial (John 19:39)
Symbol of fragrance, healing, and sacred intimacy (Proverbs 7:17, Song of Solomon 4:14)
Modern Use:
Deeply grounding and spiritually centering
Promotes healthy skin and enhances meditation
Used in rituals, anointing, and emotional work
2. Myrrh
Biblical Use:
Used in embalming and purification (John 19:39, Esther 2:12)
One of the gifts brought to Jesus at His birth (Matthew 2:11)
Part of the Holy Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:23)
Modern Use:
Often used in oral care and natural perfumes
Calms the nervous system and supports emotional healing
Excellent for skin (especially dry or aging skin)
4. Cedarwood
Biblical Use:
Associated with cleansing and purification (Leviticus 14:4–6)
Symbol of strength and longevity (Psalm 92:12, 1 Kings 6:15–18)
Modern Use:
Grounds emotions and calms the nervous system
Supports restful sleep
Encourages feelings of safety and stability
6. Cassia
Biblical Use:
Used in the Holy Anointing Oil (Exodus 30:24)
Represents dedication and consecration
Modern Use:
Similar in properties to cinnamon (they’re botanical cousins)
Supports immunity and healthy digestion
Emotionally uplifting and purifying
8. Cypress
Biblical Use:
Used in temple construction (Isaiah 44:14, 1 Kings 6:34)
Represents strength, eternal life, and transition
Modern Use:
Supports circulation and respiratory function
Emotionally helps with transitions, grief, and letting go
Grounding yet uplifting; often used in spiritual work
🌟 Enter the BrilliantPlus App: Your Faith-Based Strengths Companion
Have you heard about the NEW BrilliantPlus app? It’s a transformational tool that bridges faith and personal growth through the lens of CliftonStrengths. Whether you’ve known your Top 5 for years or are just discovering what makes you uniquely gifted, this app integrates your strengths with biblical principles and practical applications.
We’ll walk you through how to use the app to explore your God-given design in a deeper way. Think of it as your personal strengths journal, devotional, and growth plan—all rolled into one.
One of my favorite things about CliftonStrengths is that it affirms what many of us have suspected deep down: we are not broken—we are BUILT. And we’re each built uniquely for a reason.
When you see your strengths through the lens of Scripture and the Spirit, everything shifts. You begin to understand that your Achiever drive, your Empathy heart, your Strategic vision—none of it is random. It’s all intentional. And when aligned with faith, it becomes powerful fuel for your calling.
📖 Sneak Peek: Faithfully Unleash Your Strengths
I’m beyond excited to give you a sneak peek at of Ronai Brumett’s upcoming book, Faithfully Unleash Your Strengths. This project has been a labor of love, born from coaching sessions, quiet moments with God, and her journey through healing and purpose.
In the book, Ronai share how to:
See your strengths as spiritual assignments
Pair essential oils with your strengths to support emotional and spiritual alignment
Use the BrilliantPlus app as a daily practice for growth
And most importantly, partner with God in every area of your life
You don’t have to hustle to be worthy. You are already equipped. This book will help you remember that.
If your heart is longing for more—more connection, more clarity, more confidence in who God created you to be. This is your invitation to stop striving and start thriving in alignment with who God created you to be.
Let’s walk this sacred journey together.
With purpose and possibility, LeeAnn Mason Founder, Beyond Possibilities
I am a radiant being of love and light. With every breath, I choose to honor myself, embrace my worth, and stand in my power.
I release all that dims my glow and welcome the energy of joy, peace, and abundance. My heart beats in harmony with the highest vibrations, aligning me with my true essence.
I speak to myself with kindness. I nourish my body, mind, and soul with love. I am worthy of all that is good, simply because I exist.
I trust in the divine timing of my journey. I let go of fear and doubt, knowing that I am always supported.
I vibrate at the frequency of gratitude, attracting miracles effortlessly. Love flows to me and through me, amplifying my light and lifting those around me.
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:
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.
Box Breathing: Inhale for four counts, hold for four, exhale for four, hold for four. Repeat until your body relaxes.
Butterfly Hug: Cross your arms over your chest and gently tap your shoulders in an alternating rhythm to activate the calming response.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: Tense and release muscle groups from head to toe to release built-up tension.
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
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.
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).
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).
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).
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tickety-boo (British, possibly from Hindi ṭhīk hai, bābū) – Everything is going smoothly and well.
Hiraeth (Welsh) – A deep longing for something, especially home or a place in time that can never be returned to.
Saudade (Portuguese) – A melancholic longing for someone or something lost, mixed with fondness.
Schadenfreude (German) – The pleasure derived from another’s misfortune.
L’appel du vide (French) – “The call of the void,” the sudden urge to jump from high places or do something reckless.
Dépaysement (French) – The feeling of being out of place, especially in a foreign country.
Iktsuarpok (Inuit) – The anticipation of someone’s arrival, causing frequent checking outside.
Torschlusspanik (German) – The fear of opportunities slipping away as one ages.
Meraki (Greek) – Pouring your heart and soul into something you do.
Litost (Czech) – A state of grief, regret, or torment, especially caused by self-awareness.
General Emotions & Expressions
Ebullient – Overflowing with enthusiasm and energy.
Serene – Calm, peaceful, and untroubled.
Discombobulated – Confused or thrown off balance.
Blissful – Extremely happy and content.
Giddy – Lighthearted excitement or dizziness.
Wistful – A mix of sadness and longing for something past.
Jubilant – Overjoyed and triumphant.
Lugubrious – Excessively mournful or gloomy.
Exasperated – Intensely frustrated or annoyed.
Nonplussed – Surprised and unsure how to react.
More Expressions for Emotions
Gobsmacked – Astonished beyond words.
Over the moon – Extremely happy.
On cloud nine – Experiencing deep joy.
A bundle of nerves – Very anxious or stressed.
Miffed – Slightly annoyed or put off.
Beside oneself – Overwhelmed with emotion.
Gutted (British) – Deeply disappointed.
Chuffed (British) – Pleased or proud.
All at sea – Feeling lost or confused.
Like a cat on a hot tin roof – Restless or anxious.
Complex or Subtle Emotions
Forelsket (Norwegian) – The euphoria of first falling in love.
Mono no aware (Japanese) – A sensitivity to the fleeting nature of life.
Sisu (Finnish) – Extraordinary perseverance in adversity.
Komorebi (Japanese) – The feeling of sunlight filtering through trees.
Depaysement (French) – Feeling displaced in a foreign land.
Resfeber (Swedish) – The restless anxiety and excitement before a journey.
Kilig (Tagalog) – The butterflies-in-the-stomach feeling of romantic excitement.
Mudita (Sanskrit) – Taking joy in the happiness of others.
Fernweh (German) – A longing for distant places, the opposite of homesickness.
Voorpret (Dutch) – The joy of anticipation before an event.
Expressions of Deep Emotion
Sonder – The realization that everyone has a complex inner life like yours.
Melancholy – A reflective sadness, often without an obvious cause.
Cathartic – Feeling relieved after releasing emotions.
Ethereal – Feeling light and otherworldly, often connected to beauty.
Poignant – Deeply emotional, touching, and bittersweet.
Stoic – Enduring hardship without showing emotion.
Rapture – Intense pleasure or joy.
Awe-struck – Filled with wonder and amazement.
Nostalgic – A warm yet bittersweet longing for the past.
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.
Beyond Possibilities 