Natural Working Mama

Emotional Aspects of Essential Oils - Lavender and Marjoram

2014-12-12T13:10:00.000-08:00

What is the one smell either terrible or wonderful that immediately takes you to a moment in time?

For me it is the smell of a babies head, that soft and subtle smell in those precious early moments of nursing. Even picturing it in my head evokes the same sensation of that smell. As a former New Yorker, envisioning a summer day by the subway evokes a memory in the same way - though not as pleasant!

The trigger of a smell creates a chemical reaction in our body. Putting us on alert or calming us. The world of essential oils is so incredibly complex. The more you learn, the more you want to learn. Our family's journey of essential oils stepped into high gear when we learned about the emotional aspects of the oils.

I could wrap my head around the idea of oils effecting my mood, but not effecting my person-hood. That is until I experienced. I encourage everyone reading to research and try themselves.

In the comments of our giveaway we discussed two particular oils. Lavender and Marjoram.

I love the lemony smell of Marjoram. Marjoram's list of possible uses is long, it can support the respiratory and muscular systems in many ways. However, the first time we used it was in fact, to support emotional well-being with one of my children. According to the fantastic reference guide Emotions & Essential Oils, Marjoram is the "Oil of Connection."

In terms of my child, we experience challenges that at times make it hard for him to interact with others. He is either social and interactive or fearful of new situations. Marjoram has been very helpful in supporting our family and friend connection. I also believe this would be very helpful for someone who might need to experience more compassion (in conjunction with geranium). This is a great oil for supporting the feeling of safety.

Lavender! We call it the Swiss Army Knife of Essential Oils. What can't you use it for. We often find ourselves with an empty bottle. It is rare, however, that we use it for calming. Have any idea what some uses might be?

In terms of Lavender's emotional context, it is the "Oil of Communication." The first time I saw the title I was a little confused, how did that connect? But as I read on and revisited some memories it became clear. Lavender comes up for me quite a bit. People would never know that I am an introvert and that it takes significant effort for me to communicate with others. Why? Because I get nervous. Sometimes I do not even know I am nervous! So what does Lavender do? It relaxes us so that we are able to communicate from our heart center.

Cool huh? So now I ask you? Have you ever used an essential oil for it's specific emotional aspect? Or realized one after use? If not have you used a Flower Essence? And if so which one and for what? What is another oil you would like to know the emotional aspect of?

Breathing Easy!

2014-12-02T19:01:00.001-08:00

This time of year always causes distress in our home. But after two years of aligning ourselves with a healthier diet, rhythm, outdoor life, acceptance of who we are and finally essential oils - we are seeing the light! In honor of the holidays and homeschooling parents everywhere, I am giving away a bottle of Breathe Respiratory Blend to the Earthschooling community. I want to hear from you? What questions do you have? I see so much controversy and not enough real discussion about oils out there. Let's start it hear in a safe loving way. Do you use Essential Oils regularly?

Jellyfish Stings - Ouch!

2014-07-18T22:21:00.001-07:00

We were at Yorktown beach and had another chance to put the Purify to work again. Lots of Jellyfish and lots of opportunity to try it out. Tons of people asking my husband if they could use some. Great to take on vacation - and if you are in Yorktown, look me up!
http://www.cusanofamily.myoilproducts.com/

Working and parenting. Starting to flow.

2014-07-18T22:17:00.001-07:00

A new era has ushered in! Being a Mom and being doTERRA is flowing. We are moving gracefully from one thing to another, with lots of time for interaction. I love my life! Thank you dōTERRA!

Interested in learning how you can change an become a Wellness Advocate - leave a comment or visit my site -

http://www.cusanofamily.myoilproducts.com/

Spider Bite?

2014-07-18T22:06:00.001-07:00

July 4th was certainly eventful. At some point, I believe while I was sleeping something bit me multiple times. I did not see the aggressor (though I am sure it thought I was the aggressor!)

In retrospect, considering the amount of pain I was in a trip to the doctor might have been in order. But you know Moms - we just keep on trucking. And in the end I succeeded in taking care of it myself. Anyone have a guess to who the little bugger was?

At first we thought it was poison ivy. So I doused myself with On Guard and did lemon, lavender, peppermint.

In the morning I started having nerve discomfort and used PastTense a lot. It helped so much! I kept up with the Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint and added Basil and Purify.

In this picture the bite started to become contained but it was still incredibly uncomfortable. Swelling went down enough to identify bite marks.

Started with Oregano, and kept up with all the above oils. Finally the bite shrank down leaving the skin a bit rough.

After 3 days all was well.

The path is opening.

2014-07-11T23:05:00.001-07:00

It has been an adventure and will probably continue to be. But Wednesday it started to become clear that I was on the right path. My work day became blended quite naturally with my mama time. We even had a sprint through the art museum. Here is to the future, to patience and to transformation. Thank you dōTERRA!

Blueberry season!

2014-07-07T09:35:00.001-07:00

It is here! Finally. The winter was full of ups and downs but it was worth it to to walk among the bushes and pick this morning. So much work to do, but so worth it.

Believing...

2014-07-06T20:35:00.001-07:00

We can do anything we set our minds to, if we do not give up.

2014-07-06T20:28:00.000-07:00

I am back in!!! Locked out of my account for 8 months!!
Make sure you do not enable two step verification on gmail
and lose your phone. But I am back! Back I say!

Homemade love.

2013-10-24T11:13:00.001-07:00

Lately our main source of income has been - doTERRA oils and the items I make with them. Are we there yet financially, no? Are we getting there? We must be because that is the only response we have from anyone in regards to work at the moment. My Best Deodorant Ever, and Almost Your Grandmother's Laundry Detergent are a hit - thank god! I just finished a batch. This is the time of year when my coconut oil does not work with me! But it is done. Ready for sale, now just to find a way to get there. Darn cars!!!

Handwork warms the soul!

2013-10-17T13:20:00.002-07:00

So today as I was checking in on Facebook, I did my usual - messaged my doTERRA folks, checked in with my Waldorf peeps. Took a look around while I was waiting for answers. When I decided to watch something a friend had posted. I am not sure why. I only saw it for a second, but I turned it off and immediately felt terrible. A woman high as a kite - a mess. I used to live in NYC where things like this were commonplace daily. I would ride the train home and watch people nodding out across from me. Wow - do I now live in a bubble. I am EXTREMELY sensitive, and that was a reminder of how thankful I am that I made such a drastic, difficult life change. There are days I miss NYC so much, and when I moved there I need the chaos and felt safe there. But not now. Now the trees make me feel safe, and so do the stars, the sounds of nature. Granted my nature now is drastically different then it was before I moved to the big city! And I am now exactly where I want to be.
I immersed myself back into some crafting and I feel lighter again! This really brought me a clear message of how much handwork and gardening feeds the soul. It grounds us and brings us peace.
It is Waldorf Swap madness time of year and I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I just finished a wet felted gnome house, and feel compelled to make 20 more. I just want to scream from the rooftops, "feeling lost, lonely and empty? get your wool on!!!!" Check out my work!

Farm, Family and Frankincense.

2013-09-26T19:42:00.000-07:00

Big changes are undergoing on so many levels. Where to start? First off we moved to a FARM!! This is a big step in fulfilling our dream. It was a truly bumpy road to get here, with so much more work ahead - but we are here! And we are so happy! The children are acclimating, and as I hoped their constant requests for media have begun to melt into nature and their imaginary worlds. Today we made maps and talked about history. Instead of whining I was greeted with excitement and requests for pouches to carry their map scrolls. Fastened from paper, tape and yarn the boys spent hours on adventure. And my creativity turned up a notch!
As hard as it has been to get here and despite the struggles we may still have, oh how it is worth it when I see my boys so full of life.
We made a worm bin and yummy carrot, sweet potato ginger soup. Everyone including our dog enjoyed it's heavenly taste as we watched a gorgeous pink sunset.
This past weekend we hosted our homeschool group for a Michaelmas celebration. How fulfilling to have so many wonderful happy faces! Our group performed the Kite play on the porch of our log cabin. It was glorious!
Financially the change from successful breadwinner to SAHM with multiple side projects has been extremely trying, but the change in behavior from my oldest was necessary. I had not slept in years and it was terrible. People may not understand, but soon when we have untangled ourselves through extreme simplification and I can clearly and honestly talk through it - I know I will be filled with joy from our journey.
We are putting our hands in the ground on a large scale! We have chickens coming in almost daily to begin our egg CSA, bees will arrive and with a little funding this dream will transform into brilliant reality.
What a test of trust on so many levels!
I have my small business making homemade items - laundry detergent, deodorant and more. The profit is teeny but it gives me some pride and has paid for gas when we had no resources! I know it will grow!!!
My doTERRA business is building as well. Everyday I want to give up and I am greeted by so many reasons not to. We have changed our health and we are so close to changing our finances with it. There are so many reasons to keep going. I like keeping this blog about my life, but doTERRA grows a bit more daily and it is important to share. Daily we use the Lemon, Lavender, Peppermint protocol on my LO's feet. We have been able to stop using Benadryl regularly. This is a godsend for us. I broke a bottle of Frankincense (heartbreaking!) but the smell is with me all the time - cleansing and clearing and reminding me of our rightness on this path.

The peace that comes with chaos.

2013-05-27T22:25:00.001-07:00

Our homeschooling/ unschooling journey has certainly been a test of patience, self confidence and ultimately trust.
It has taken us a long time, but we have finally found our rhythm and how beautiful it is. It is not always boxed, it requires going back to start sometimes, but wow, for the first time I truly see it and feel it and love.
Take for instanvce my child's refusal to poay attention to lessons, I was ready to crumble. Flash forward and I have a friend handling one main lesson a week and he is jumping out of his seat to help others. He says he can't read, but I caught him reading. There is such beauty in what we know. We have had group ups and downs, we have sang together, refused to sing together, come home and sang the things we refused to sing together for hours. We have wrestled with demons. We have faltered and stood back up. We have gone through great challenges, but when I look at what we have accomplished I am overjoyed. I am so lucky, so blessed. I have the best circle of humans far and wide.

Kittens!

2013-05-27T22:15:00.000-07:00

Today we relocated a feral Mama Cat and her little kittens away from a very busy road. It was a huge test of patience. Especially with two little boys who wanted to cuddle with them. The Mama had let me pet her and kept giving me cues that she was ready to have them moved. After moving them one little rascal was certainly driving her crazy and reminded me of the bittersweet last days of nursing - that "oh my god I can't do this anymore"mixed with "ooh my cute little nugget how can I ever stop!" They are safely in my garage for the time being, and it has been amazing how creating a place of balance and peace is what attracts them closer to you when they are afraid. Well that...and a piece of string :).

6 year old foot woes.

2012-10-08T13:07:00.002-07:00

My 6 year old has had problems with his feet since birth. He has shortened achilles tendons from toe walking, which give him terrible leg pain at night, he also has additional toe issues from wearing shoes on the wrong feet. Something he got such great joy from in kindergarten. And athlete's foot.

Now I know this is an overall sign of candida issues, that need to be dealt with internally, but I do want to jump for joy in regards to the topical solution we just made. Two nights ago, he got out of the bath tub and his hands and both feet, were completely covered with scaly, pealing skin. I have been using the doTerra Oils and quickly made a solution of 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 6 drops of Melaleuca, 3 drops of Oregano, 3 drops of Lavender. I applied it before bed. The next morning his hands and 1 foot were 100% clear, and one foot was 65% better. I applied more and it was gone. Woot! He was having so much discomfort from it and the oils saved the day.

Going with the flow!

2012-10-08T12:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life gives you pause and you are forced to wait. Excruciatingly, forever seeming waiting for change. You want to race out and chase down the answer and beat it down until it comes into fruition. Meanwhile you are so wrapped up, your children suffer, your spouse suffers, but none more than you as you wring your hands desperately for things to just show up - show up already!
Meanwhile the universe is staring down at you in disbelief - screaming what are you talking about? You said you wanted more time at home, time to spend with your children, time to focus on alternative projects, etc, etc, etc.
Huh, you think? Yeah I said that, but I also said I wanted a million dollars, a new car and sunny weather so that my freedom would taste super sweet. And also I need all these things right now by the way.
Hmm. And within you at that moment two roads diverge. One is to stay in this place wringing your hands, pushing and pushing becoming more frustrated with each breath and pulling farther and farther away from the balance point you are so desperately working towards or to take a long, deep step backwards, along with a deep breath inwards and sigh. Release all that fear and just pause. It is not perfect, you falter, but you bring yourself back. And soon you find yourself playing with your children, knitting - whoa!, reading, and letting go. It is painful at times but nowhere near what it was when you lived in the anxiety. Everyday it becomes more peaceful, you listen to the guide within, you are not as confused, and the choices become easier, joyful even.
You step outside and see the beauty around you and realize THIS IS WHERE I AM SUPPOSED TO BE. I am learning in this quiet moment. And for a moment once again you feel a tiny poke of fear, but this time the fear does not spiral down into a a never ending cycle downwards. Instead it rests, is honored and comforted. And all of a sudden you realize that PAUSE IS A GIFT.

Changes.

2012-09-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

Since I have started writing I have seen so many changes. A second child, a remarkable home birth, Waldorf Education, deciding to leave my career, a move to the south, a deeper understanding of relationships and reality, gardening, unexplainable allergies that point back to unfortunate western medical choise, goats, chickens, chicken pox, a move slightly farther north, the slow food, movement, community, unschooling, deciding to throw myself into certification classes for essential oils, iridology and homeopathy, followed by being accepted to a pretty hardcore masters program for Chinese Medicine, which means a move to the other side of the country.
What does this mean we have had some much come through our experience in such a short time that we finally need to let go and trust. What is the point of being resistant?
Not let me just lay down so you can walk all over me, but let us follow our intuition, build a boat with some basic supplies and let me trust you will dock us safely and gracefully on the shore.
My family and I are so blessed to continue this journey everyday. What a beautiful world we live in. What a wonderful family I have. We are truly blessed, full and free.
So many adventures to follow!

I am on a health kick!

2012-07-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

Well I have been on it for awhile, but I am very excited about my new path. Aromatherapy! I am taking a certification class and signed up with doTerra Oils. I love Young Living as well, but after being introduced by a friend, I went with doTerra. Today, I had a really big confirmation. I had a terrible stomach ache. Terrible. I thought very possibly I was getting a bad bug. I am working hard to use alternative therapies and realized I had DigestZen in the Family Physician kit. I rubbed on my tummy - and wow! It was an immediate solution. I feel so much better. I'm sold. If you would like more info check out my web page http://www.doterra.myvoffice.com/lisacusano/

The internal struggle of concious parenting.

2012-02-11T23:09:00.000-08:00

Parenting is difficult no matter what. Anyone out there find it easy? Now add to that a lifestyle a bit off from the norm and a lack of community.
Where does that leave you? Banging your head against the wall? Sobbing over your chamomile tea? Binge eating kale chips?

Today was an incredibly hard day. I am extremely sensitive. On top of my own emotions I am really good at picking up others and carrying them around for awhile. Now that is something I can take off my plate! It is not always easy to get back to center when I am in this space. I guess I would rather just avoid it and am being counter productive by just wishing it away.
And there is the answer! Instead of running away, I think it is time to delve in, live in it a bit and clear it out.
So let's get it all on the table. I am exhausted from trying to make things work.
Second clue - I am trying to make things work instead of allowing them to happen.
I am afraid that we cannot make ends meet and I am frustrated by instability.
Well. I am well aware that when I am relaxed and trust that things will work out I am FINE.
Yes - self - believe it. It is true! Self - the more you live in that trust - the more stability you have!
And you say - exhausted? Go to bed.
Processing out loud really works!

Mama Conflicted

2011-10-20T23:05:00.000-07:00

Deep in play.

Today was one of those interesting days that you don't quite see coming and leave you totally confused. Just when I had come accustomed to being a homeschooling Mom, just when I am amazed at how our rhythm is forming and our children settling in - I get a call to go back to work. But on my terms. Remotely. Left me totally confused. On the one side it would definitely interrupt our day and make homeschooling difficult but it might bring balance to our family overall and a boost in finances. Plus I wouldn't be starting over, I would working with my existing client base. Could I do this calmy and without stress? Can I gain control of my schedule? Tune in tomorrow...

Oolala!

2011-10-18T20:21:00.000-07:00

This Mam was about to loose it seriously. I have been nonstop with the little guys, add in a trip to a road trip to NY - me and them for a month, and normal (ok an extraordinary amount of stress) and I was destroyed. Heart flutters. A lot of saying, "yes, I am fine - oh just ignore my eye twitching uncontrollably!"
I was coming undone. But I decided to take charge and went to the Korean Spa. If you don't know about them, I will sum it up in 3 ( ok 7) words - Cheap, Awesome, You Can Take A Nap.
Every Mom's Fantasy.
There is a lot of guilt that came with the decision to go, however sometimes we need to take care of ourselves. That means you Mama!
You lucky NYC'ers have the ultra amazing Spa Castle. But Jeju is just as good.
Run. Don't walk. Remember - we can nurture, if we don't nurture ourselves!

Trying to be everything to everyone.

2011-09-27T18:56:00.000-07:00

Wow. Today I was ready for the day to come to a close and my children to go to sleep.
My older son is fighting sleep - so I actually gave up trying to get him to sleep and left him to his own devices (the next room.) Since he was an infant he has had sleep issues and if we don't parent him to sleep the more likely he is to wake up. But our little one is teething and I need some me time!

We just started homeschooling after our month long trip - 2 weeks in NYC, and two weeks in transit.

It was mainly just me and the kids! What a learning experience. I have been home with them for a year now - making work a much lower priority, and there we were back in the city, needing to put work first.
It felt completely out of sync. I enjoy a healthy work life, but where will my path take me next?

Since we are homeschooling there isn't a whole lot of time for anything else.

Waldorf kindergarten is focused on rhythm, and it is my utmost goal to get it together. It is definitely a big challenge for us. We do have a rhythm - but schedule is a whole other can of worms. Not to mention my husband's work schedule is complicated! And that throws a wrench in.

Looking forward to looking back two months from now!

Babies.

2011-09-16T20:58:00.000-07:00

I just returned from an adventure with my two boys (more on that later.) But today my heart is thinking babies. A gentle heartstring tug. I feel pretty complete - but as I looked at Facebook, I saw a friend's page. And I thought of the intense pain ( I had a homebirth) and the intense beauty. For me the fear and memory is only just beginning to fade, but isn't it amazing how it does. And you hold on to just the beauty. It is truly a miracle. It is also ridiculous that there are places that are illegal to have a homebirth. Like Georgia. Really?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HFLzxdZG30Q&feature=share

I won! I won!

2011-09-08T20:15:00.000-07:00

Lucky me! I actually won a ticket to the Holistic Moms Natural Living Conference. Now I just need to get there! I have until Saturday October 1st to make it to Irvine or maybe this ticket will be gifted along.
I am thrilled!

Washed Away...

2011-09-02T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today I send my thoughts to friends - known and unknown, living in Vermont and elsewhere who as of now have lost everything. I hold space for you to rebuild. I send love and strength and I send support as you travel through this mourning process.