Hindsight is 20/20 is a popular saying that basically means it is easier to understand something after it has happened. I wonder how many of us live in this hindsight 2020 mode? Do we live in our past weighed down by regret, guilt, or shame? Instead, isn’t it more productive to take the time to reflect on our past to make better choices in the future?
I spent the better part of my 2019 year researching and writing my doctoral dissertation on a comprehensive integrative approach to healing mental health conditions including Christian counseling psychology and clinical aromatherapy. That is a mouthful, I know. I encountered people living in hindsight guilt and others drowning in emotional stress who understood what happened but still could not move forward. Many people gave a brave superficial smile but were so broken inside.
I spent the month of December in 20/20 mode praying for direction on how I can help more people move out of hindsight guilt and into the joy of the present.
Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today is a gift. That is why it is called the present. -Bill Keane
Every year I pick a word to focus on for the year and for 2020 I decided on the word FREEDOM. So my focus for the 2020 Living Health List year is to help you achieve FREEDOM in your life by focusing on the common areas that cause emotional and mental stress.
Each month I will focus on a freedom theme coupled with an essential oil. This month my theme is the reason I always choose JOY: FREEDOM in Christ and the essential oil is Humility.
You may wonder what does freedom in Christ has to do with mental health? Prayer. Prayer is communication with God that fills the spiritual experience that our the frontal lobe of our brain craves. An emerging area of research in neuroscience called “Neurotheology” is discovering scientific evidence of the impact of religious practices on the brain including prayer. One study suggests that religious experience activates the same circuits of the brain as sex and drugs.[i]
An evidence based approach
Prayer is an evidence-based approach used to support mental health and as a coping mechanism in difficult times.[i][ii] It may reshape your brain,[ii] can release hormones such as oxytocin and can help reduce reactivity to traumatic events.[iii] Prayer is an opportunity to release the weight of guilt, shame, regret and experience spiritual growth, healing, resilience, and joy. Not sure where to start with prayer? Check out my 15-minute Prayer Punch to start your day.
One of my favorite Young Living essential oil to use during my prayer time is Humility blend. Humility includes a blend of some of my favorite essential oils for emotional health including Boswellia carter (Frankincense) known for calming and emotional support and Cananga odorants (Ylang Ylang) known for soothing, calming, and uplifting.
To use Humility during prayer time, diffuse 1-2 drops for 30 minutes or apply one drop to the palm of your hand, rub palms together, cup over nose and mouth, and inhale deeply for 5 counts, hold, release slowly. Repeat 3-5 times.
Prayer is the foundation of my life. I don’t go a day without it. When life gives me lemons, my go-to-therapy is prayer first enhanced with essential oils! With the scientific evidence showing the mental and emotional health benefits of both prayer and essential oils, I am not missing out on a chance to incorporate both for maximum benefit.
Ready to take your first step in a life of FREEDOM? I can help you get started. Contact me and mention Living Healthy List for a free 15-minute consultation.
Resources:
[i]Sandoiu, Ana. 2018. What Religion Does to Your Brain. Medical News Today. July 20, 2018. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322539.php#2
[ii]Hagerty, Barbara B. 2009. Prayer May Reshape Your Brain and Your Reality.NPR News. May 20, 2009. https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=104310443
[iii]Spector, Nicole. This is Your Brain on Prayer and Meditation. NBC News. February 16, 2018. https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/your-brain-prayer-meditation-ncna812376
[i]Kuhlman, Heide R. (2018). Living for the Fruit of the Spirit: Christianity for Those with Mental Health Conditions. Bloomington, IN: WestBow Press.
[ii]Koenig, Harold G., Linda George, and Bercedis Peterson. (1998) Religiosity and Remission of Depression in Medically Ill Older Patients. American Journal of Psychiatry, 155 no. 4: p. 536-542.
Dr. Letticia Callies (a.k.a. Dr. Joy) is on a mission to spread joy around the world. She helps people who are stuck or overwhelmed by helping them get the results they need to live out their joyful purpose. She uses a combination of evidence-based strategies to help you bounce back when you fall, empower and encourage you in your faith, improve your overall wellness, and help you discover more time to do what you love. Her joyful demeanor and compassionate communication help motivate her clients to make positive changes that simply become second nature.
Dr. Callies is the wife of her best friend for over 20 years; she is a mom to four boys and two girls. She is the founder of JOYFull Inspirations, LLC, an author, homeschool educator, worship dancer, and joy-lettering journalist. She enjoys spending time with her family, sampling tea, leading joy-handlettering Bible studies, and creating healthy recipes in the kitchen.