I was blessed to have a year that almost resembled a sabbatical. Some might not have seen it that way, but I did. It was our third and final year of seminary. I had a bit of respite from the demands I was used to in the area of child raising. One was living in the college dorm, but still just a mile away. One was trying out boarding school for a year and thriving. My two younger girls were finally both in middle school and thus coming out of the fighting phase that had characterized our previous two years. Even my little guy was in a two day a week parent’s morning out program. I was taking advantage of that time and focusing on personal growth. This was the year I discovered the paleo diet, essential oils, and on a spiritual level, I had come to realize the importance of living in the now.
I love it when outside research confirms what I have already experienced to be true. One of my health issues I have been addressing is adrenal fatigue. Prior to this sabbatical year, I had taken on a tremendous amount of stress.
It’s not like I had a choice in the matter. Life was stressful. What I realized through spiritual direction was that my response to that stress could either make life easier or harder. In spiritual direction, I was able to talk out my worries and struggles. I was then directed to look for a positive aspect in the situation. In other words, could I find an area in which God was helping me grow as a person? We spent a lot of time meditating on scripture using an ancient practice called lectio divina. I also realized for the first time that prayer is not about telling God what you want Him to do for you. It is about being quiet and listening for what He has to teach.
A recent study at UC Davis just found that focusing on the present may help lower cortisol levels. Tonja Jacobs, a postdoctoral researcher at the UCD Center for Mind and Brain said, “This is the first study to show a direct relation between resting cortisol and scores on any type of mindfulness scale.” The project has drawn the attention of the science community and has been endorsed by the Dalai Lama. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. High cortisol levels are associated with physical or emotional stress. Prolonged elevated levels contribute to weakened and compromised physiological systems. How does one focus on the present and practice mindfulness? Through meditation or prayer. Young Living has some essential oils to help as well. Frankincense is excellent to enhance spirituality. For adrenal support, the essential oil of choice is nutmeg. I also recommend the blend, Present Time. Present time contains (as described in the Essential Oils Desk Reference, 5th edition):
Neroli: “Brings thoughts and mental awareness to alleviate anxiety, depression, and insomnia.”
Ylang ylang: Balances male and female energy, increases relaxation, and restores confidence.
Spruce: “opens and releases emotional blocks, fostering a sense of balance and grounding.”
Almond oil: a rich source of vitamin E, and considered a nutrient for the brain and nervous system.
Outside the Cave 
