How Subtle Aromatherapy Promotes Self-Compassion

By Joni Keim

As we go into the busy holiday season, it’s a good time to remind ourselves of the need for self-compassion. I enjoyed this quote by author, Sharon Salzberg, “Self-compassion is like a muscle. The more we practice flexing it, especially when life doesn’t go exactly according to plan (a frequent scenario for most of us), the stronger and more resilient our compassion muscle becomes.” To help feel stronger and more resilient, I turn to subtle aromatherapy, a form of energy healing and vibrational medicine.

Subtle aromatherapy promotes self-compassion when you slow down and work with the essential oils with sensitivity and intention. Many find it helpful for personal and spiritual growth and it is especially useful combined with transformative techniques such as meditation, affirmations, and visualization.

Below are steps you can use subtle aromatherapy to mindfully promote self-compassion:

The essential oils that are particularly indicated for SELF-COMPASSION are Rose, Bergamot, Cardamom, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Helichrysum, Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, Sandalwood, and Patchouli.

Choose a single essential oil or create a blend. A beautiful blend is 50/50 Bergamot and Rose. Subtle aromatherapy uses small amounts of essential oils (0.5% to 1%).

To make this as a mist: Mix 5 drops of Bergamot and 5 drops of Rose in 4 ounces of water in a mister bottle. Shake well before use.

To make this as an anointing oil: Mix 2 drops of Bergamot and 2 drops of Rose in 1 tablespoon of jojoba or fractionated coconut oil (FCO). Store in a glass roller bottle, small glass bottle, or small jar with a cap. Set aside.

• Sit quietly and relax. Breathe slowly and deeply, 5 times. Breathe in positivity. Breathe out any negativity.
• Clear your mind and acknowledge the essential oil or blend you are going to use. Acknowledge the plants that the oils come from as well. You can also acknowledge the people who grew, harvested, and distilled the oil so that you were able to use it.
• Activate your hands by rubbing them back and forth about 24 times. Feel the energy in your hands and direct your breath into them for 5 breaths.
• In your mind, hold the intention of the purpose of using the essential oils. Pick up the bottle and direct your intention to it.
• If using a mist: Mist over your heart, mist your hands, and mist the top of your head while holding the intention of its purpose. You can choose to repeat an affirmation while misting, such as “I show myself compassion” or “I am kind to myself.” If using an anointing oil, anoint your heart, your hands, and the top of your head. You can choose to use a visualization such as seeing yourself being compassionate to yourself.
• Lastly, mist or put a drop of the essential oil(s) in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together, cup your hands over your nose, breathe in the aroma (without touching your nose), and hold its intention in your mind.

Make this subtle aromatherapy exercise meaningful for you. Add other actions if you want. Change what doesn’t feel right to you. Take as long as you like.

We all can use more self-compassion! Give subtle aromatherapy a try and let us know what you think. We love hearing from you! If you want a deeper understanding of how essential oils work, along with blending instructions, make sure to download e3’s free guide, Listen to Your Nose: An Introduction to Aromatherapy.