Using Subtle Aromatherapy to Promote Kindness

By Joni Keim

There is a beautiful song written and sung by Jewel called Hands. In it, she sings a line, “In the end, only kindness matters.” I don’t know if it is the simplicity or the profoundness of it that causes me to tear up whenever I hear it. I trust that it is true—only kindness matters.

Kindness is at the heart of our humanity. The Dalai Lama said, “My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.” Even small acts of kindness have a ripple effect and can change the world. During this time of Shelter In Place and Social Distancing, look for the opportunities to be kind. We are all in this together and isn’t it a blessing that we have each other?

How we can use subtle aromatherapy to promote kindness

The essential oils that are particularly indicated for KINDNESS are Rose, Bergamot, Cardamom, Chamomile German, Chamomile Roman, Frankincense, Lavender, Myrrh, and Patchouli. The essential oils can be used alone or made into a blend.

Subtle aromatherapy allows you to use essential oils with sensitivity and intention in your personal and spiritual growth. Here is an exercise to implement subtle aromatherapy to promote kindness:

1. Choose the essential oil or make the essential oil blend you are going to use. (See below for suggested recipes that support and promote kindness.)
2. Sit quietly and relax. Breathe slowly and deeply. Breathe in all positivity. Breathe out any negativity. While breathing, place one or both of your hands over your heart. (The heart center is where most people feel kindness.)
3. Clear your mind and acknowledge the essential oil or blend you are going to use and the plant(s) and the people that were needed to make it available to you.
4. Activate your hands by rubbing them back and forth 24 times. Feel the energy in your hands and mentally direct your breath into them for 5 deep, relaxed breaths.
5. In your mind, hold the intention of the purpose of using the essential oil or blend. In this case, to promote and support kindness. Pick up the essential oil container and direct your intention to it.
6. If you are using a mist: Mist over your heart, your hands, and the top of your head while holding the intention of the essential oil or blend. You may also choose to repeat an affirmation while misting, such as “I am kind.”
7. If using an anointing oil, anoint your heart, your hands, and the top of your head. You may also choose to use a visualization such as seeing yourself being kind to everyone you meet, as well as, to yourself.
8. Lastly, mist or put a drop of the essential oil or blend in the palm of your hand. Rub your hands together and cup your hands over your nose, breathing in the aroma three times, (without touching your nose) and holding its intention in your mind.

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

A beautiful blend to promote kindness is 50/50 Bergamot and Rose. Subtle aromatherapy uses small amounts of essential oils (0.5% to 1%).

To make a mist:
5 drops of Bergamot
5 drops of Rose
4 ounces of water

Mix in a mister or spritzer bottle. Shake well before use.

To make an anointing oil:
2 drops of Bergamot
2 drops of Rose
1 tablespoon of jojoba or fractionated coconut oil

Mix together and store in a glass roller bottle, small glass bottle, or small jar with caps.

For more information about subtle aromatherapy see Aromatherapy & Subtle Energy Techniques and Aromatherapy Anointing Oils, both by Joni Keim and Ruah Bull.

Here’s some parting inspiration for you on this topic…

“Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless.”
– Mother Teresa

“Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind;
and the third is to be kind.”
– Henry James

“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good
put together that overwhelm the world.”
– Desmond Tutu

Which essential oils will you blend as you use subtle aromatherapy to promote kindness? We’d love to hear about them! To help you grow stronger during these challenging times, I encourage you to sign-up for e3’s lovely email series, “Nurturing Resilience.” You’ll receive aromatherapy tips to help you feel calm, centered, and inspired which will make it that much easier to be kind!