Use Diffusers to Reap the BENEFITS OF ESSENTIAL OILS
If you’ve stopped by a health store recently, you’ve no doubt seen a huge selection of essential oils. These liquids, which contain concentrated, natural aroma compounds found in plants, are the basis of aromatherapy, one of the most popular trends in holistic health. Aromatherapy involves applying these oils to the skin or spraying them into the air. Skin application requires that you use diluted oils, because aromatic compounds are strong and can cause irritation. As a result of these concerns, many essential oil acolytes have turned to diffusers to get the benefits of aromatherapy in a safe, wonderful-smelling manner. In addition to filling your house with an all- natural, appealing perfume, aromatherapy has been touted as a way to help with everything from stress and insomnia to cognitive function and mood enhancement. To receive these benefits, you’ll need to pick up a diffuser and some oils. With so many options, though, how do you know which one is right for you? There is no shortage of methods to diffuse essential oils. Nebulizing diffusers don’t require any heat source, instead atomizing the essential
oils. They are extremely effective, but they are also large and expensive. Ultrasonic diffusers are similarly heatless, preserving the oils. This type of diffuser can also work as a humidifier, making it a valuable multitasker. Heat and evaporative diffusers are cheaper options, but they tend to alter oils or separate particles according to size. Once you decide on the best diffuser for your home, you need to select a few essential oils and put your new toy to use. Lemon oil is antibacterial and antiseptic, and will freshen your environment. Cinnamon oil can clear congestion and has a homey, autumnal scent. Eucalyptus oil is an air purifier, but its scent is strong and not for everybody. If you want to de-stress, try rosemary oil, which decreases your cortisol levels. Take note that you should alert your doctor before partaking in aromatherapy if you’re pregnant, nursing, or on any medication. While most essential oils are perfectly safe to diffuse, the compounds in certain oils can combine with medication and trigger adverse side effects. Once you begin diffusing, you’ll never go back to commercial, chemical scent sprays. The benefits are evident, and the results smell sweet.
MIRA’S MO CONTI Once, there was a girl named Mira. She and her little brother, Luke, were going to a Broadway camp. It had Broadway stars that had been in plays like “Wicked”! The stars were choreographing dance and singing routines for them that were going to be in a famous show that people from all over were coming to see. It was very expensive to get into the camp, so it was very nice for Mira and Luke’s grandma to pay for them and their two cousins. On the night of the performance, which was at Jack London State Park, everyone was super excited! It was evening, and it was boiling hot. Everyone was sweaty from the heat and from nervousness. The first act that the campers would be in was the dance and singing routine. The teenage campers were onstage first, but a third of the way through, the kid campers went onstage. The bright lights shining on them were too bright to see the audience, but it was so exciting that they didn’t care. When the song was over, their lungs were screaming from all the high- energy dancing and singing. Everybody was cheering and
STARS OFF STAGE
Four-Legged Friend Helps Spread the Word Linda Arons has been a Transcendence volunteer for four years now. She and her yellow lab, Mickie, help with community outreach. Linda often passes out Transcendence informational cards, sharing the story of our Big Dream. This past summer, she realized spreading the story of Transcendence would be a lot easier if she had some help. If you’ve been in Sonoma recently, you may have seen Mickie sporting a new jacket. “Mickie is the latest member of the Transcendence marketing team,” Linda says. “I designed a little jacket so he could carry the Transcendence cards and help me give them out. Now, when I meet someone, I ask, ‘Would you like one of Mickie’s cards?’ People love it!” Linda and Mickie spend their time around Sonoma Plaza or wander the bike path. They meet many people from out of town, and they’re happy to let them know all about Transcendence. They have met couples looking for a way to celebrate their honeymoon, tourists eager to do something fun the night before they leave town, and even Transcendence audience members who already look forward to the next show!
Since the beginning, volunteers have played an essential role in realizing the Transcendence dream. When it comes to volunteers, it’s safe to say ours are the best, whether they walk on two legs or four!
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