As 2021 comes to an end, we have a chance to reflect on the year that was, and to set goals for the new year.
Many of us have had to deal with the ongoing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic; associated with COVID infections, lockdowns, travel restrictions and disruption to our normal life. I was hoping that as 2022 draws closer, we may once again see a return to normality. However, dare I say, it may still be some time before we can embrace the life we knew pre-COVID.
During the pandemic, many of us have taken solace in using essential oils for their antimicrobial activities, and to comfort and support us mentally, emotionally and spirituality.
I therefore thought it would be good idea to nominate my ‘essential oil of the year’.
This is obviously going to be a very difficult question for those of us that work with and love essential oils.
This week, I had the pleasure of speaking at an online aromatherapy conference hosted by Jirbie Go and the Alliance of the Philippine Aromatherapists. When I asked the question “which essential oil would you nominate as essential oil of the year?” to the attendees during the Q&A session, I got an eclectic list of essential oils - but there was one essential oil that stood out that I felt deserves the honour of being 2021 Essential oil of the Year.
In choosing the essential oil of the year, I considered the situation we now find ourselves in.
Just as Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne came out of lockdown... just as all the Australian States began to open borders... just as international travel begun trickling back into Australia... just as we began making travel plans for next year (I have already booked flights to Japan in April next year), the omicron variant arrived.
I recently came across a term the ‘pandemic flux syndrome’ - a term coined earlier this year, which by the way is not a clinical term.
This term perfectly captures the essence of what we are living through at the moment – feelings of anxiety, feelings of exhaustion, a state of mental and emotional anguish, a desire to change something in our lives, and a foreboding sense that life is not yet back to normal and not knowing when this pandemic will be over.
Earlier this year, while preparing for my Aromatherapy and Mental Health Masterclass, I discovered Julian of Norwich.
Reading about Julian of Norwich was so revitalizing for my soul and restored a sense of hope.
The essential oil of the year has to embody the wisdom of Julian of Norwich - which is why I have chosen hinoki wood as my essential oil of the year.
Its delightful subtle woody note reminds us that ‘all will be well’ - a beautiful saying that has been attributed to Julian of Norwich, which by the way will be the topic of one of my first free webinars for 2022.
Hinoki wood reminds us to stay connected with nature and to experience the healing benefits of the forest. The oil reminds us to stay grounded while also being spiritually elevating. The scent of hinoki wood oil is also soothing and eases anxiety and a restless mind.
It is not surprising that hinoki wood is a very important ingredient in two very special blends that I have created in the last 12 months – Soul Comfort and Flourish.
The majestic hinoki tree stands confident and in harmony with other hinoki trees.
It reminds us that the strength is in numbers and the way forward is to stay connected and work together.
Hinoki wood essential oil not only instils a sense of calm but gives us the courage and confidence to navigate any challenges that we may encounter in times of crisis.
I would like to sincerely thank you for your support this year.
I wish you, your family and friends a safe and wonderful Christmas, and may the beautiful scent of hinoki wood comfort your soul and allow you to flourish in 2022.
