After finishing school, I began actively looking for the “next step” in my life. Opening my heart and mind to all of the unlimited possibilities, I trusted that my decision would be guided and that there are no mistakes, only invitations to greater expansion. However, I had no idea that my actions would have such an impact on my life then and continue to enrich my life as I am now experiencing.

While researching the many opportunities in front of me for college education, professional training and apprenticeship, I stumbled across an on-line ad for a nanny agency. Only one month after my first correspondence with the family, I was sitting aboard an airplane in-flight to their remote home on the Sinai Peninsula of Egypt! This land of secrets beckoned me with vivid images of ancient civilizations, the heat of the sun beating down, and the sweet smell of the breeze coming off the salty Red Sea. I prepared myself for the experience of a lifetime in this far away land. Yet, I didn’t prepare myself for how the sweet child Yasmeen would smile, laugh and play her way so magically into my heart!

At only two years of age, Yasmeen was full of mystery and wonder. She carried an inner knowing of how the world works, far beyond anything an adult could remember. Three weeks after arriving in Egypt, I was playing with her on the beach in an old wooden rowboat, half buried in the sand. In the middle of the song we were singing together she stopped, inching her way next to me. The moment seemed to last forever as her enormous blue eyes gazed intently into my own. Ever so slowly, she touched my big adult hand with her tiny little child hand and whispered, “Do you miss your Alaska? Sometimes I miss my Momma and Papa. We go to town and I miss my home and I miss my toys. You live with us for a while because I like you.”

I was touched as I realized how deeply she had journeyed into my heart and sensed my longing for my home in Alaska. Everyday Yasmeen amazed me with her inherent ability to know the unknown, to easily and naturally tap into the intuitive brilliance that I was working so hard to develop.

Her mother was also a woman of mystery and wisdom. I felt honored to have had her as my teacher as she guided me into her world of ancient healing knowledge. Monika assisted me in discovering my passion for the age-old natural medicines and the innate ability that we all have to heal ourselves. She was like an Egyptian Pharaoh Queen, schooled in the science of natural magic and the alchemy of healing. Her eyes spoke of royalty and she walked with authentic dignity. When she spoke to me of the body’s ability to heal, her words were slow and deliberate.

One afternoon while Yasmeen was napping, Monika said to me,”You know how it is to be healthy; your body is already protected from illness. Your body has always known how to be immune and it will always know. When we return to nature, we are simply teaching our body how to remember.” As I reflected on her words, she carried out what appeared to be a treasure chest. The breeze brought the scent of exotic flowers, far-away trees, and familiar spices to me even before she opened the box. “These are pure essential oils and you are about to discover how nature can support your immunity and healing process.” Thus began my journey of discovery into the world of essential oils.

I became very excited by learning how healing can be accomplished more naturally and organically. One evening when Yasmeen had developed a runny nose while at school, Monika and I decided that it would be best to add essential oils to her bath to prevent the sniffles from turning into a cold or fever overnight. The three of us gathered in front of the treasure chest as the aroma of the essential oils began to waft around us. Yasmeen was sitting on my lap and I remember being in awe of how still and silent she was.

As Monika slowly opened the chest and began to reach inside, Yasmeen interrupted her. “Mommy, can I?” she gently questioned. It was so beautiful to watch Monika nurture her child by honoring her innocence and intuition. The silence was thick as we waited for Yasmeen to make her selection. Her tiny hand reached inside of the box to choose an essential oil. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, handing Monika three essential oils, one after the other. It was absolutely magical; she picked the exact same oils that we would have. From that point on, we decided to allow Yasmeen to co-create with us, sometimes selecting an oil (we always used common sense and safety precautions) and sometimes counting the drops.

Here are two of our favorite and most successful recipes. Please feel welcome to try them out!

Sleepy-Time Bath
15ml sweet almond oil
3 drops Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile)
3 drops Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
1 drop Tangerine (Citrus nobilis)