Heather Dawn: Godfrey. P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

Award winning author, essential oil and well being therapist, and teacher 

 

 

 

I am thrilled and honoured Janey asked me to contribute to her best selling new book, Happy Healthy Sober.

 

This is a lovely positive and upbeat book which explores ways to ‘ditch the booze’ and, in fact, other self-defeating habits we might cling to in order to ‘get through’.

 

Janey presents a candid overview of her own experience ‘ditching the booze’, sharing with the reader her struggles, but also, significantly, her incredible sense of liberation.

 

Janey reminds us that the locus of personal control is just one fulfilled intention away – that is, to value and love oneself. Taking control and exercising self-discipline is the ultimate paradox, the rewards are unimaginable; from the steel of resolve burst forth a multi-coloured fountain of possibility.

 

Shaking off the shackles of comforting, self-soothing habits, however, is not easy – the voice that insidiously whispers ‘just one more….’, ‘you’ve earned….’, ‘you deserve….’, ‘it helps me relax….’, ‘tomorrow…’, reassuring and conveniently persuasive.

 

But do not despair, Janey has this well covered (remember, she has been there too).  Her thirty-day challenge, for example, supports the reader through the initial, often most challenging phase of sobriety.  With her eye on the road ahead, she includes useful tips that cover all aspects of holistic wellbeing, from self-care, fitness, nutrition to mind-set and spirituality. There are tips from Sober Club members and contributions from health and wellbeing experts, including my section on the benefits of essential oils!  Sobriety, after all, is a way of life, and, far from being restrictive and denying, is enlivening, even fun, as you will discover when you dive into Janey’s book.

 

Ditching the booze or not, this book offers invaluable insight and support that can be used to aid navigation through these very unusual and challenging times – for example, substitute the word ‘booze’ for any ‘addiction’ or self-comforting or compensatory habit, or simply absorb the words of wisdom and advice of a fellow ‘traveller’ finding her path through the challenges and the ‘up’s’ and ‘downs’ of life.

 

 

 

 

 

Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

 

 

As affirmed in my recent blog, ‘Grateful Reflection’, one of the lovely unexpected consequences of setting out on my writing journey is that I encounter so many amazing and inspiring people.  It is so uplifting to realise just how many kindred spirits exist. In sharing a little bit about them here, I aim to let their stories touch you too.  We learn so much from each other. There is a synergistic quality that evolves from connecting and sharing; mutually enlightening, supportive, and strengthening.

I am doing things I have never done before, as the journey pushes my boundaries, and eases me beyond my comfort zone.  One such thing is participating in radio interviews; it appears this is imperative for authors if they are to promote their work and reach out to as wide an audience as possible (writing, although hard work, is also very safe and insular, and somehow my ‘walls’ have insidiously retracted to create an increasingly small and comfortable space).

When my publishers publicist emailed me to invite me to participate in a live radio interview, was I ‘up for it’, my immediate response was, ‘Oh yes, of course!’  Then the realisation of my assertion swept through me, a flush of anxiety suddenly stopped me in my tracks.  ‘What was I thinking of?’.  The floodgate opened, sweeping every fragment of my self confidence and self belief away from me in it’s gushing path.  My inner voice echoed in my mind, ‘what if….you’re not….you can’t….who do you think you are….??!!’

I was sooo nervous when the day arrived.  Palms sweating, heart racing, I picked up the receiver, the telephone an instant convenient connection to the radio station across ‘the pond’ in New York.  The producer ‘counted me in’, we were live on air (no pressure…..).  A deep breath…

I was so relieved when I returned the phone to it’s charging station in the kitchen; I did it, I survived, somehow I found my words, they did not desert me.  I felt exhilarated.  A simple but significant feat. I’d climbed another mountain and reached the top, exhausted by my fearful anticipation, but so relieved to have ‘arrived’ in one piece.  Time for a cup of tea!  

But I meditate!  How can I feel so unconfident, self doubting, insecure, anxious?  Is it my watery star sign, my sensitivity?  No matter, it is as it is, as it has been all my life.  I have learned to navigate through my life, accepting this trait, my anxious sensitivity, as my companion and not my enemy.  Meditation, my best and most trustworthy friend, takes my hand and comforts me as it leads me to the safe stillness at the centre of my beating heart, accepting of, embracing, every part of me.

Then there are the people I meet, whose light lights my light, who touch and inspire my spirit, energise my purpose: and the story unfolds……… 

 

Essential Oils for the Mindfulness and Meditation (Inner Traditions, Bear & Co., Vermont USA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Essential Oils for the Whole Body (Inner Traditions, Bear & Co., Vermont USA)

Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

 

The journey from idea, pen to paper, to publication.

“You become what you believe, not what you think or what you want”.  Oprah Winfrey

The readers experience of a book is as significant as its academic and/or creative content.  Good publishers respect their readers as well as their authors, and produce books that people want to ‘own’, add to their collection, read and keep to re-read and lend to friends and family.

Getting a book published is not an ‘overnight’ process; patience and tenacity are significant requisites. And, while self motivation and a willingness to proactively promote your own work are a ‘must’, a certain degree of humbleness is also required to manage the ‘reality checks’ along the way.

Publishing is not a journey anyone can make entirely alone and synchronising the right support is as significant as writing the book in the first place (among other things, even for those who self publish, finding a good ‘proof- reader’ is an absolute must…..the truth is, no matter how proficient a writer, we all have ‘blind spots’ when it comes to our own work).

I have learnt so much, and continue to do so, as I travel through the process – the journey of learning and discovery is ongoing.

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. – Khalil Gibran

This is the first book I have published, so I am still a novice, and my experience is limited.  However,  if I were share any advice based on what I have learned so far, it would be this:

    • Believe in your aspiration; it’s your journey, your road to travel (no matter the outcome, you will learn and grow)
    • To write, you need to be focused and disciplined.  You need to set time and space aside to complete your task.
    • Writing is an insular process, and this sometimes is misinterpreted as ‘selfishness’, or ‘self obsession’, even ‘delusional’,  by some people – you will learn a lot about your relationships, your tenacity and inner resolve, and who your true friends really are.  Conversely, though, you will also be pleasantly surprised by the belief,  love,  respect and support of those you least expect it from
    • Be honest about your strengths and weaknesses
    • Understand that you will have ‘good’ writing days, and ‘not-so-good’ writing days – sometimes you just have to walk away, and return to the task later when you feel ready to pick up the mantel again
    • Don’t be afraid to ask for help
    • Don’t expect to do everything by yourself, no matter how capable you believe you are (there is great value in gaining the right support…something synergistic happens)
    • Be very clear about your anticipated audience
    • Thoroughly research your publication options (publication is a highly competitive industry/market).  For example, if you are producing a book to support a teaching course, an organisation ‘hand book’, or personal project, self publication may be an option.  However, if you are writing for a wide audience, or with the intention of being a serious novelist, then a well established professional publishing company may be your best option. Carefully review the advantages and disadvantages of both
    • Large, and/or well established publishing houses will know the market well, and will have the right professional team and expertise in place to deliver your work from manuscript to book in very good shape to the ‘wider world’
    • A publishing house who believes your work is viable to print will  contract with you and pay you a retainer and/or a royalties advancement  – be wary of those who charge you a fee to publish your work
    • Make sure you sign and receive a co-signed contract – read this thoroughly, run it by a solicitor or another reliable third party before signing
    • No matter which publication route you decide to take, engage reliable proof readers (don’t leave the task to a trusted friend, get objective support, preferably from more than one source) – we all have ‘blind spots’
    •  
    • Ensure you read and correct your work again and again before you submit it to a publisher (or self publish) – the closer your work is to a viable end product, the better and more appealing to a publisher who will, no doubt, have hundreds of manuscripts to plough through to accept or reject based on ‘first appearances’

My leap of faith has brought many challenges but also many pleasant surprises and, as my publishing journey continues to unfold, I am sure there will be many interesting and exciting encounters, learning curves and revelations yet to transpire.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

February 9 2020 edition

Heather Dawn: Godfrey. P.G.C.E., B.Sc. Joint Hon) explains what essential oils can offer as a supplement to your mindfulness and meditation practices.


 

The article below includes excerpts from my new book, Healing with Essential Oils (working title), which is due to be published by Healing Arts Press, Inner Traditions winter/spring 2022.

 

 


Each moment is new, a unique, fresh, opportunity, rich with possibility, with the past confined to memory; the future to imagination.  Our experience of life occurs in the ‘here and now’.

At the epicentre of the storm, there is calm; at the centre of chaos, stillness; at the heart of ‘being’, peace. So too, at the heart of each moment, tranquillity rests within the flow of motion.

 

Remaining mindfully aware, we are present and consciously engaged in the ‘here and now’. Meditation gently sustains a consciousness of ‘being’ in the moment, enabling us to stand at the centre of each moment and observe and, thus, gain a greater sense of awareness of ‘what is’.

One’s mind constantly chatters; this is its nature. It’s a very useful tool and serves an invaluable purpose, intrinsic to the ability to survive and navigate through life; it serves us well. Meditation reminds us that we are master, not the servant of our minds; we are the observer, the orchestrator. Paradoxically, though, meditation also reminds us that we are a tiny drop in the universal ocean, separate, but belonging and connected to a greater whole. Here are three pertinent quotations from the 15th century Indian mystic and poet, Kabir:

 

In your body is the garden of flowers.
Take your seat on the thousand petals of the lotus, and there gaze on the Infinite Beauty.


God is the breath inside the breath.


It cannot be told by the words of the mouth, it cannot be written on paper, it is like a dumb person who tastes a sweet thing… how shall it be explained?

 

Mindfulness provides a practical tangible tool with which to draw attention to the moment. It provides structure, boundaries and guidance, a ‘road map’ of sorts. For example, focusing on the breath or on an object held steadily within the gaze and returning focus when the mind wanders helps to discipline the attention. Thoughts will wander from the present to the past or future, or perhaps dash off on imaginary tangents. But, we have choice. If we chase our minds through the metaphorical door, we leave the room and are no longer ‘present’. We miss the opportunity that meditation offers, and the experience that it yields.

Regular practice gifts the greatest benefit. The moment never offers more than we can deal with, and yet, the fruits of present-centred awareness and meditation are manifold. We can think of it as a ‘re-wilding’ of the soul. An over-ploughed, depleted field, abandoned and barren of life after years of repeatedly growing the same crop, left to its own devices, will suddenly begin to bloom again as nature magnificently reclaims its territory. In rediscovering our own magnificence, we then notice that life is full of miracles that completely outshine rain on our wedding day.

 

Lyme Regis, Dorset, Devon, Jurassic Coast, Health and Wellbeing, Aromantique, aromatherapy, carer’s, caring, charity, community, essential oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Essential Oils, federation of holistic therapists, gifts of nature, giving, health, international federation of aromatherapists, organic essential oils, sharing, support, Wellbeing, wellness, anti depression, anti-anxiety, antiseptic, balancing, flu, geranium essential oil, perfume, skin care, sore throatHow do essential oils support meditation?

Observing the scent of essential oils we are aware of our breathing and, consequently, of the immediacy of the moment.

Beneath the surface, as we inhale essential oils they instigate a direct influence on the limbic area within the brain, also known as the ‘emotional brain’, which includes the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. The hypothalamus connects to the pituitary gland, the master endocrine gland, and certain chemical components within essential oils (either via chemical absorption or through instigating a neural response) will stimulate or balance hormones.

Thus, essential oils variously influence the nervous system, memory, mood and emotion. They can stimulate and uplift, sedate and calm, aid alertness, focus and concentration, and emotionally ground and inspire us. They are adaptive, and do tend to normalise or balance rather than simply stimulate or sedate.

Frankincense and patchouli slow and deepen the breath. Cedarwood instils feelings of peace. Spikenard inspires a sense of spirituality. Vetivert (the oil of tranquility) is grounding and earthing, quelling restlessness. Tea tree clears the sinuses and aids mental alertness. Rose (the queen of essential oils) balances, gently grounds and uplifts mood and emotion.

Only very small amounts of essential oils are required to procure or instigate a psycho-emotional response.

Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation explains the philosophy and techniques of mindfulness as well as how essential oils are absorbed and can support meditation. Also detailed are safe and effective ways to apply essential oils for personal use, alongside information about relaxation techniques, exercise, and nutrition.

Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

I originally studied the principles and practice of a number of complementary medicine modalities in a bid to understand their philosophies and methods. In so doing I discovered a common thread between all: that is, energy, in its various forms and manifestation, but especially as a quintessential constant.

Design or coincidence? Meditation came to my awareness when I was a teenager in the early ‘70’s, while searching for my ‘truth’ and trying to make some sense of the ‘world’ and my ‘purpose’ and ‘place’ within it. I realise now, even more than I did at the time, that learning to meditate was a gift bestowed; this simple process of being ‘present’ and aware grounds and gently anchors my psyche in ways I cannot always find the words to explain.  And, because one path often leads to another, ‘alternative medicine’ (as it was termed in those days) seamlessly eased gently alongside; the common underpinning tenets of one complementary to the other.  Thus I also discovered that practicing meditation lends experiential insight to the subtle principles and expressions of many ancient healing and wellbeing practices; my body truly is my temple as well as my vehicle, and earth, also a gift, is a garden of abundant nourishment and awe; blessings deserving reverent respect, nurture and care.

Of all the complementary medicine modalities I  studied, essential oils resonated with my ‘way of being’ and personality the mostThis is not to say, however, that essential oils  ‘stand alone’ or are better than other integrated modalities, because each modality brings it’s own significant dynamic and special value in terms of holistic wellbeing and health.  In reality, essential oils straddle many principles and practices, from phyto-chemistry and botany, to psycho-emotional-spiritual and ethereal; an aspect of their appeal to me.  Alongside their subtle and creative dynamics, the chemical components of essential oils present clearly observable, identifiable, measurable physical properties and qualities, evidenced through extensive research exploring their benefits.

For example, essential oils and their components are anti-microbial, skin and wound healing, they are shown to positively alleviate psycho-emotional states, such as mild anxiety and depression, and to stimulate cognitive function, aid mental alertness, concentration, clarity of thought, and memory. They revitalise and aid regeneration of skin tissue, support the immune system.  They are attractant, repellent and protective (as they are within plants).  Essential oils and their components are used to enhance and protect the integrity of many manufactured foods and household products; they add flavour and increase the shelf life of foods, mask unpleasant tastes and odours, create pleasing and alluring scents, and more.

 

Applying Essential Oils Holistically

Combined with massage (or soft tissue manipulation), the therapeutic qualities of essential oils may be potentiated.  Massage warms surface tissues, aids the circulatory (lymph and blood), nervous and immune systems, and supports absorption of essential oil molecules into the deeper layers of skin and circulatory system, from where they are transported throughout the body.

I am inspired by the sensual (‘scentual’), psycho-emotional-spiritual influence of essential oils, and their ability to tap into and connect to deep intrinsic feelings, moods, emotions, and memories, to create ambiance, to physically restore, rejuvenate, repair, and protect the whole body, from physical to subtle.

Collectively my books  enable the reader to go on their own journey of discovery, to apply essential oils safely and effectively with maximum benefit.

How do I use essential oils? I use essential oils in various ways.  ‘Less’ is often ‘more’ when applying essential oils; very small amounts can be incredibly effective.

It is easy to become chemically saturated with a product, any product, if it is overused, but especially essential oils because they are so concentrated.

Thus, essential oils are best applied in moderation, varying the oils used; for example, I don’t use the same oil repeatedly, I select alternatives and vary the oils I blend together – doing this reduces potential for sensitisation

I wear small amounts of essential oil as perfume on my clothes or in my hair, rather than on my skin. I add small amounts of essential oil to skin care remedies, and make up non-scented creams, lotions and ointments to allow for essential oil breaks – remember, carefully selected vegetable oils have amazing skin care qualities of their own – and apply the same principle for face-masks and hair products (non-scented shampoo or conditioner).  This way, the benefits of essential oils are fully realised without saturating the body.

Some oils are best kept as first aid remedies and applied if and when required – tea tree and lavender are good first aid standby’s.

Using Essential Oils as household cleansers

Lyme Regis, Dorset, Devon, Jurassic Coast, Health and Wellbeing, Aromantique, aromatherapy, carer’s, caring, charity, community, essential oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Essential Oils, federation of holistic therapists, gifts of nature, giving, health, international federation of aromatherapists, organic essential oils, sharing, support, Wellbeing, wellness, anti depression, anti-anxiety, antiseptic, balancing, flu, geranium essential oil, perfume, skin care, sore throat

Environmental perfumes instil an ambience, a particular theme or mood, when gently diffused into the atmosphere in inspired bursts on occasion.

Essential oils seem far too precious to use as house cleaners (see below), however, they are valuable ‘fumigants’ – dried herbs, such as sage, can be ‘smoked’ or ‘smudged’ to the same end – close doors and windows for up to thirty minutes during fumigation and leave the room, then return and open up windows and doors.

Daily cleanliness and hygiene are better served with soap and water – we build our immune system through coming into contact with germs and bacteria and by allowing certain minor infections and illnesses to ‘run their course’; the troops are more effective when reserved for ‘battle’ rather than a minor skirmish.  Gentle oils, such as lavender, can be applied moderately as preventives (but, even so, still not used constantly).

Using Essential Oils in food

I might use one or two drops of an essential oil to flavour foods or deserts, especially citrus oils, peppermint or, extravagantly, rose. However, I firmly believe that plants, herbs, spices and edible flowers are best consumed in their whole-plant form, either fresh or dried; flavonoids and minerals are not distillable, but significantly contribute to a plants nutritional, healing, and anti-oxidant value.

Hundreds of pounds of plant material is required to produce a relatively small amount of essential oil, thus, it is important to be mindful of the ecological footprint incurred when producing and consuming essential oils (such as, sustainable farming or wild harvest methods, sourcing and using locally grown and distilled essential oils, optimum distillation conditions, and so on). Nature provides essential oils in very small amounts in their natural form; thus, we should take a ‘leaf’ from natures book and use essential oils sparingly and sustainably, reserving their intense use for acute short-term scenarios (such as, occasional environmental cleansing and fumigation, or remedies for ‘flu, infections, viruses, and to support mood and emotion as and when required, and so on – perfumes should be worn sparingly, subtly, as a treasure, a lovely gift).

It takes 35 pounds of lavender flowers to produce just 15ml of essential oil (or approximately 300 drops), 2,500 to 4,000 kg of rose petals to produce just 1 kg of rose essence.  Just one drop of essential oil is equivalent to 15-40 cups of medicinal tea or up to 10 teaspoons of tincture.

 

Lyme Regis, Dorset, Devon, Jurassic Coast, Health and Wellbeing, Aromantique, aromatherapy, carer’s, caring, charity, community, essential oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Essential Oils, federation of holistic therapists, gifts of nature, giving, health, international federation of aromatherapists, organic essential oils, sharing, support, Wellbeing, wellness, anti depression, anti-anxiety, antiseptic, balancing, flu, geranium essential oil, perfume, skin care, sore throat

Balance and variety is key in terms of maintaining health, wellness and fitness.  This can be achieved in various ways: meditation; walking in nature; yoga and gentle stretching exercises.

I confess I am not a ‘sporty person’ and have never enjoyed going to the gym, but benefit from the flow of movement through walking and doing gentle exercise. I have been a vegetarian since I was seventeen and try to eat mainly fresh whole foods – although I do love chocolate.

Essential oils are my companions, but I apply these in respectful moderation.

I try to balance my time and activity so I move my mode between working, resting, nourishing, socialising, exercising, creating, and helping. I don’t like to tell anyone else how to live their lives, but I think we help each other by being consciously compassionate, living from our best intention, and ’being present’.

Lyme Regis, Dorset, Devon, Jurassic Coast, Health and Wellbeing, Aromantique, aromatherapy, carer’s, caring, charity, community, essential oils, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Essential Oils, federation of holistic therapists, gifts of nature, giving, health, international federation of aromatherapists, organic essential oils, sharing, support, Wellbeing, wellness, anti depression, anti-anxiety, antiseptic, balancing, flu, geranium essential oil, perfume, skin care, sore throatYou will find much more information about about essential oils here:

www.aromantique.co.uk

 

 

 

 

 

My books provide comprehensive information about applying essential oils safely and effectively (look out for my next book, Healing with Essential Oils, which will be published by Inner Traditions Bear & Co. early 2022).

Find out more about my books here

 

 

 

 

 

 Heather Dawn: Godfrey.  P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)

My story does not follow the usual ‘school, college, university, career’ route, but meanders and weaves, as I navigated my way from one scenario to another. This, I am sure, is the way for most people. Learning to adapt has been key.

I was born in the mid ‘50’s in a British military hospital in Germany. My father was in the RAF. Returning to England, I spent most of my young life (along with my sister and brother, who were born in quick succession after me), moving from one part of the country to another, our lives packed in and out of wooden crates and suitcases, each time my dad was posted or assigned another commission.

School became a patchwork, each one quite different from the last – starting and leaving rarely occurring at convenient junctures; we were often uprooted mid school term or year. Friends were made and departed from. Although our daily life was cosseted within the uniform safety of various RAF camps, in some respects, we were government assigned gypsies.

I left school at seventeen. There was no such thing as the national curriculum in those days, and arriving at my last school at the beginning of the fifth year (as it was then), I quickly realised my disadvantage. Unprepared for and out of sync with the examination curriculum, my prospect of gaining any meaningful qualification seemed overwhelmingly bleak. I remember the look of astonished bemusement on the head teachers’ face at my request to go back a year to prepare for the examinations from a better vantage point: a decision that paid off in the end.

Arriving in ‘civvy street’ was quite a learning curve; in spite of being nomadic, the rhythm of service life was predictable and structured. Our world seemed to go into ‘free fall’. In dramatic contrast, my father found ‘religion’ and, taking a part time sales job, for which he was grossly over qualified (a small detail of little consequence when mankind was toppling helplessly toward the abyss of Armageddon), he began knocking on doors, sales manual in one hand, bible in the other. The idea of going to college, never mind university, faded at the edge of his ‘end times’ view; there was no point investing in the misguided percept of a soon-to-be redundant future – life on earth was about to change beyond recognition.

At first, working in a shipping suppliers office on Southampton docks was exciting. I was earning some money, I felt ‘grown up’. But the routine quickly became mundane, and I felt restless and unfulfilled. I strove so hard to achieve at school, I had denounced my father’s religious road to paradise and promise of everlasting life – there had to be more to life than this! Conversion or catalyst; I was flooded with existential questions. Standing at the filling cabinet one day, placing documents into alphabetically ordered folders, I overheard someone talking about the ‘meaning of life’ and the words ‘infinity’, ‘unconditional universal love’, and ‘bliss’ drifted to my ears. I left my job, left home, and moved to London. I learnt to meditate, became vegetarian, discovered alternative medicine, Eastern philosophy and, moving into an Ashram, learnt about the energetic and nutritional value of food and how to cook for twenty people.

Moving from the Ashram (meditation, awareness of the richness of each moment, more than lifestyle, pacified my existential questions), I worked for the Company Secretary of Lewis’s Selfridges on Oxford Road as junior secretary. A really good job, but my restless desire for ‘meaning to life’, purposefulness, still nagged at me. So when Robert Tisserand (or ‘Jack’ as I knew him then), invited me to work for him in his fledgling essential oil business, I agreed without hesitation. Another catalyst. My passion for essential oils was reignited. I still recall the perfume of ylang ylang, rose, jasmine, and chamomile imbuing the atmosphere as if ‘here and now’: the phenomenal power of scent on memory. I felt inspired by the dynamics of their sensual quality: experiential, beyond words, their influence far reaching. Although Robert flourished later, starting a new business is never easy. I remember drawing straws (or was it the toss of a coin) to decide which of us would take a wage home at the end of the week. My flat mate had moved to Corsica a few months before. When her letter arrived inviting me to work there with her for a season, I accepted, believing I would return and pick up where I left off as things improved for Robert. Within a year though, I was married and expecting my first child.

Ten years, and four beautiful children later, picking up the pieces from a broken marriage, I embarked on life as a single parent. While the children were at school I worked various part time jobs, and also went to college, eventually taking on the role of Art Co-ordinator for the local councils Arts Association. Booking theatre companies, and organising exhibitions, I worked with a dedicated team of volunteers to revive the arts programme, taking it from loss, break-even, to profit. I devised a formula that increased local interest and attendance. I became a parent governor, and also stood as candidate for the Green Party in the local elections. But my passion for essential oils, and all I had learned about complementary medicine, holism and meditation remained embedded within me; it had become part of my lifestyle, part of my psyche. I learned from everything I did, and every challenge I faced. These were not easy years: bittersweet. But my tenacity was fuelled by the deep sense of love I felt for my children. My practice of meditation, I am convinced, a saving grace. When times were really difficult, taking each day as it came and presented to me somehow also held my psyche together, even if by a thread.

I graduated from the University of Salford in 2001 with a 2:1 B.Sc. joint honours degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, then completed a post graduate certificate of education (PGCE) at Bolton University, later completing masters certificates in Supervision of Counselling and Therapeutic Relationships, and Integrated Mindfulness at Salford University.

 

I was employed for several years at the University of Salford in the college of Health Sciences and Social Care as programme lead for the B.Sc. Complementary Therapy in Practice and the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice degrees, and was personal tutor for Complementary Medicine and Health Science students and Traditional Chinese Medicine students, and module lead for Aromatherapy, Supervision and CPD, and Communication and Professional Skills. I organised and ran the Aromatherapy Clinic for staff and students. I also taught at Wigan and Leigh College delivering adult teacher training.  During this time, before and since, I ran my private aromatherapy practice, delivered training workshops, and provided professional supervision for therapists.

On completion of my degree, I became a member of the International Federation of Aromatherapists (IFA), and was awarded Fellowship status in ‘recognition of services to aromatherapy and the IFA’ in 2009. I was a Trustee, and Chair of Education in 2013, and continue to work with the IFA in an advisory capacity and as an examiner. I spent a month in Hong Kong and China at the end of 2016 invigilating examinations and inspecting IFA schools; at the time Hong Kong and Southern China were hit by Haima, a level 8 typhoon, wreaking damage, flooding and chaos in its path – I was frantically hustled out of Hong Kong on a crowded train to China, with Amy, my interpreter, just before it hit the area: tense moments.

I completed a writing sabbatical in 2014, during which time I produced manuscripts for a series of essential oil related books, the first of which, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, was published in November 2018 by Healing Arts Press, Inner Traditions, a USA based publishing house. The second book, Essential Oils for the Whole Body, was published this November 2019, and the third, Healing with Essential Oils, was published summer 2022.

My children are all adults now, with children of their own (twelve grandchildren). I relocated to Dorset in 2014. Lyme Regis nestles at the border between Devon and Dorset, the birth counties of my parents and extended family. Having never lived here, travelling so much as a child, and living in Lancashire for most of my adult life, I longed to ‘come home’ to my roots. I had reached a juncture, a brief moment of opportunity, and I have never regretted my decision to ‘seize the day’. I love living in Lyme Regis. The beautiful countryside and coastline edging these counties are stunning. I feel utterly privileged and appreciative and look forward to the next unfolding pages of my life here. Life on earth may be changing beyond recognition, but it is still wondrous.

 


What an absolute privilege it was to attend and give my presentation at Wellbeing by the Lakes Festival last month.  I can still feel the remnants of the beautiful, uplifting, peaceful atmosphere lingering in my psyche – almost a little slice of heaven, in fact, a little glimpse, perhaps, of how heaven could be on earth; synergistic cooperation and mindful interaction.

 

 

The car park was heaving, yet, not once did I feel ‘crowded’ as I meandered around the Lakes along paths lined with wild flowers (so many bees and insects), bushes and trees, and the various artisan stages and tents scattered around the site.  The whole event was meticulously planned to ensure absolutely the best visitor experience.  So many talented and inspiring speakers, story tellers, musicians, and artists, each with their own gift to share.

The gentle presence of the Tibetan Buddhist monks, robed in timeless saffron and red Kāṣāya, the colourful sand mandala patiently created, each morning heralded with a chanted reminder to be compassionately ‘present’….a universal preyer of gratitude.  Yes, peace is possible.

Clearly, though, the effort to create such an ambience was immense; like the swans I observed gracefully gliding across the Lakes with their peaceful, almost regal, air of belonging, while paddling their feet frantically beneath the waters surface to generate their apparent effortless motion.

Could it get any better??!!  I am really looking forward to next years festival.

Simon and Monique truly did achieve their goal.

 

 

 

“For those in search of a better life, enter our world of calm and reflection, absent from stress.  Connect with your mind, body and breath to escape from the tensions of modern life to find inner peace and joy.”  Simon Gudgeon, Festival Director, Artist and Owner of Sculptures by the Lakes.

 

 

Heather Dawn Godfrey, Author of award winning bestselling new release, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation