When there’s ‘something big’ coming, my body has the tendency to start processing in the lead up. It’s happened previously with trainings or sacred journeys and I’ve come to know it’s for my greater good.

Prior to flying out to the USA for a couple of epic retreats – one to the mountain and another to the desert – my body developed intense left shoulder pain. I had heard about the unexpected passing of a friend just the day before, and experienced what I felt was a visitation in the early hours on waking. This was on the back of completing a full-on 12 month training program with full time shift-work (I felt like I crawled over the finish line), finalised with packing and leaving the last posting the day prior, along with frustration of a repeated appointment cancellation. Whilst discussing all of this with my daughter, the pain started.

My go-to for physical pain are the Young Living raindrop oils of which I have all in one bottle for easy application during my transient lifestyle. The oils selected for the Raindrop Technique also help us emotionally. This travel bottle has been on many adventures with me & means I can have the oils stashed in my backpack wherever I find myself.

After 24 hrs, the pain wasn’t improving. It was actually intensifying. 

My belief is all physical pain has an emotional cause. So out came Stress Away, Peace & Calming, Lavender and Frankie (my absolute love). As I’d pushed through with workload demands I knew I was over-adrenalized, and that my body was struggling with deep fatigue. With the loving hands of my daughter, these oils were applied with massage, unfortunately with minimal effect despite a number of applications. 

When researching metaphysical meaning of left shoulder pain, you’d find guidance about the feminine, tender hearts, burdens and stress that we experience (i.e. carrying the weight of the world) or an indication that you are too tired spiritually. 

So my treasured penji was consulted and you wouldn’t guess which oil was chosen? Sacred Mountain! And to apply 3 drops, three times a day for gradual improvement. 

I have learnt to trust the guidance I receive and followed the directions even when the power of my arm became impacted and restricted the range of movement. It was progressing into what I assessed as a frozen shoulder. I was fortunate to be visiting my hometown where I have healing sisters who shared their magic. Bowen and massage were gratefully received.

Research will say frozen shoulders may be signs of prolonged stress & anxiety, the need to surrender, frozen tears or overwhelming responsibility… none of this is a surprise. 

Onward I go, with 4 flights and 3 hr drive required to get me to location of the first retreat. The shoulder pain was lessening but the power was not returning. 

As the 4-day retreat progressed, I then succumbed to a head cold which was followed by a cold sore. The cold sore is the ultimate sign from my body of unmanaged stress. Once again, the trusty oils (this time peppermint) dealt with this & stopped it in its tracks.

By the end of this first retreat, my shoulder was back to 95% in range of movement and power. And with a spontaneous retreat to a friend’s Colorado ranch the following week, my shoulder fully recovered with my sun salutation practice returning. This was the perfect place to find myself, under the gaze of the distant Rockies, surrounded by nature, a menagerie of the furry, hairy and feathery great and small; where I felt comfortable to just be and allow deep rest to be my companion – I immersed in the art of doing no-thing. And my nervous system let out a long exhale…

I feel so blessed to have the tools for self healing, with minimal impact on my lifestyle and without having long periods of struggle… well, so far anyway 😎.

Ultreia 👣