February is a symbolic bridge between two seasons - bridges connect things!
This month is the perfect opportunity to focus on connections - not just with others, but within ourselves and the natural world. Let these connections guide your path to a rejuvenating spring
With Lots of Love, Jen & Maggie
Connect with Yourself
This is the perfect month to check in with yourself…your true self…not the one where you think if you just push harder, you’ll achieve what you’re striving for.
February can be a transformational month if you allow yourself to tune inward. Many of us were busy in January and the simple act of connecting with ourselves got sidelined. Want to have more clarity and purpose? Here’s what we’re doing this month to make more space for joy and wellness.
Maggie: As an acupuncturist, I follow the Chinese calendar, with the New Year usually at the beginning of February. This month always feels like a fresh start to me.
We can see the energy of Spring pushing through the earth as snowdrops, crocuses, daffodils and primroses make a welcome appearance. It feels like time to emerge from the hibernation of Winter and reconnect, starting with reconnecting to ourselves.
As the light changes and the days become longer, we can start to think about putting into action the plans we have made during the Winter. Is that to exercise differently? Take care of our skin more? Prepare some of the recipes we have found?
I like to add the help of some different essential oils in February. My Vetiver is nearly empty and naturally makes room for something else.
I begin to focus on the wood energy (the energy of the liver meridians) with my patients and use an oil which gently moves stagnant energy in preparation for Spring. I’ll be reaching for Bergamot. This uplifting oil not only smells gorgeous, it has powerful therapeutic benefits as a nervous system regulator. In Chinese Medicine we use Bergamot, with its bitter energetic quality as a Liver energy regulator, benefiting the smooth flow of Liver Qi, ensuring an uplifted mood, and reduced stress and anxiety.
Either inhale or use as a beautiful perfume.
Jen: I connect with myself every time I put on my perfume – it’s a shortcut to my inner-most thoughts. This is my way to tap into my identity and energy throughout the day. It’s like my little secret contract with myself to stay connected and true no matter what the day brings. I only use essential oils for my perfume and have done for years. Unfortunately, commercial perfumes are loaded with synthetic and toxic ingredients that wreak havoc with our bodies and minds - I’d rather use pure plants to take care of myself and my emotions throughout the day.
I apply my oils (either dropped or layered from a dropper bottle or in a rollerbottle) when I’m alone – really taking a moment to breathe deeply and let my mind go where it goes. This usually results in better posture, an open chest and a smile on my face.
I can use this tiny ritual to set my intentions – what do I need today to feel at peace? How can I nurture my true self? And I often remember (because scent is so evocative for memories) both people and places when I apply my perfume. It transports me for a moment – like supercharging my batteries.
Natural perfumes don’t usually last as long on the skin as commercial ones do (thanks to avoiding nasty synthetic binding chemicals) so sometimes I apply again later in the day – which I love to do as it’s a wonderful simple habit that allows me to reconnect with myself and my joy.
These are my favourites this month:
Present Time: This gorgeous blend was created to help bring us into the moment. I’ve been working being in the present – not living in yesterday or focussed on tomorrow. I love the scent which includes neroli, northern lights black spruce, Idaho blue spruce and ylang ylang.
Stress Away: This blend delivers exactly what it says on the label. With Copaiba, Lavender, Cedarwood, Lime, Ocotea and Vanilla, it makes a perfect perfume – one you just keep want to sniff. It’s so good for your mindset.
Harmony: What could be better than being ‘in tune’ with your true self and in harmony with others you encounter? This is a rich blend of many oils - sacred sandalwood, lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense, orange, angelica, geranium, hyssop, Spanish sage, black spruce, coriander, bergamot, lemon, jasmine, roman chamomile, palmarosa and rose. When I wear it, I feel so positive about my intentions and my encounters. That’s a great effect.
Connect with Another in Motion
There's something quietly powerful about walking side-by-side with someone.
After a few minutes, most pairs naturally begin to match pace and fall into step without even trying. Breathing steadies. Bodies settle.
And if you chat as you go, the conversation often softens and deepens too. Do you find this happens with you?
Research into movement and connection suggests that when we do something in rhythm with another person, it can make us feel safer and more “in it together”.
Studies have even shown that people are more likely to disclose personal information when they're doing some kind of synchronous movement with another person.
Do you find that it’s easier to open up while walking than while sitting face-to-face? We have certainly found this with our kids. You’re sharing direction, sharing tempo, sharing a small experience — and that creates trust.
There’s a reason some of the best conversations happen on walks.
If you want to feel closer to someone, suggest a walk. No big agenda. Just time, fresh air, and a steady pace. You may be surprised by how naturally your bodies synch — and how much closer you feel by the time you turn back home.
Connect with Love
February's Full Moon on the 1st February falls in Leo, the sign representing romance, creativity, self-expression and joy. For us, this could be Valentine’s Day bringing a spotlight on romance, or utilising Leo's energy of creativity and self-expression.
We fell in love with our February cover image which urges us to ‘fall in love with life’. To us, she looks confident on her journey.
What does love mean for you this month? Do you love your life? Do you love what you do for a living?
Broaden love beyond romance. Consider love as a way of relating to life, not just a person. Maybe fall back in love with the everyday. Take a moment to fully BE in your own life instead of rushing through it.
Leo’s energy helps remind us to embrace our creativity – even if it’s messy or imperfect. Give yourself permission to take up space. Notice what lights you up lately and where you are dimming yourself.
Loving your life doesn’t always mean loving every day – it means showing up for it.
In Chinese Medicine, Rose essential oil is linked to the heart meridian system, opening the heart meridian, uplifting our mood, bringing joy, love, kindness and compassion.
Our Young Living Rose is a bottle of precious oil, taking 10kg of rose petals to make the 5ml bottle of essential oil, making it one of the most luxurious oils.
If connection is a theme you’re leaning into this month, come and join us in person in North London. See upcoming dates and book your place here: EVENTS
Use the Chinese New Year to Connect with The Universe
The Year of the Fire Horse arrives in a blaze of glory in February. For those of you who follow Western Astrology, this Chinese New Year coincides with major planetary influences.
This year, families celebrate Chinese New Year (following the lunisolar calendar which also tracks the moon), on 17th February. This date anchors cultural and family celebrations and sees the biggest movement of people on the earth every year, as millions of Chinese people make their way home for celebrations.
However, the yearly energy change happens on 4th February, where, following the energy patterns we use in Feng Shui, the energy changes to the Fire Horse.
You can use these easy tips to prepare your home for this year of fast energy between now and Chinese New Year.
There are four key places in your home to welcome fresh energy
1. Your front entry. As we have discussed in previous blogs, make sure your front doorstep is clean, your path swept and your front door is gleaming! Think of your front entry as the Lungs of your home, it wants to breathe clean air. Make sure this area is clear and clutter free.
2. Kitchen. Your kitchen is the hub of your home; energy needs to move smoothly. Take stock of any clutter and de-clutter!
3. Your office is your seat of wealth. Clean and tidy surfaces and throw any out-of-date papers, Also, make sure you pay any outstanding bills, so that your finances enter the new year with positive energy.
4. Your bedroom. Where you re-charge. Clean and tidy surface and floor spaces, to allow energy to flow.
The Fire Horse year brings a fast energy, as the horse likes to run and the fire brings heat. Harness this energy by focussing clearly on your plan for the year and at the same time incorporate one habit to ground you, so you do not run out of energy in this fast-paced year.
I will be choosing grounding oils to help me this year.
Of course (anyone who knows me!) Vetiver and Frankincense but adding Cedarwood.
Connect with Us - Our Upcoming Events
For us, social connection is like oxygen, and we are excited to see more of you.
Mark your diaries and let us know if you’re planning to attend any/all of these events!
For those not in London, would you like to meet online? Let us know – happy to organise virtual events to suit you.
To book your place on any of the next few events, Register Here
To book your place on any of the next few events, Register Here
Recipe of the Month - DIY Perfume
If you want to create your own natural perfume – it’s easier than you think.
The simplest way is to layer your oils directly on your wrists. But the way we do it most is to make a small batch of our own blend – perfect for your season.
When making perfume you have two options: make these blends in a 10ml roller with carrier oil or make in 10ml glass spray perfume bottle with a splash of 190 proof alcohol.
Here are some recipes for you to have a go. They only require 12-16 drops total so you can enjoy them and then switch out your scent for summer.
Blossom+3 drops bergamot
+3 drops ylang ylang
+3 drops grapefruit
+3 drops jasmine
Refresh+8 drops orange
+4 drops northern lights black spruce
+2 drops rose
+2 drops vetiver
Romance+8 drops lavender
+2 drops patchouli
+5 drops orange
Soul Sister+4 drops rose
+6 drops orange
+3 drops clary sage
⠀⠀
We hope this helps you connect not just with others, but with yourself and the natural world
Essential oils can be life-changing when you know how to use them. We take the guesswork out — pairing the right oils with the season and your daily habits so they become second nature. Return to the plants. Trust their pure oils. Let’s do this together.
0 Comments