This post is based on a post that I shared after the tragedy in Haiti. Sadly, much of what I shared then holds true regarding the situation in Japan...
I live in Metro-Detroit, Michigan. I am intimately aware of the dismal reputation that we have received for the economic woes inspired by the automotive industry, as well as the higher crime rate within Detroit city limits itself. Our beaches are certainly not the most beautiful (though some of Northern Michigan's shores are quite breathtaking). They do not caress ocean saltwater with its magnificent creatures. But in the light of reflection upon the immense tragedy that has occurred in Japan, I couldn't feel more blessed to live here right now. Here in Michigan, we tend to joke about the weather changing every 10 minutes (and sometimes it does!), but I don't think most of us Metro-Detroiters realize how stable we have it here compared to other regions of the nation and world. Our summers can get hot. But not as hot as other regions of the country. Our winters can get cold. But still not as cold as elsewhere. We certainly have experienced our share of snow in the past, but our winters are much milder than many other areas. We get tornadoes. But barely, and Dorothy wouldn't be as worried if she lived here. We get storms, but we rarely get the monumental damage that other areas get. I've even felt a tiny earthquake here in the mid 80s, but once again, we are less at risk there too (though perhaps I'm living in ignorant bliss as some alarmists do speak of the Midwest being hit hard in the future). We don't get hurricanes. We don't get tidal waves. We don't get the fires that CA is known for.
I'm certainly not trying to sell anyone on moving here. But right now like so many Americans, I am counting my blessings while also struggling to comprehend the depth of tragedy that has occurred in Japan, and the situation is still uncertain at the time I write this. Here in the U.S as we sit here so comfortably behind our computers exchanging words and thoughts, most of us can thankfully only imagine the devastation and ongoing fear that is overcoming so many in Japan.
I want to send my prayers, positive energy and gratitude to those that are volunteering their time, expertise and financial resources towards helping those that have been impacted by the earthquake, aftershocks and aftermath going on in Japan.
In whatever way you personally can, please pray, meditate (especially using essential oils) and support those charities and businesses that are doing their part to try and help. Prayers and sharing your positive energy do make a difference, even if you are not able to help financially or aren't able to volunteer.
Coping with Grief Using Essential Oils
Visit AromaWeb's Blends to Help Cope with Grief page for a list of simple aromatherapy and essential oil blends that you can make to help cope with the grief surrounding the devastation and aftermath in Japan.
http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/grief.asp
Fighting Fear With Aromatherapy
Visit the following page for blends that can help you as stive to overcome fear:
http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/fear.asp
You can find additional blends by visiting the Emotional Well-Being section of AromaWeb's Aromatherapy Recipe Box:
http://www.aromaweb.com/recipes/default.asp#Emotional
Below is a small list of other charities that are accepting donations for relief in Japan:
American Red Cross - http://www.americanredcross.org
Doctors Without Borders - http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org
Mercy Corps - http://www.worldvision.org
UNICEF - http://www.unicefusa.org
If you hand type the Web address of a charity into your browser address bar, be sure you are entering the correct domain name extension, usually it's .org for charities and NOT .com
The United Aromatherapy Effort
I would certainly be remiss by not mentioning the United Aromatherapy Effort. You can read more about it here:
http://www.unitedaromatherapy.org/



Your blog was so well put.....it is so important at this time to be grateful for where we are...no matter where, in the U.S., that might be. I happen to be in central Texas..it's hot and breezy today and my doors are open to capture the spring, fresh air. I have lived on the coast and been in hurricanes, but was mindful enough to leave when told to evacuate. My heart goes out to Japan. There is truly, no way, to understand that level of devastation or fear. I appreciate that you posted your recipes. We will probably make some to use for ourselves.
Posted by: Brucette | March 17, 2011 at 05:26 PM