​It's going to be an amazing three days of education in SLC! #ThanksYL #RoadWarriors

I just did a happy dance in the parking lot of Tractor Supply because I got $50 credited back as a "Neighbors Club" member. TSC is one of our all time most visited stores..... we love them, and they love us because we drop so much 💰💰💰at their doorstep for our farm-ily's needs. 🐕🐱🐄🐎🐓🐣
As I was driving home, I thought about how silly that was of me to get all excited for saving $50. Broken down, I believe that $50 credit represented 5 months of $10 back for spending regularly at TSC. .... $10 back per month regardless of how much we spend there. I humbly submit to you that Charlie and I have the dubious honor of being on this Tractor  Supply's list of "Top 10 Patrons" (yes, we have THAT MANY animals).... so let your imagination run on what our monthly feed and animal supply bill looks like.
....And then my mind wandered to the Loyalty Program that Young Living has. Because we have used Loyalty Rewards  (being a monthly patron of Subscribe to Save) for more than 25 consecutive months, we now get 25% back on all of our orders. (10% back for the first 3 months, 20% back for months 4 thru 24). I did a quick rough calculation in my head and found that in 5 months, I had been able to "buy " approximately $750 in products for free, just by being a valued customer. Wow!!! 
Sometimes it's easy to forget or take for granted what we get each month. I'm always amazed by the freebies gifted to us with qualifying purchases each month, but I admit, I sometimes forget about how much those points help our farm-ily take care of ourselves.  We have dogs on Sulfurzyme and BLM.... massive amounts for two 🐕🐕of our older large dogs. Neither one would be with us today without these two supplements.  That $150 YL credit more than pays for their needs. 
Hidden blessings friends....
Tell me, how do you score in money back from where you shop? 
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info

Raise your hand if you want a resilient nervous system.🙋‍♀️ Uh huh… that’s what I thought. I do too! 😊I want to be healthier overall, quicker to recover from stressful situations, happier, stronger, more empathetic, better able to concentrate, and have thriving relationships…. ALL things associated with healthy vagal tone.

Vagal tone should be nurtured daily if it is to function optimally. You might be surprised at how easy some of these tips are!

⭐Poor breathing habits. The sedentary nature of our current society has been no friend to the vagus nerve. Poor posture, including the downward tilt of the head as we look at our computer and phone screens restricts the airways from throat to lungs. If you walk into nearly any nursing home you will see posture associated with long term low vagal tone. Dr. Navaz Habib👨‍⚕️, author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve, makes a compelling argument that dysfunctional breathing is the most common cause of poor vagus nerve function. Friends, this is such an easy (and free) fix. Address posture (revisit that post!), and incorporate breathing slowly and “belly button” deeply at least a few times every hour. This is nourishing to the vagus nerve, and feels good too!

⭐Alternate nostril breathing👃. Inhaling through one nostril and exhaling through the opposite nostril has a profound effect on the nervous system and an increase in oxygen consumption. One study found that inhaling through the right nostril and exhaling through the left nostril for approximately 3 minutes four times a day for a month increased oxygen consumption by 37% compared to normal breathing practices. (Doing the reverse activity.. Inhaling through the left and exhaling on the right showed an oxygen increase of 24%) It was suggested in the study that this type of breathing may reduce the release of stress hormones (a benefit in vagus nerve health). As an added bonus, you will likely find yourself more focused and awake by “right nostril breathing” and more relaxed and less anxious by “left nostril breathing”. Knowing this, consider supporting these techniques with Brain Power or En-R-Gee essential oil blends when “right nostril breathing”, or Tranquil, Peace and Calming, or Sacred Mountain essential oils blends when “left nostril breathing”. 

⭐Prayer and meditation🙏 are both scientifically proven to increase parasympathetic (“rest and digest”) activity which improves vagal tone. Incorporating essential oils during prayer and meditation is a beautiful way to enhance both practices. Some of my favorites include Frankincense, Peace & Calming, RC, and Raven. 

⭐Practice tensing stomach muscles or coughing on purpose.

⭐Massage…..even an ear massage. Massaging the areas of the ear👂 called the tragus and cymba concha can trigger a mild vagal response. Additionally, acupuncture or acupuncture point based therapy (check out Dolphin MPS for one such type) are hugely helpful.

⭐Keeping a positive attitude and emotion set. This is truly a “use it or lose it” situation. Affirmations and constructive emotions can spark a self fulfilling future for all aspects of the body, including vagal tone. Destructive emotions can also do this but in the opposite direction. (ex: If you believe you will fail, you probably will! ) Direct good thoughts and actions towards other people and watch your vagal tone improve. Act on kindness, compassion, and empathy. Doesn’t the world need more of this anyway? It’s fascinating that attitude alone can deeply impact the function of the vagus nerve. God has knit us together in wondrous ways!

⭐Belong to a socially active community 🧍‍♀️🧍‍♂️🧍‍♀️. Social isolation does no favors to vagal tone. Find your tribe and spend time with them in person. Oxytocin is a hormone which acts as a neurotransmitter. Its presence has a powerful effect on the health of the vagus nerve. Hugging, laughing, breastfeeding, speaking to someone in person or on the phone, being trusted by someone, and listening to soothing music are all ways to release oxytocin. Surprisingly, shooting guns can be included in this list! 
⭐Eating correctly. Saying words of gratitude🙏 over your food actually stimulate the vagus nerve. Chewing slowly and eating mindfully (fully present) allows the body to recognize the type of nutrients being released into the body, and to release the appropriate enzymes and digestive juices needed to make them bioavailable (or boot them out as a toxin). It would come as no surprise that an unhealthy vagal tone has a negative effect on digestive juices, especially those released by the gallbladder.
⭐Intermittent fasting. There are a myriad of benefits of intermittent fasting, including decreasing inflammation in the body. Inflammation negatively affects vagal tone. Of course intermittent fasting is only one way to help the body in this manner. Any time you remove a toxin source from your body’s daily load, you will be showing your vagus nerve TLC. Thank goodness for the clean household and personal care products we have access to! #ThanksYL  
⭐Foods that have been found to support healthy vagal tone include fermented foods (ex: kombucha, cheeses, plain yogurt), high fiber foods (ex: nuts, fruits, vegetables) and foods high in Omega3’s. If you feel you might not get enough of any of these food groups, supplement with YL Life -9 (or MightyZyme) probiotic, Balance Complete Meal Replacement, and OmegaGize3 (or Mindwise) respectively. Additionally, adequate zinc levels contribute to a healthy vagal tone. (You’ll want to go back and re-read the section on zinc. It may tie together some clues for you)
⭐How we sleep matters😴. Laying on the right side has the highest vagal stimulation.
⭐Gargling. This contracts the muscles in the back of the throat which causes direct stimulation of the vagus nerve. Humming (especially while covering the ears) and singing loudly are also helpful.
⭐Improving vagal tone thru exercise💪 and yoga is reason #100 to do both. Seriously. Mental and physical health will only improve in amazing ways when exercise and yoga are incorporated into healthy habits.
For the more adventurous spirit, other ways to spark quick vagal tone improvement include ❄️cold❄️ showers, ❄️ice baths❄️,  ❄️cryotherapy ❄️ or coffee☕️ enemas (Yes indeedy! 😉). 
Our brains are constantly checking on us to see if we feel safe or not. It is only when the brain perceives safety that we are able to engage socially, have curiosity, feel happy, and be playful. If it has been awhile since you’ve felt this way, this would be another set of clues indicating that your vagus nerve needs some additional love and attention.
It may seem hard to “want” to incorporate these suggestions into your healthy habits if all of this is new to you, but if you raised your hand a few minutes ago in a bid for resiliency, it’s time to do “the things.” Just like a teenager who is hard to wake up in the morning, waking up the vagus nerve may take perseverance. Find your tribe and work together to make those vagal nerves toned and happy!
xoxo~ liz
www.goodmedicine.info
PS: Friends, there is an enormous amount of information on the vagus nerve and polyvagal theory. If this has sparked your interest, please DO do some more digging on your own. There is simply no way to do this particular topic justice in a couple of posts.  
#sharingiscaring
#caringforyourvagusnerveisgoodmedicine
#healthdetective
#goodmedicine
#thanksYL
❄️

T'was 31 days of🌲 December, and all through the land, people were scrambling to combat and support bodies against the cooties at hand.
Orders were placed with Young Living with care, knowing boxes of goodness would soon be there.
The kiddos were nestled all snug in their beds, with R.C. on their chest and Thieves on their wee little peds.
Papa in his boxers and me in my tee, we had just settled down for a good night of Zzzzz's.
When suddenly he rolled over and said, "Shoot I forgot, can you help me out of this spot? I need to bring a gift for exchange to the office tomorrow, do you have anything you could get ready quickly?" Thankful again for Young Living's freebies, I hopped out of bed and began assembling with ease, a gift🎁 that would be useful, lovely (and mostly free!).
I sprang from the bed with a idea in mind, and began assembling a wellness gift basket of the most amazing kind. The Winter Nights Foaming Hand soap will surely be a hit, along with a DIY Sugar Scrub made with Christmas Spirit. Oh, don't forget, bath salts made with🌲 Pine. THEY may not know the benefits, but we do (#IYKYK ), and that's all just fine. A gift with benefits, even if hidden, is better than sugary treats, or trinkets soon forgotten!
The gift basket was finished in less than an hour, and soon I was back in bed, having felt so empowered. I was able to save money, do good for a friend, share health tips by giving from the heart... Young Living is a godsend!
I turned on the diffuser, and blasted the Frank..... and then my hubby rolled over and said a big "Thanks"!
As I lay in bed, drifting off in a slumber, I remembered how many people still wonder.... "How are we to stay healthy and well in these days?"...well, friends, It's up to us to share with them our ways. Our light and hope is not to be kept under a basket, but to be shared to all even to those who don't ask for it.
Merry Christmas month friends! Let your light, wellness tips, and hope shine upon others!
xoxo~ Liz

(PS: This Christmas poem is brought to you by all the freebies this month Young Living has offered us with a qualifying purchase!)

Good morning friends! Every Wednesday, I drive an hour to volunteer at a wonderful soul filled gym called ATF (Adaptive Training Foundation). Please watch this 9 minute video.... if things sometime seem hard or insurmountable for you, or if you feel like you have obstacles that are keeping you from being fully healthy, don't give up! You can power through whatever "it" is with the right mindset. Take some strength from these athletes who have chosen to live life fully despite their challenges. 
Attitude is EVERYTHING! You can do whatever your belief allows you to achieve. If you don't yet believe in that yourself, let someone carry that belief in you until you have the strength to carry it yourself. Just don't give up or give in!
These men and women bless me and encourage me with their own stories, and I'm forever grateful to be a small part of their journey. 
xoxo~ liz 😘

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9np1Rcy6pSk

#sharingiscaring
#givingoftimetalentandtreasureisgoodforthesoul
#ThanksYL
#timefreedomisgoodmedicine
#adaptiveathletes 
#AdaptiveTrainingFoundation
​
ATF is powered by donations. If you should like to give to this wonderful organization, here is a link: 

​Hey friends! I do hope you'll make plans to tune in tomorrow nite (Monday) for our call. I will be sharing my story and my thoughts on what I've chosen to do in our house this year/ season to stay well and healthy. Join me!😘 Message me and I will give you the link to participate via Zoom!
****************
Check out our Nov 22nd Monday Night Ignite call! 
🍁5pm mt  / 6pm ct / 7pm et
Immunity: A Pharmacists Perspective
Tune in as YL Platinum Liz James, a 30 year practicing pharmacist, shares her perspective based on her knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry and years of experience in holistic centered living. 
Do you have your very specific wellness kit prepped and ready? She will be sharing what she keeps in hers and why. You will not want to miss this very informative call, so important for this time in our world! 
🍁6pm mt  / 7pm ct / 8pm et
Creating Influence: Using your Platform to Grow your Business 
Stay on the same link for biz tips from YL Diamond Lacey Dilworth!
Lacey is married to her bestie for 10 years now who is a firefighter and they live just north of Austin, Texas. They have five babies, four on this side of heaven. 
She was an elementary PE teacher for 10 years before her “little side hustle” became her family's main source of income. She is now a Diamond with a mission to get ALL HER PEOPLE TO DIAMOND!
She’s excited to chat about all things “influence” and what that means for you and your biz as she started this business with NO FOLLOWERS on social media. 
See you on the call!

​Ooooh, it's gonna be a great 3 days of serious learning with friends old and new... the Weston A Price conference is 🔥🔥🔥.
First Speaker... Dr David Martin.

64 Studies.  / 49,151 patients
86% success as prophylaxis 👏
67% success as early treatment. 🙌
28% estimated world population currently using.
Over 20 countries have adopted as treatment in some or all areas of the country to date. #Argentina #Bangladesh #Belize #Bolivia #Botswana #Brazil #Bulgaria #Cambodia #Columbia #CzechRepublic #DominicanRepublic #Egypt #ElSalvador #Germany #Guatamala #Honduras #India #Indonesia #Iran #Jamaica #Japan #Lebanon #Malaysia #Mexico #Nicaragua #Nigeria #NorthMacedonia #Panama #Paraguay 
#Peru #Philippines #Portugal #Slovakia #SouthAfrica #Thailand #Ukraine #Venezuela #Zimbabwe 
Yet people are lining up to get something else. 
Kinda makes you wonder..... at least it makes me wonder enough to dig. .... and then dig some more. 
There were two trees in the Garden. The Tree of Life and the Tree of Knowledge. God pointed man towards the Tree of Life because He wanted us to learn and become wise by leaning in to discernment and His teaching. Do you think and reason with only your physical mind  (Knowledge) leading the way....... or do you think with your soul / Holy spirit leading the way.... and allowing what is in your brain as knowledge to fill in the gaps?
I've done it both ways in my life. The former leads to abundant truth and life, and it's a path I work to stay on. Always. Join me.  
xoxo~ liz
#sharingiscaring 
#doyouseektruth 
#truthisgoodmedicine
#lifeabundantly 
#ThanksYL

​Our 4th annual Guns 'n Poses is in the books! This is my favorite event of the year.... it was a vision Terry (one of my bff's) and I had 5 years ago, and each year it just gets better and better as we work to empower women in all the ways! Every year, the topic content is slightly different but three things remain the same:
 yoga / stretching 
💥 gun safety / marksmanship / confidence building with firearms
👩Health and wellness topics that are science based with a primary focus on self empowerment. #theapplicationofknowledgeispower We are the CEO's of ourselves and our homes and as such, we need to learn how to run our "company" as efficiently and effectively as posssible so that we can live vibrantly and our "company" can thrive and prosper🙌. Living a life of "meh or okay-ness" is not how we are supposed to live according to the word of God.
We are always sold out at this event.... next year, our 5th annual, is already in planning stages and we are strongly considering a "retreat style" 2-3 day event. It's time to kick it up a notch for year 5! 💥❤💥❤💥
About 4 years ago, I asked God to help give me a business plan/model that would honor Him, allow me to serve others using the gifts He has given me, and empower others to do the same.
The result was not so much a plan, but a daily🙏 prayer:
"Lord, bring me people who need healing... whether that be physical, emotional, spiritual, financial, or in community." Each year, Guns 'n Poses is a celebration and reminder for me, and hopefully, for others too, that God is faithful in all the ways if only we seek Him and come together in a supportive and loving community.
I am blessed beyond measure, and I hope that paying it forward inspires others to do the same. THIS is how we change the world😘.
xoxo~ liz
#caringissharing
#thanksYL
#4thannualGunsnPoses
#useyoursuperpowersforgood

I've got....
👍Thieves on my nightstand and in my purse...
👍Breathe Again on my desk and in my purse...
👍Deep Relief on my desk and in my gym bag...
👍Stress Away in my purse (I used to keep it in my lab coat at the pharmacy and use it a gazillion times a day)
👍Tranquil on Charlie's nightstand and Rutavala on mine
👍Valor on my desk.
They only work if you use 'em friends! 
Life is better with oils.