Hello everyone. We are enjoying the most splendid of Autumn's here in Ballarat. Warm days, cooler nights and with the colour on the trees turning magnificent reds and yellows, we know it is time to turn our thoughts towards Europe.

Jim and I are now in the throes of getting ready for our busy tour season in Tuscany, Turkey and Provence and this will be my last newsletter until after I return from the Bali Womens Retreat in September. Jim leaves on Saturday for Tuscany so you can imagine the heightened energy in the office at the moment. Basil, Geranium and Grapefruit are our environmental companions today. Much needed I can tell you!

My seminar series in Ireland was once again a great success and I give many thanks to our dear friends Christine Courtney at Obus Wellness in Leixlip and Noelene Cashin Cafolla in Castlebar who provided such wonderful support and enthusiasm for me to share my work and my passion for what I love to do.

The emerald isle is certainly beautiful and the women who attended the workshops touched my heart with their warmth, compassion and grace.

I will be returning to Ireland in early March 2010 for AK Level One - "The Path of Beauty" and my newest work AK Level Three - "The Path of Stillness".

"Thanks again for another most inspiring and caring three days. I really enjoyed AK Two and feel so much more free and prepared for my future."  ~ Manon de Moor UK

There are lots of beautiful photos of our adventures last year in our Aroma Tours Picture Gallery we invite you to pop by for a peek.

BLACK PEPPER
( Piper nigrum )

                  Key words:  ACCEPTANCE / DENIAL

"Use Black Pepper to pull you up fast to remind you that you are in charge of your life. Do not be distracted from taking responsibility for what you say, think, feel and do. All of these need to be in balance for you to take control of your life’s destiny. Being accountable means letting go of blame and judgement of others and also of yourself. Think of this as an act of self-care and a way to nurture self-respect. Living as your word requires diligent attention.

If you are in denial about thoughts, feelings and happenings in your life you may need to acknowledge that you are the cause of your own misery and upset. Misery is a choice you make. It is the easiest thing in the world to deceive yourself. Let go of the need to be right so that you can enjoy peace and freedom. Right or free? Victim or master? Choose now! Don’t play the blame game!

A spiritual life involves learning how to live with imperfections. Let your heart light shine in spite of them. Accept the perfection in everything. Black Pepper will increase your circulation creating a free flow of movement through your energy system, as you unclog the congestion of self-blame and blaming others.

Don’t deny when things hurt or are tough, take a mental step back and immerse yourself fully in a project that takes your full attention. Emotional pain may still be present but a dedicated project will help you through. Making peace with your past and accepting what is, will prevent you from putting your future on hold. Be kind to yourself. Turn things around and accept today that you can give yourself the best life ever.

What story have you created that has inhibited you? Write a new story and turn it all around. Make this story your first project!".

• If you were truly at peace how would your world be different?
   
• What traits do you need to accept about yourself? Be kind!
   
• List the parts of your life where you shift into denial.

Blossoming Heart Affirmation

I choose to be accountable for my thoughts, feelings, words and actions.

The second edition of The Blossoming Heart has been charging out the door and so our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for your continued support of my special project.

If you would like to have your own copy they are available via my Blossoming Heart Order Page

It takes awhile to get sorted in a new town and finally after getting the country house in order so to speak, I am ready to begin teaching workshops in my new home town. AK One is happening here in October 24-26 and a great way to herald in the Spring by clearing out some emotional clutter and letting go from the busyness of life for a few days. There are three workshops in the AK series - The path of beauty, the path of nurture and the path of stillness.

In complementary and orthodox therapies there is an awareness of the importance of taking a wholistic approach. What we think and feel can influence our health and it is unusual to fall ill when we are feeling on top of the world. Research has shown that positive emotional states have an effect in reducing stress and regulating immune function.

We are well aware of how our sense of smell ties in with our emotions, memories and general sense of wellbeing. An aroma has an immediate impact on us whether it is emotionally, physically or spiritually. There are times in life when we are not as resourceful in maintaining our emotional well being as we would like to be. Combining aromatherapy principles with modalities such as kinesiology and TCM we are able to explore emotions, images, thoughts and beliefs in the management of the mind-body connection.

Everybody has the potential to achieve optimum health, and each person has their own unique pathway to wellness and vitality. We need to tune in to the subtle cues that our bodies offer, nourish our body systems with care and compassion, and practice daily regimes that build up our energies.

Integral to the healing journey is time to spend in quiet reflection and creating an environment that is healing to our bodies and our minds. The power of restoration and replenishment comes fully alive when we take a tranquil pause and from this place we can listen to the longings of the soul. 

Aromas coupled with the power of imagery can unlock our transformational forces and essential oils lead us beautifully down this healing path.

Aromatic Kinesiology is an innovative therapeutic model that provides a framework for enhancing physical and emotional wellbeing through the use of essential oils, reflective metaphor, in conjunction with Kinesiology, TCM and Counselling Practices.

For more details please visit our information request page or if you would like to reserve your place please visit our booking request page

"The aromatherapy retreat was so important for me and it changed my life in such a positive way - thank you." - Cheryl Taylor USA

"I have been blown away by the aromatherapy retreat, particularly by Robbi and Dr Penoel, not to mention the beautiful people and places we have seen." - Kate Kofoed Australia

"I wish I had all the time and money in the world to go on all the journeys with Aroma Tours. You are both such fabulous hosts and I had the best time ever in France. I have given a few seminars with the teachings I learned during the retreat and my students just loved the information. Thank you." - Katie Haley USA

"I have had such a good time - this is the best retreat I have ever attended." - Nina Seljesaeter Norway

"The aromatherapy retreat was indeed fantastic and I'm so grateful for the range of wonderful experiences and learning you and Jim set up for us all. Thank you for a truly life changing week."- Dallys Baker Australia

"My heart is so full that I cannot express it. The retreat changed my thinking so much. We so appreciated your thoughtfulness and consideration. Thankyou." - Kathleen Baker USA

Well, what more can I say? 

Our Provence Aromatherapy Retreat was where we began our own journey with Aroma Tours and it continues to bring us much pleasure and joy every year. For an insight into French Aromatherapy coupled with the work from The Blossoming Heart and current aroma research from around the world, this retreat brings a rare opportunity to learn aromatherapy in a unique environment. Surround yourself with the heady fragrance of lavender aromatic plants, wonderful teachers and fabulous French food and wines. What a week to remember! 

And most importantly, Continuing Education Points apply for this study trip in Southern France.

For more details please visit my information request page

Capture the spirit of Provence during our leisurely paced Provence Lavender Tour in July. Experience some of the most beautiful villages in the south of France, superb gardens, markets and festivals amidst the heady perfume of lavender. This is at the height of the lavender harvest and you will be absolutely enthralled by the breathtaking beauty, the dedication of the farmers and the spirit and essence of Provence.

Highlights will include lavender museums, private visits to distilleries, lavender fields in full bloom, fabulous markets, wineries and a specially arranged lavender cooking class. Taste, smell, discover, listen and touch! All the senses enriched by a beauty that awaits us all. A bientot!

The current schedule of workshops and retreats can be viewed on my Calendar of Events Page

For more details please visit my information request page

""I felt only love and peace. I was almost giddy with the realization that profound healing had taken place that was very subtle, but clearly, life altering. I felt able to provide loving, clear, open support and it was clear to me that we had done BIG WORK with Robbi and each other in Bali. What an incredible thing!" - Rae Dunphy Calgary Canada

Our Bali Women's Retreat offers a nurturing, nourishing week of exploration in to the feminine spirit. A time for discovery and indulgence in the lush island paradise of Bali. Experience Balinese life through our fascinating cooking class, temple visits, spas, healers, meditation, yoga, the beautiful, gentle Balinese people ......delightful accommodation, delicious cuisine, quiet reflection.....and you!

So, if 2008 is to be your year with us in Bali then think of the retreat as an act of Self-Care. This is definitely a time to stop, rest, be still and give yourself the gift that this nurturing, heart-felt retreat will bring you. 

Each retreat has a few places left - We look forward to welcoming you to this beautiful week, which is truly art for the heart!

Bali Retreat One:  6-13th September ( 2 vacancies )
Bali Retreat Two: 15th-22nd September ( 2 vacancies )

There are lots of lovely Photos of Bali on our Aroma Tours site.

""Of course we had a fabulous time in Turkey but your tours are so much more than that, especially for what you bring alive for each individual - we really felt that! Thank you, you and Jim are the best."

   ~ Megan Larsen - Sodashi Skin Care - Fremantle Australia

As we prepare for our tours in Europe this year I am especially excited about out Turkish Aromatic Odyssey this year. During our rose distillery visit last year, I purchased for the first time, the most exquisite Rose Water Concentrate. It only needs a small whiff to whisk me back to this glorious land where the village folk are so warm and welcoming to us. I use this concentrate to create blessing waters for special rituals I am invited to partake in and when I make aromatic spritzers. Great for plane travel to keep your skin hydrated.

• There is just one twin-share place left on the 2008 tour. 
                       Perhaps it is for you!

Bookings are also up and running for our 2009 Turkish Aromatic Odyssey. We already have 10 people who are joining us on this magnificent journey and so if this tour is on your vision map for 2009 please send your booking in soon.

If would like to find out more please visit our information request page or if you would like to reserve your place please visit our booking request page.

Jim and I support various philanthropic groups and for many years we have hosted a delightful charity event for women which supports The Karunya Trust Orphanage in India 

The Art of Giving is an evening of self awareness, quiet reflection, an awakening of the deeper senses while honouring our spiritual life and giving thanks and blessings for the experiences and people we cherish in our lives.

This is a special invitation to connect with other women on a similar path as we share our hopes, aspirations and our heart's longing for the coming year with prayers, peace, contemplation and the ritual of mindful giving. 

Generously supported on this evening by a fabulous team of women who have the ability to create the most incredible space for you to enjoy, I look forward to sharing this beautiful heart-felt evening with you here in Ballarat for the very first time. The Art of Giving also offers an opportunity to enrich your experience of giving through knowing generosity of spirit.

For booking details please email robbi@aroma-tours.com 

"To be fully alive, fully human and completely awake, is to be continually thrown out of the nest."

    ~ Pema Chodron

I look forward to welcoming you to my seminars and sharing some wonderful aromatic adventures with you during our tours and retreats.

If you have any questions please contact me at info@aromatic-kinesiology.com and it will be my pleasure to assist you.

For more details about our Aroma Tours programs please visit http://www.aroma-tours.com

Fragrant blessings

Robbi

Ballarat Australia
Ph/Fax: +61 3 5331 3254
Email: info@aromatic-kinesiology.com 
Web: http://www.aromatic-kinesiology.com