| Before we begin with any treatments we must first | | | | after a long work week or Sunday to prepare your |
| set up your spa space. Find an area in your home | | | | mind and soul for the upcoming week. It may be |
| that you can use for your spa. If you have a room | | | | appropriate for you to place them on Wednesdays |
| or special area that you can designate for this | | | | to get you through the week. You decide. |
| purpose that would be ideal. If not, find a place that | | | | 5. T - Temperature in the room should be warm and |
| you can easily set up and transform for a session. | | | | comfortable. In the winter you may have to adjust |
| Whatever the area in your home, you want to make | | | | your heat to accommodate your treatment in only a |
| it clear that this space is special. | | | | towel. In the spring/summer you may also want to |
| Remember CLAFTS when preparing your space | | | | open the windows to let in fresh air and ventilate the |
| 1. C -Clean the respective area. You know the saying, | | | | room. |
| Tidiness is next to Godliness. Clean out the room or | | | | 6. S - Sounds should be music that is soothing, |
| area thoroughly. Remove any papers, magazines or | | | | relaxing or inspirational. Classical music is a common |
| any other clutter. Open the windows to let in fresh | | | | favorite however, you may prefer the natural sounds |
| air even if the air is brisk in the fall or early winter | | | | found in New Age music. Chanting and rhythmic music |
| months. | | | | like beating drums would also bring about stress relief. |
| 2. L - Lighting is important when establishing ambiance. | | | | Note: incense will purify the air once your space is |
| Dim the lights or use candles where appropriate to | | | | clean. You may choose between incense in a stick or |
| encourage relaxation. When necessary ensure that | | | | cone that create bliss, harmony, energizing or tranquil |
| you have amble lighting to mix ingredients or read. | | | | effects. |
| 3. A - Aromatherapy oils, candles or incense lit around | | | | * Indian incense are generally have a sandalwood or |
| the area so stimulate your sense of smell. Later we | | | | patchouli base with smells of sweet and musky. |
| will discuss the various scents and what mood they | | | | * Tibetan incense more often are earthy with |
| will evoke. For now, below are some basic data to | | | | forest-like aroma. |
| get you started. | | | | * Native American incense usually have a pine or |
| 4. F - Flowers that are cut fresh in beautiful vases | | | | sage aroma with a fresh energizing effect. |
| instantly create color, contours and aromas. We tend | | | | Similarly, aromatherapy scents create various |
| to believe that fresh flowers is an expensive luxury | | | | emotional states. Here are a few to start: |
| but that is furthest from the truth. Most local | | | | * Juniper Berry - energizing |
| markets have a bouquet of various flowers for under | | | | * Grapefruit - joyful |
| $10; depending on the flower selection of course. | | | | * Lemon - renewing |
| This small investment would equate to the cost of | | | | * Lavender - calming |
| one day lunch and well worth the weekly investment. | | | | * Bergamot & Cardamom - creativity |
| If you have a garden then you certainly can create a | | | | * Eucalyptus - exhilarating |
| beautiful display of your favorites in a sculptured | | | | This is a great place to start to begin the EVOLVING |
| vase. Create a ritual to place fresh flowers in your | | | | of your Life and Home Spa. |
| space at least once a week. Perhaps every Saturday | | | | |