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Heather Dawn: Godfrey. P.G.C.E., B.Sc. (Joint Hon)
The prestigious Janey Loves Platinum Awards originated in 2018, and are presented for excellence and innovation for Natural, Organic, and Eco products and services. These Awards present an amazing opportunity, not only to showcase, but also to raise public awareness of the scope of choice and availability of ‘kind to earth’ innovations. In deed, there is something for everyone. These awards demonstrate that we CAN make a difference through the consumer choices we make.
I gain so much more from entering the competition than winning an Award (for which I am, even so, extremely appreciative). Simply through participation, for example, I discover a community of people striving to make a positive difference through their creations, wares and services, some of whom may have remained invisible to me but for me stepping out of my bubble and ‘having a go’. Recent global events will impact our economy in ways yet to unfold. It seems more important than ever to support small innovative business, and each other, to bolster resilience and transfiguration as we positively move forward. We each have something of value to contribute. In this context, competition slides into the background to make way for a shared sense of greater purpose.
The product I offer to this platform is my books.
The objective of my books, Essential Oils for the Whole Body and Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, is to provide a ‘road map’ to the safe and effective application of essential oils – to support the ‘everyday user’, student and practitioner so they may discover for themselves the many benefits and qualities essential oils gift, and how to apply them confidently, safely, effectively and creatively.
Aromantique as a business incorporates three dynamic strands; professional training, aromatherapy treatments, and related books and publications.
My aromatherapy studio is based in Lyme Regis, the historical sea town nestled on the south Jurassic coast at the border between East Devon and West Dorset. Thus, my clients are a mix of holiday visitors and local residence. I prefer to engage with students in person rather than via ‘virtual’ media, especially as much of what we do involves experiential tasks (for example, it’s impossible to virtually ‘smell’ the scent of an oil, plant or flower).
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation (Janey Loves 2019 Platinum Awards winner), and Essential Oils for the Whole Body (Janey Loves 2020 Platinum Awards winner) are published by Healing Arts Press Inner Traditions, Vermont USA. – Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation is also published in Traditional Chinese.
As my age determines, I have travelled a long and varied road. I learnt to meditate in the early ‘70’s, when I was a teenager, and, at the same time, serendipitously, was introduced to the tenets of complementary medicine (or alternative medicine as it was coined then). I met and worked for Robert Tisserand during this period, and also met other people who enthusiastically introduced me to acupuncture, homeopathy, and osteopathy; I was young and fascinated, this was a whole new world to me.
Now, I have four lovely grown up children, who now have children of their own! While my children were small, I did various part time jobs that enabled me to juggle being a mother and work to ‘help make ends meet’. For example, I was ‘Arts Coordinator’ for my local Council funded Arts Association, and worked for a T-shirt printing company. I was a parent governor at my children’s schools, and also stood as a candidate for the Green Party during local elections (more of a quest to encourage the other parties to take on green issues in those days, a strategy that did work in part).
As my children began to grow up, I was able to pick up the threads I began to weave earlier and completed a BSc degree in Counselling and Complementary Medicine, then Masters’ modules in Mindfulness, and Supervision of Counselling, at the University of Salford, and a Post Graduate Certificate of Education at Bolton Institute. During this period, I set up my aromatherapy practice. I also taught at various local FE Colleges: subjects included ITEC and VTCT aromatherapy and reflexology, and PTLLS (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector). I was offered and accepted a post at the University of Salford (School of Health Science and Social Care, now the School of Health and Society) and was Programme Lead for the B.Sc. Integrated Therapy in Practice degree, Module Lead for Aromatherapy, and Supervision and CPD, and Personal Tutor (among other roles). I worked there for a number of years as part of a team delivering degrees that straddled Complementary Medicine, Health Sciences and Counselling. My specific interest was, and still is, the psycho-emotional influence of essential oils in terms of maintaining health and wellbeing (my original dissertation explored The Role of Essential Oils in the Management and Treatment of ADHD and my Masters assignment explored Essential Oils and Mindfulness. and Supervision of Counselling).
My books are an accumulation of my years spent studying, teaching and working in this field. Essential oils embrace so many dynamics – creative, artistic, sensual, emotional, healing and nurturing, and have led me to delve into aspects I might otherwise have shied away from – organic chemistry, botany, pathophysiology – but which I find fascinating (jigsaw pieces in an intriguing landscape), so I am grateful for the nudge. I am, in this respect, a perpetual student – the adage ‘the more you learn, the less you know’ seems so true, learning seems a constantly unfolding process as one insight leads to another, then another and another.
I moved from Lancashire to Dorset nearly seven years ago (my children adults, with families of their own), settling in Lyme Regis. The West Country is where the roots of my extended family evolved (dad, a ‘Devon lad’ joined in the RAF as a teenager, met my mother, ‘a Dorset girl’, and my brother, sister and I spent our childhood and teenage years travelling with our parents wherever dad was posted). Lyme Regis sits neatly between both counties.
It’s a no-brainer. It’s impossible to be involved in the field of integrated medicine and therapies and not realise the intrinsic connection we have with our environment and nature; that everything is, in fact, interconnected; that we are influenced by what we eat and consume in various ways; and that we, in turn, influence the environment around us through our actions and behaviours. We are part of, not separate from, nature; we are dependent – for example, even the slightest change in levels of oxygen in the atmosphere would end our existence; our bodies cannot function without the nutritional input gifted by nature. Experiencing respect and reverence is as important to our souls as feeling unconditional love – both states or conditions, in fact, expressions of that love.
I chose my publisher, Inner Traditions, not just because of their prestigious professional reputation or that they publish books in my genre, but also because they uphold ‘green’ values (for example, see https://www.innertraditions.com/greenpolicies).
Equally, I select suppliers whose oils and products are ethically sourced and, as often as possible, organic, especially my essential oils (for example, NHR Organic Oils , Oshadhi UK (among others). All -be-it ‘out there’, there is something about the energy and therapeutic quality of oils that are appropriately, respectfully sourced and distilled; sustainably grown and harvested plant material and appropriate length of distillation time and temperature are significant determinants of quality of resultant essential oils. Ensuring this quality sometimes means paying a little more for the oils, but if that payment supports this practice and finds it’s way back down the chain in fair remuneration to everyone involved, so we are all able to positively support each other, then so-be-it; quality and reliability are paramount with regard to my therapeutic practice.
My feeling is not to compete, but rather to focus on doing what I do well. I meet so many amazing people on my journey, and we learn so much from each other; each of us has a special gift to share and express which lends itself to the ‘bigger picture’ and scheme of things. I am fascinated and inspired by essential oils and by the way essential oils influence both physical and subtle elements (body and soul) at one and the same time, and how these dynamics influence mood, emotion, and body.
Essential Oils for the Whole Body provides a broad platform that enables the reader to ‘get started’. It is a ‘one stop’ go-to handbook that takes the reader through both the practical and subtle applications of essential oils. Tapping into the creativity and sensuality of essential oils, embracing dynamics such as colour and gemstones is useful but also fun. However, I ensure that I do not trivialise their inclusion, nor trivialise the application of essential oils. I have observed that when applied appropriately, a subtle dynamical approach can actually be very effective.
The boundaries between physical, psychological and emotional (body, mind, and spirit) often overlap. Indeed, feeling happy, relaxed and calm, positive and optimistic, demonstrably influences physical function; heart rate, blood pressure, cortisol levels, endorphin release, digestion, ability to heal, and so on. Therefore, a significant aspect of our wellbeing, immunological support and healthy function, is influenced by our state of ‘being’ – ‘being in stress’ or ‘being in equanimity’, ‘being in fear’ or ‘being in peace’. Indeed, we are often reminded that unconditional ‘love’ is an optimum state of ‘being’. Our state of ‘being’ influences our state of ‘body’. It is in this context that essential oils find a perfect niche, as they are shown to influence all of these dynamics at one and the same time.
Also, through experience, I have come across situations in which essential oils, while potentially being extremely valuable, are also potentially contra-indicated because of serious underlying health conditions and/or medications being taken by a person (some essential oils can negatively potentiate certain medications, negate others, or increase risk of sensitisation). This is why Essential Oils for the Whole Body includes a basic overview of physiology, with information about how essential oils are absorbed and excreted by the body, which oils are not safe to use in certain contexts and which are safe, and how to apply essential oils appropriately. Anchored by this understanding, ways in which essential oils can be applied subtly with minimal risk are explored – that is, highly diluted, with just a hint of scent (olfactory receptors can detect very small amounts of essential oil molecules), perhaps applied alongside colour and gemstones to gently support the subtle dynamics of each.
At my age, to fulfil the typical cliché, my big dream is a cottage , flowers around the door, with a lovely big kitchen and a massive garden where I can grow things and distil essential oils, and, of course, live happily ever after!! Meanwhile, back in the real world (while I wait to meet this dream) to continue to write and share through teaching; that all my books are successfully published (in fact, this dream has already come true); that I have sufficient funds so can spend less time working and can afford time to delve into my other passions, for example, art (I love drawing, photography, and creativity) and to explore and continue to appreciate the world around me. I do not envisage that I will stop working because I love what I do – I have a feeling, though, something amazing is going to happen that I have not envisaged, because each day is a unique moment full of both imagined and unimagined of possibility.
Heather is a very talented and experienced aromatherapist, she intuitively blended a sublime mix of oils specifically for me and gave an amazing massage. I left with both my body and mind relaxed and rejuvenated. An absolutely delightful experience, thank you Heather.
Jess B.
Wow! Went to Heather for a massage last week. It was an amazing experience, incredibly relaxing, and very healing. Heather is incredibly professional, whilst at the same time, extremely warm and welcoming, instantly putting you at ease. The treatment took place in her studio, which is warm, cosy and peaceful. A full body massage is just that and I felt that every part of my body benefited from the gentle massage using the essential oils that Heather and I chose together. By the end of the session I felt as though I had been wrapped in a little cocoon and was very reluctant to leave! Have already booked my next treatment. Thank you so much, Heather. I shall be recommending you to all my friends x
Clare S.
Essential Oils for the Whole Body
An impressive and comprehensive presentation of what essential oils are, how they work, and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!
Christopher Vasey, ND, author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
In times when most aromatherapists are going back to using simple recipes based on the biomedical paradigm, this book opens up another way of looking at topical applications and absorption dynamics. These areas are actually more complex than mechanical interpretation allows and require a book with a holistic, and even spiritual, background combined with scientific insight. It will surely build stronger relationships with the ‘whole body’.
Martin Henglein, Naturopath, Aromatherapist, and Osmologist
This book offers a beautiful bridge between the science of aromatherapy and esoteric application. Godfrey presents a truly holistic approach that explores how to support the whole self, from the physical to the emotional and spiritual.
Candice Covington, author of Essential Oils in Spiritual Practice
A lovely book packed full of information about the form and function of the human body and the ways essential oils can interact with it. This book builds on the author’s previous work, Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation, to create an invaluable guide for those who wish to understand essential oils and use them creatively and safely.
Sophie (Petit-Zeman) Olszowski, Ph.D Author of Doctor, What’s Wrong? Making the NHS Human Again, and Editor, NHS Researcher, and Director of SPZ Associates Ltd
I am an avid believer in using essential oils in many different aspects of body health and home use so I was thrilled to receive this book for review. What I found here is a great complete education on Essential Oi . The author has included blending of oils, safety as well as even the chemical contents, which are good to know for those of us that use oils in our daily lives. I highly recommend the instructions for making creams, ointments and skin care product’s, which was so fun to learn so much more then I knew. The recipes are brilliant and easy to follow. There is also information on diffusing oil’s, which I am already using and enjoying. A ‘definitive’ book on essential oils this book I highly recommend for all who use oils and wish to educate themselves on both the oils, the process and the creation of recipes. Out of all the books on Essential Oils I have read over the years this is my favourite.
C.C. Netgalley
The content of this book is full of very descriptive information about essential oils. It would make a great reference book in any home as well as the local public library. This book would also be a well-used addition to any person wanting a more in-depth knowledge of oils. It will also help those like me who dally somewhat with oils but do not fully comprehend all the intricacies. Might keep someone like me from handling the oils improperly.
Mary. Goodreads
This book is a great resource for anyone wanting to dig deeper into essentials oils, you get tons and I mean tons of resourceful information I cannot express how much detail and research this author did just for this book. You get recipes, for creams, lotions, and perfume oils. The author doesn’t only use essential oil, but she also gives you a list of gemstones to use every day, you get worksheets and much more to help you in your study and lifestyle.
Laurie. Goodreads.
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation
There is a unique way to enhance psychological well-being waiting to be explored. This book tells you how meditation and aromatherapy, classic tools for modifying the mind, can work together to maintain a state of calm and insight. Familiar oils like rose and frankincense add serenity and inspiration to the practice of mindfulness meditation. Diffusing an essential oil during meditation practice can even return your awareness to that meditative mode if you smell the aromatic oil again later.
The author is an aromatherapist who not only uses essential oils professionally but also conducts research into the effects of these powerful plant ingredients. The reader will find out how knowledge of traditional practice and subjective experience, backed by scientific evidence, is an ideal path for discovery; how mindfulness meditation and essential oil inhalation relieve anxiety or calm the mind, as explained from the perspectives of ancient history, religious practices, and modern complementary medical practice. Scientific studies involving human subjects and essential oils tested in laboratory models are described in easy-to-digest detail that adds value and validity.
Advice on how to use the pure essential oils comes with a thorough briefing on dose and safety–a prerequisite for these concentrated and potent plant extracts. In passing, learning about the many everyday food, drink, and cosmetic products that contain essential oils is an eye-opener on the hidden influences on the mind and body. This book is bound to have a long-lasting impact on both meditation and aromatherapy practices, thanks to its inspired author, Heather Dawn Godfrey.
Elaine Perry, Ph.D., professor emeritus of neuroscience at Newcastle University and co-author of Your Brain on Plants: improve the way your think and feel
Essential Oils for Mindfulness and Meditation fills an important gap in the field of essential oils. Where many other books are contented with the properties and the handling of oils, Heather Godfrey provides us with a profound scientific background of the different oils and opens up the field toward awareness and meditation. This book is a wonderful guide to using essential oils as valuable helpers for everyday life, as a source of knowledge for well-being professionals, and for a deeper understanding of oneself and nature.
Ewald Kliegel, author of Crystal Wands and Holistic Reflexology
This interesting book melds the science and alchemy of essential oils and their use in meditation with a mix of personal anecdotes and evidence. Taking the reader on a journey through these highly topical disciplines, it is a timely reminder and how-to guide of the importance of stepping back from the maelstrom of modern life to find a sensible inner balance.
Sophie (Petit-Zeman) Olszowski, Ph.D Author of Doctor, What’s Wrong? Making the NHS Human Again, and Editor, NHS Researcher, and Director of SPZ Associates Ltd
This book is an impressive and comprehensive presentation of what are essential oils, how they work and how to use them, not only for physical illnesses, but also on the psycho-emotional level. A great book on essential oils!
Richard Vasey Author of Natural Antibiotics and Antivirals
Godfrey, an International Federation of Aromatherapists fellow, skilfully explains how scent works on the brain to create relaxation and how this affects our well-being. Odors that stimulate brain chemicals, such as serotonin and GABA, trigger composure, concentration, deep breathing, and a meditative state to reduce stress and anxiety. Research is presented on rehabilitative techniques to remove negative emotional states, like regrets, traumas, fears, and anxiety. Charts and discussion show the brain’s hemispheres and the actions of a few essential oils are mentioned, although no recipes are suggested. There are also guidelines for use, healthy foods, and methods, techniques, and tools for application.
American Herb Association Quarterly
This book is an informative guide to the use of essential oils as an accompaniment to meditation/mindfulness. It finishes with a chapter on other forms of achieving wellbeing – nutrition, exercise and relaxation. There are footnotes and a bibliography for further information. As such it’s very comprehensive but as a newcomer to essential oils I didn’t find the content intimidating.
Tina. Goodreads
A great guide for beginners wanting to learn more about mindfulness and meditation and how to use essential oils for relaxation. A good reference book to have on hand with well organised tables for easy access to information. Great background information on mindfulness and using essential oils for those that are just starting out.
Kat. Goodreads