Returning to Design in Body, Mind, and Spirit
Winter invites us to slow down, yet so many of us feel pressured to “start strong” with resolutions, programs, and promises that rarely last. This season, our Faith & Wellness Focus invites a different approach—one rooted in sustainable growth, daily practice, and trust in how the body was designed to heal.
This verse reminds us that wellness is not about force or fear, but about instruction, guidance, and returning to design.
SUSTAINABLE GROWTH BEGINS WITH DAILY PRACTICE
Sustainable growth doesn’t ask us to do more—it asks us to listen better.
Instead of dramatic resolutions, consider this question:
What small, faithful practice can I return to each day that supports my body, calms my nervous system, and strengthens my spirit?
This might be:
- A nourishing meal
- A moment of stillness
- A calming aroma
- A few deep breaths in the middle of a busy day
These small acts, practiced daily, create profound change over time.
WINTER NOURISHMENT: SUPPORTING THE BODY’S DESIGN
Winter is a season of conservation and repair. The body naturally turns inward, focusing on immunity, warmth, and restoration. Supporting this design means emphasizing nourishment over stimulation.Whole-Food Nourishment:
- Warm, mineral-rich soups and broths
- Slow-cooked meals
- Adequate hydration, even when thirst feels lower
Food is not just fuel—it is information for the body.
POCKET MOMENTS: SMALL PRACTICES YOU CAN CARRY ANYWHERE
One of my favorite tools for winter wellness is what I call a pocket moment—a brief pause you can take anywhere: in the car, at a red light, waiting in line, or between appointments.
A pocket moment might include:
- One slow, intentional breath
- A quiet prayer or affirmation
- Inhaling a calming essential oil
These moments support emotional balance and nervous system regulation—especially important during darker, busier winter days.
YOUNG LIVING SUPPORT FOR THE WINTER MONTHS
Young Living offers beautiful tools that align with this season when used as supportive companions, not quick fixes.
Winter Favorites to Keep Close:
- Thieves® – for seasonal immune support and home wellness
- Frankincense – grounding, calming, and supportive for prayerful moments
- Lavender – gentle emotional balance and rest
- R.C.TM or Breathe AgainTM – comforting during cold, dry months
Many members choose to keep a “pocket oil” nearby—something comforting you can inhale when emotions rise or energy dips.
NOURISHMENT BEYOND FOOD: MIND & SPIRIT
Nourishment is not limited to what we eat.
- Reading a few pages of a meaningful book
- Listening to an encouraging audio while driving
- Sharing a warm conversation with a trusted friend
All of these feed the mind and spirit, supporting overall wellness. Remember: you don’t need an hour—sometimes you just need a minute.
A POCKET AFFIRMATION FOR THE SEASON
WALKING THE JOURNEY TOGETHER
Health is not a solo pursuit. It’s a journey—one we were never meant to travel alone.
This winter, let’s choose sustainable growth, grounded in faith, nourishment, and peace.
Warm wishes and wellness,
Dr. E, Elisa McClure
Traditional Naturopath, Aromatherapist & Founder of The Wellness Hub
Faith & Wellness Focus is a monthly reflection designed to support body, mind, and spirit through daily practice, timeless wisdom, and sustainable growth.
Click this link to listen to my monthly guest spot with ReJeania on the podcast Ponytails and Peptalks - YouTube.
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"Practice Wellness Daily," Dr.E
December has a way of inviting us inward—toward the hearth, toward the heart, and toward the quiet places where peace and harmony and our faith restore the soul. As the year winds down and the pace of life seems to pick up, it becomes even more important to tend the whole person—body, mind, and spirit.
This season isn’t just about celebration, it’s about nourishment, light, and warmth in every sense of the word. My prayer is that this month gently steadies you, strengthens you, and reminds you that wellness is truly a daily walk. As I say, “Practice Wellness Daily” and soon it will become a lifestyle not a program.
A Nourished Body
Colder temperatures, holiday treats, and extra busyness can leave the body craving grounding, mineral-rich support. This is a wonderful time to return to simple, traditional foods that have carried generations through winter: warm broths, slow-cooked vegetables, herbal teas, and wholesome meals seasoned with gratitude.
Lean into the foods that stabilize your energy and support digestion (a big December theme). Your body thrives on consistency—hydration with trace-mineral water, nourishing fats, and foods grown from the earth, not manufactured in a lab. Small choices add up, and they bless your whole system.
A few gentle supports this month:
- Thieves® Vitality in warm tea for immune support
- NingXia Red® for antioxidant strength
- Peppermint Vitality™ for digestion after heavier meals
A Lightened Mind
The mind can easily become cluttered this time of year. Lists get long, schedules fill quickly, and emotions stir. The invitation of December
is to create space—little pockets of stillness where peace and harmony can meet you.
A few grounding practices you might try:
- Begin the morning with a verse, a breath, and a simple affirmation of truth.
- Diffuse Frankincense, Peace & Calming®, or Sacred Mountain™ during quiet moments to re-center.
- Step away from screens for an afternoon and let your nervous system exhale.
When the mind is light, clarity returns, and the season becomes more meaningful.
A Warmed Spirit
Winter teaches us a gentle truth: light shines brightest when the world grows dim. This is the month to rekindle spiritual rhythms—prayer, reflection, worship, and gratitude. The warmth you cultivate inside becomes the warmth you offer others.
Bring oils into your devotional practice:
- Frankincense for spiritual clarity
- Myrrh for grounding and reflection
- Christmas Spirit™ to fill your home with joy and expectation
Let this be a season where your home feels like sanctuary, not because it’s perfect, but because it’s intentional. Keep your diffuser going with the scents and traditional gifts of the season.
Your Health Concerns—Naturally Supported
This month often brings:
- lowered immunity
- digestive strain
- emotional fatigue
- sleep disruptions
- respiratory concerns
Natural solutions can make a world of difference:
- Diffuse supportive blends daily Thieves®, Raven™, Christmas Spirit™
- Prioritize mineral-rich hydration
- Use warming herbs like ginger, cinnamon, and clove in teas and meals
- Add movement—walking, stretching, gentle rebounding
- Schedule self – care restorative therapy such as Raindrop Technique, sound healing, facial, massage, haircut, manicure, pedicure you know what you have been putting off to keep your body’s energy flowing.
Your wellness doesn’t have to feel complicated. One aligned choice at a time will carry you with grace through the season.
A Faith & Wellness Blessing for Your December
Warm wishes and wellness,
Dr. E, Elisa McClure
Traditional Naturopath, Aromatherapist & Founder of The Wellness Hub
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"Practice Wellness Daily," Dr.E
September marks a season of transition. The days become shorter, the air carries a hint of crispness, and our circadian rhythms shift. This is a sacred invitation to slow down, listen inward, and nurture ourselves in body, mind, and spirit.
Read more for seasonal eating tips, how to tune into circadian rhythms, ideas for self-care rituals, approaching the season with gratitude and generosity. You'll also find a free self-care checklist!
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