Earth Mother

"Earth Mother" is a phrase for a woman who is profoundly grounded and balanced -- open arms to everybody. To Hawaiians, earth is also mother -- I think it is, at least that is what my friend John DeFries tells me -- and sky is father.

In Jackson Hole Wyoming the earth seems immutable. It goes on forever, land (and sky) and the relative proportions of (wo)man and nature definitely seem more true and properly balanced than in the cities and suburbs we are used to. It is so solid, strong and powerful, the earth here, that you might want to call it masculine. But in fact, it is "earth mother" come to life.

In Hawaii, despite what we have done to make it suit our needs, earth-mother nature still prevails.
Oddly, although our assault on its beauty has been whole-hearted, it still prevails.

Our Lanikai Bath and Body aromatherapy "balancing" line is "Earth," a blend of Sandalwood, Rosewood, Patchouli and Bergamot Essential Oils. Sandalwood is balancing to both the mind and the body. Sandalwood trees once grew abundantly on the slopes of Haleakala on Maui. The essential oil, with its grounding and exotic aroma is distilled from the bark of the trees. It is known for its ability to harmonize, warm and balance. Rosewood essential oil -- distilled from the wood -- has a tonic effect on the nervous system. Patchouli essence is distilled from the dried, fermented leaves of the plant. It has a rich, woodsy and earthy aroma and is thought to stimulate, soothe the skin and is used as a fixative in perfumery. Bergamot, pressed from the peel of the citrus fruit, adds a light and refreshing note to this blend and helps to nurture and balance.

This is my last post from Jackson Hole. I am sure those of you who read it will be glad that my riff on our aromatherapy products is pau.