Change can occur at any moment, but autumn is all about change. The weather, the colors of the foliage, daylight savings time and our sleep patterns—everything is changing. Discover 4 essential oils that are respected for their ability to promote receptivity to change. Let’s dive in! 
Essential Oils for Aromatherapy
Integrating essential oils into your daily routine is an effective way to influence your mood through the limbic system. This is important because our mood influences our outlook, and our outlook influences our receptivity to change.
To embrace change, we must be receptive, grounded, and yet have a sense of adventure. Aromatherapist commonly call upon the following essential oils to help clients embody those traits and accept change with grace.
Receptive – White Fir
To accept change, we must be receptive to the possibilities. Sometimes, that means first removing blockages. White fir is an essential oil respected for its ability to help us feel psychologically unhindered. By addressing brain fog, stress, and stubbornness, white fir creates space to receive.
White fir contains the chemical compound monoterpene hydrocarbon, which inhibits the accumulation of toxins in the body and helps to discharge existing toxins. This may be why it is know to help remove hindrances.
Diffuse white fir essential oil to help remove mental barriers. Some experience white fir as a sedative, others as a stimulant. Diffuse for about 30 minutes and determine which is true for you! You can also apply it topically, best when diluted with a carrier oil. Consider applying it to your inner left wrist (the receiving hand, in metaphysical circles). Do not ingest white fir essential oil.
Open Minded – Tangerine
To accept change, we must think creatively about our options and release fears about the unknown.
Citrus oils, like tangerine, are known to help stimulate creativity, promote an open mind and a positive outlook. They can also encourage focus, which is important for those of us who avoid change because our mind runs wild with distracting, negative scenarios.
Diffuse tangerine essential oils throughout the day to help you receive change with creativity and optimism. If using tangerine essential oil topically, dilute with a carrier oil and apply to the back of the neck. Avoid prolonged sun exposure for about 12 hours after use.
Grounded – Vetiver
Facing change can be much easier when we are personally grounded. We become like palm trees with strong, deep roots. We sway and bend with the winds of change but we aren’t broken.
Vetiver essential oil is respected for its grounding qualities. 
Vetiver offers a heavy, earthy aroma. It is often used to decrease the symptoms of anxiety and hyper-arousal. (Hyper-arousal may manifest as being “on edge” all the time, or as difficulty focusing.)
Vetiver contains ketones, which stimulate cell regeneration and promote the formation of tissue. To me, this is an important connection to our ability and willingness to learn by physically developing new neural pathways in the brain. When these pathways form, we can learn ways to cope with change without losing a sense of who we are.
To use vetiver, dilute it with a carrier oil and apply it to your lower abdomen, the site of your root chakra. You can also diffuse it before bed to calm an overactive mind.
Sense of Adventure – Cinnamon
Change brings the unknown straight to our doorstep. Whether we’re ready for change or not, it’s happening! When we approach change with a sense of adventure, we can step into the unknown with less apprehension.
Cinnamon essential oil is renown for its ability to stimulate our sense of adventure. It also contains phenols, which are very stimulating to the autonomic nervous system. As a result, many people turn to it as an aphrodisiac, promoting a sense of adventure during intimacy. But it can also encourage an adventuresome spirit when facing changes and challenges in life.
Cinnamon possesses coumarin. In high doses, it is contraindicated for some. Avoid using cinnamon essential oil if you’re on a medication that thins the blood or if you’re receiving treatment for ailments of the liver or kidneys.
Diffuse cinnamon or add sparingly to bake goods and meals. Cinnamon is caustic to many, so I don’t suggest applying the oil to your skin.
Beyond Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can help to position your mind for change, but ultimately we are responsible for reshaping our thoughts.
Zen Buddhists believe that attachment is the root of suffering; this includes attachment to our expectations. Release your expectations, what “should have” happened, what someone “ought to have” done, or even what you think you deserve. If the situation is beyond your control to change, accept it with self-compassion. It may help to remember that acceptance is not a weakness. It is adaptability in the face of uncontrollable circumstances.
Selecting Essential Oils
Certified pure therapeutic grade essential oils receive the highest rankings for potency and purity. I am the founder of Deeply Rooted Wellness + Yoga, which offers custom blends using therapeutic grade oils. Learn more about custom essential oil blends and then contact me to get started!