Bach Flower Essences for These Difficult Times

Here, in the southern hemisphere, we've just passed the half way mark through winter; spring is on the way. It was really apparent to me the other day when we (hubby, dog and I) drove up to the Blue Mountains and I was delighted to see these beautiful blossoms in the organic community gardens in Katoomba. As we picnicked  under them  (all rugged up as it was a chilly, chilly day) I found myself pondering about cycles. And how, even with all that is going on right now, the cycles of nature just keep on. The small cycles - day to night to day again; the longer ones - the waxing and waning of the moon; and the changing of seasons - they just all keep going. We don't have to do a thing about it, it's beyond our control and I find that very reassuring.

Then I got to thinking about how much we humans try to control things and how the current situation with Covid seems to be teaching us many lessons. One very important one, for me personally, is to learn to go with the flow. Right now, it seems we need to be flexible, to not stick rigidly to plans or to set ideas of how things should be. The image of a river came to me. This river , like any other, has fast slowing areas with rapids and whirlpools and eddies and it has areas with wide banks and slow flowing gentle waters. The images in my mind's eye showed me how, especially at the moment, things like set plans and rigid ideas will weigh us down to the bottom of the river, or cause us to get caught in snags. along the way. But how dreams and hopes will keep us buoyant so that we can float along with the river, keeping our heads above water and enjoying the ride. 

I hope this is something that will help you. I've also been thinking a lot about the 'tools' I have to help you if you're struggling at the moment. There are many - eg: herbs for your nervous system, herbs to help with stress and support your adrenals; tissue salts and flower essences. Flower essences in particular help with emotional states. I've discussed a few of them here. Plants are here for us, just waiting for us to call on them to help us so let's make the most of their support. Get in touch if you'd like to know more and if you could do with their help.

Bach Flower Essences for difficult times

Walnut is the essence that is needed in special life situations where major life changes are happening or about to happen. It helps with new beginnings in the mental and spiritual spheres and also in the physical. I include it in formulae when people are going through transitional stages such as adolescence and menopause, entering into parenthood, changing jobs or starting at a new school etc. It's also known as the link breaker. Bach wrote that walnut is 'the remedy for those who have decided to take a great step forward in life, to break old conventions, to leave old limits and restrictions and start on a new way' and isn't that being asked of all of us as a society right now? I even just found a quote about walnut that uses a river analogy again: 'a person in the negative walnut state is mentally sitting in a boat that is to take him across the river. he can clearly see the opposite bank, but the boat is partly tied up. The last of the ropes are still keeping him unconsciously tied to the past.......... ' Impatiens sounds a  lot like its name. It may be for you if you are feeling impatient and have a lot of inner tension that's making you irritable towards others. It's definitely one that is coming up a lot for people working from home with family around. The impatiens person is quick thinking and everyone around them seems slow. They can feel frustrated inside if they have to adapt to a slower pace of working, as working at a slower pace takes up a lot of their energy leading to constant mental tension. The impatiens person finds it hard to wait for things to take their course, and expect that things will happen quickly and smoothly. They'd much prefer to take things into their own hands and just get things done. It's a very useful flower essence in daily family situations when you're running out of patience with your kids or your spouse and when your kids are squabbling with each other or with you. It can be taken by adults and children alike to help diffuse these situations. Flower essences are safe to use in any situation, at any stage in life and can be used with pets as well as with people. If you'd like to find out more about flower essences and how they can help you, feel free to reach out to me at sally@sallykingsfordsmith.com.au.