In studying and understanding the essences I make, I sometimes find it a
useful exercise to look at the same or similar essences made by other makers and
compare descriptions. Are they the same? And if not, can I find the common
threads through them?
One such essence is Rhododendron,a powerful healer for heart
issues. Surprisingly, I found there are very few who make this showy flower into
an essence. The French company, Deva, makes one variety--Fragrantissima--and
New Zealand Essences makes two--Fragrantissima and Sir Robert Peale.
Reading the descriptions, you wouldn't necessarily think they are for
the same issues, and yet, penetrating deeper, all are related to the right use of loving
compassion. I am reminded of the old story of the three blind men and the elephant.
Each had hold of a different part--the tail, the trunk, and the side--so their descriptions of
the beast were vastly different. So, too, do we essence makers grope blindly as we try to
fathom an essence.
Below is the description
of this essence as it is made by Whole Energy Essences.
Latin Name: Rhododendron (unknown sp)
Slogan: "I know compassion"
Complemented by: Daylily ("Self Worth")
Indicating Phrases:
My heart is hardened.
I am hard on myself and/or others.
I take care of others too much or not enough.
Keywords: compassionate, compassion, unfeeling, hardened, codependent,
empathetic, self-deprecating, judgmental, closed, hard-hearted, care taking,
care giving, accepting, caring, uncaring, unaccepting, self-accepting,
rhododendron
For comparison, look at descriptions of Rhododendron
essences made by the other companies:
French Deva (Fragrantissima) - Joy, consolation. Brings warmth and
consolation to those who find themselves confronted with a difficult
and harsh environment and who are inclined to sadness, melancholy,
and discouragement. Eases emotional liberation held in the thoracic
area and linked to breathing.
New Zealand Essences (Fragrantissima) - Taking on overwhelming
responsibility. Pushing yourself too hard. Waking early but tired and
unrefreshed. Closing down the heart chakra because "loving hurts."
In pondering these varied descriptions, I suspect that all the difficulties
they describe are the end results of misuse of the caring function, to the
detriment of self-care. Too much compassion...not enough compassion...just
how much is the right amount? This is a difficult line to walk: the difference between
"co-dependence" and coldness, over-caring and hard-heartedness. Does care-giving
to others bestow blessings upon all or keep everyone stuck in damaging patterns
of the past?
We humans do find making this type of discernment particularly
challenging. Culturally, we observe few clues on how to proceed in a
balanced way to a state of compassionate grace. Regarding one another
as human and imperfect, yet worthy of love and compassion is a rare and
precious gift.
Rhododendron understands the right use of compassion. It
can help us learn to maintain boundaries with others yet keep an open heart.
Rhododendron knows how to care for others without caring too little for
ourselves, and visa versa. From it, we can learn that at the right
time, NO help is the right help to offer. It can help us differentiate
between obligated reaction and compassionate response, releasing us
from destructive patterns born out of past family dramas.
Equal compassion toward the self is part of Rhododendron's
balance. We cannot truly extend compassion toward others but not have it for
ourselves. Understanding and accepting your own failings and mistakes,
and loving and accepting the part of yourself that erred brings
compassion full circle.
The above is how this article first appeared in the September, 1998 issue of Vibration -- click on the image to see that entire issue. |
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Deborah Bier, PhD is co-editor of this
publication
and the founder of the World Wide Essence Society. For more about her and to read her many articles in Vibration Magazine, see here.
DESIGN CREDITS: The artwork was especially created for us by Word of Mouth Web Design.
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
