Essences for Loving Yourself
Posted by admin on Jul 31, 2010
©2010 by Donna Cunningham, MSW
When adults talk to children, the hurtful things they say are rather shocking. Shaming, blaming, destructive criticism, and character assassination are all too frequent in these exchanges, in the name of discipline. When done habitually, they contribute to low self-worth in adulthood.
To identify sources of self-hate, write down the most memorable painful things parents or other crucial adults like teachers said to you and about you. The messages absorbed may still be present in the mean things you say to yourself. Work to offset the power of such statements by writing CANCEL over them and tearing them up, flushing them away, or burning them.
Sometimes parents are supportive, but children learn to feel unacceptable because they are different from those around them. As a therapist, I often find that ridicule or harsh criticism by teachers can damage children’s confidence in their abilities. Peers, too, can be cruel, and the memory of not fitting in as a child can make the adult feel inadequate in social situations.
Unhappy childhood memories can be eased with Golden Eardrops, by FES. This remedy can initially have a cathartic effect, so if it does, use the hints given earlier about the healing crisis.
Many therapists, healers, books, and workshops are available to work on healing the inner child. If you felt unloved or were hurt as a child, they can foster learning to love yourself. Flower remedies and other healing tools can support in the quest to heal the unloved child within and to let go of rejection.
Self-hate is especially common to adult children of alcoholics, victims of abuse, and others who grew up in dysfunctional families. Scars from family traumas or difficult childhood experiences outside the family cannot be healed by flower essences alone, though essences can speed and support the healing.
Participate in Flower Essence Research
Posted by admin on Jul 24, 2010
To Vibration’s Readers from the editors:
We recieved this from Patricia Meyer, and felt we should support this research by a grad student who is conducting a research study on how essence practitioners work for her master’s degree. The more we know about our field, the more we can all grow. If you’re willing to complete the questionnaire, cut and paste it into a document and forward it to Erin Galiger.
Greetings, My name is Erin Galiger and I am a graduate student at the University of Kent, at Canterbury, researching Flower Essence Therapy (FET) for my master’s degree in Ethnobotany. I am a U.S. citizen currently living in California. I am also a massage therapist, which is how I became introduced to flower essences.
I think an academic study on Flower Essence Therapy would greatly benefit this healing modality and help get more information out to the public and healthcare community. Along with that intention, I am focusing on the perspective of flower essence practitioners and discovering core features of flower essence therapy.
I’d greatly appreciate your participation in this study, so if you would like, please take some of your time (there are about 44 questions- most are quick answered ones) to fill out this questionnaire and email it back to me (when you hit reply, you’ll be able to type into my text 
. I will send you a special report and the results of my study in October. Your name won’t be used in the study, and I’ll be grateful to you for as many questions as you choose to answer** I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have. Return the questionnaire to me at: erinjgaliger@care2.com. Blessings, Erin
Flower Essence Practitioner Questionnaire
Thank you so very much, I am grateful for your time and willingness to share. I hope that you will enjoy this. (Note: Regarding “Other___” option: Besides typing in a more accurate answer, “Other” welcomes you to share insights about the question or to clarify a point in the question)
Sex: Female__ Male__ Place of Residence (Country/State):___ Place where you learned FET (Country/State):
Please type X on all that apply for each question (a few questions will ask for a number or rating):
Personal information Age: 30-45____ 46-59____ 60+____
1. How many years have you been a flower essence practitioner? ___ How many years have you used essences? ___
2. Do you practice other Complementary and Alternative Medicine modalities? Yes___ No___
3. How were you exposed to flower essences? Self-discovery/own research___ Friend___ Family member___ Studying other healing arts/modalities___ FE Practitioner___ Other____
4. What was your initial experience with flower essences? Used them on my child/ran___ Animal(s)___Used them on myself (life challenges)___ Used them on myself (physical health issues)___ Other___
5. Which flower essence system/line did you first study? Bach___ FES____ Alaskan___ Australian Bush___ Desert Alchemy___ Delta Gardens___ Perelandra ___ Other__
6. Would you describe yourself as any of the following? Clairsentient___ Clairaudient___ Clairvoyant___ Intuitive___ Analytical___ An Empath___ Counselor/therapist___ A Highly Sensitive Person___ Knows Repertory(ies) backwards and forwards___ Communicates with Spirit Guides___ Communicates with Plant Spirits/Devas___
Working with Flower Essences
7. What type of medicine would you classify flower essences? Mind-Body__ Vibrational/Energy__ Herbal remedy__
8. On what levels of the human body do flower essences work? Physical___ Mental___ Emotional___ Spiritual___
9. On what levels of the body do essences affect? Physical__ Mental__ Emotional__ Spiritual__ Other_____________
10. Which one would you say is more important to know as a practitioner: Flower spirit/energy (intimate relationship) ____ Written property in Repertory___ Same level of importance ___ Other___
11. Do firsthand experience and testimonies with flower essences provide you with enough evidence that essences work? Yes__ No__ Does this outweigh the need to see clinically-based efficacy studies? Yes__ No__ I need both__
12. Regarding efficacy studies/methods, which of the following phrases match your views? Need to test underlying emotion, not symptom__ Impossible to do studies using scientific model__ Test children__ Test animals__ Need an updated scientific model__ Need better testing equipment for measuring actions/effects__ Other____
13. Have you made flower essences? Yes___ No___. Do you currently make them (for self or clients)? Yes___ No___
14. Would you like to spend more time with the flowers in nature in order to make them? Yes___No___ Please check all that apply: If I had more time___ I don’t have that ability___ Certain people have that gift___ Making flower essences are a specific calling/life purpose for specific people___ Anyone can make a decent flower essence___
15. What flower essences do you give to your clients? My own made essences/blends___ Essences made by professional essence makers___ Another practitioner’s essences (not a company)___
16. Which flower essence companies have you used in your practice? Bach___ FES___ Alaskan___ Australian Bush___ Desert Alchemy___ Star___ Perelandra___ Spirit-In-Nature (Masters)___ Santa Barbara___ Delta Garden___ Bloesem___ Other(s)___
17. How does a company/maker gain your trust in their essences? Reputable___ Has conducted research___ You know maker(s) personally___ Attended their trainings or workshops___ You can feel the energy of the product___ Someone recommended them___ Through using them on yourself___ Through using them on your clients___
18. Approximately how many flower essences are used in your selection process? Under 40___ 40-99___ 100-200___ 200 or more__ Is this the same number that you physically have in your home or office? Yes___ No___
19. What factors do you think have an influence in the creation of an effective/potent flower essence? Energy of maker___ (garden, remote area, etc)___ Astrological events___ Who grew the flower(if not wild)___ Env. (soil, water ,air, etc.)___ Time of day___Willingness of plant spirit/Deva___Time of blossom___Other(s)___
20. Does the geographical region affect the properties of flowers (e.g. an Oak tree growing in U.S. would be somewhat different from an Oak tree growing in the U.K.) Yes___ No___
21. Does a certain kind of water must be used to make an effective flower essence? Yes___ No___ If so, which kind(s)? Distilled___ Purified___ Spring Water___ Mineral___ Blessed/Holy Water___ Other___
22. Does the boiling method work in the same way as the sun? Yes__No__ Does the boiling method work? Yes__ No__
23. When collecting flowers to make effective flower essences, does one: Use scissors? Yes___ No___ Use crystals? Yes___ No___ Touch the flowers with their hands? Yes___No___ Ask the plant for permission? Yes___ No___ Thank the plant afterwards? Yes___ No___ Make an offering to the plant? Yes___ No___ These things do not matter whether or not a flower essence will be effective- Yes___ No___ Any Comments on methodology ______
WORKING WITH CLIENTS:
24. Does your first meeting with a client begin with an interview? Y___N___ Do clients fill out an intake form? Y__N__
25. What is usually discussed in the first meeting with a client? Medical history___ Current physical health___ Emotional Issues___ Mental Issues___Childhood___Relationships___Client’s desired goal___Other____
26. Common reasons why people come to me: Stress___Relationships___Anxiety___ ADD/ADHD___ Self-growth__ Depression___ Not living life purpose___ Early Trauma____ Physical issue___ Addiction__ Other(s)____
27. Besides physical emergencies, do you think that there are there ailments that flower essence therapy cannot address (limitations)? Yes__ No__ If so, please share example(s)_____
28.Do you think that most people do not stick with FET because they’re conditioned to want a “quick fix”? Y__ N__
29. Do you think the flower essence alone (without client’s belief in you, themselves, or flower essence, client’s ‘”dense” or “heavy” energy, etc.) will have some kind of positive effect on them once taking them for a period of time? Yes___ No___ Please feel free to offer specifics/insights, such as the period of time needed to show improvements, dosage factor, etc.)________
30. Factors affecting efficacy of flower essence therapy (Rate 1 to 5 for each; 1 being very strong influence): Client’s energy (able for essence to ”penetrate”)__ Client’s belief in flower essences __ Client’s belief in practitioner__ Length of time administered___ Correct method of preparation by essence maker___ Correct dosage__ Client’s intention/desire to address issues__ Client’s expectation of outcome__ Other(s)____
31. How do you decide to give a certain essence/combination to your client? Logic (knowledge of having studied properties in repertory(ies) and analysis of client after talking/intake___ Intuition___ Muscle-testing___ Pendulum___ Hand Dowsing___ Higher Self___ Plant Spirit(s)/Devas___ Spirit Guide(s)___ Other___
32. In your process, if you had to narrow it down, which is more of a prominent influence in choosing appropriate essence(s) for client : Mind___ Spirit (broad term) ___ Really can’t choose either one alone, they are both working together___ Other____
33. Being asked to choose, Flower Essence Therapy has a closer association to: Homeopathy___ Spiritual (Earth Mother)___ Can’t say, too close___ Neither___ Other___
34. Is a “negative” reaction (intensifying of symptoms) by a client to a flower essence common? Yes___ No___
35. Max. number of flower essences given to client on first visit (general rule)?______ Is this # firm? Yes___No___
36. Max. number of flower essences given to a person at any period of time that someone could effectively/realistically assimilate(general rule/for any circumstance)? _____ Is this number firm? Yes___ No___
37. Does the number of flower essences given to client depend somewhat on how much you think they are ready to work through issues? Yes___ No___ Other___
38. What method of administration of flower essences do you tell people? Drops under tongue___ Drops in water/liquid__ Drops in bath___Body mister___ Rub in skin___ Other___
39. Does method of administration of flower essences vary depending on: Type of flower? Yes___No___ The client? Yes___No___ Both___ Other___
40. Dosage: # of drops (taken orally)___ How many times a day?___ Do some clients have different dosages? Y__N__ Do you think that negative, or unbalanced emotions can lead to physical illness? Yes__ No__
41. Do you think there is a difference between “illness” and “disease”? Yes___ No___ Scale of possible influence: 1=Very Strong 2=Strong 3=Somewhat strong 4= Some influence 5=Little influence (Please leave blank if there is no influence) (This may be tough! I’d like to get an idea of what factors are believed to be more influential than others and compare how practitioners view various mentioned factors that can cause illness)
42. Causes of illness: Lack of self-love__ Lack of connection with God/Universe/Spirit__ Lack of self-acceptance__ Not living in the present moment__ Karma___ Stress__ Childhood trauma__ Microbes__ Environmental factors (soil, air, water pollution, etc.)__Hereditary/Genes__ Diet__ Toxins in food & drinks__ Past Life/Lives__ Other Dimensional Selves__ Parasites, viruses__ Negative Thoughts__ Ancestral/Parent “stuff”__ Not living life purpose__ Soul Contract/Lesson__ Not letting go/Lack of forgiveness___ Imbalance of body/bodies (overarching): Mental__ Emotional__ Spiritual__ Physical__ Other(s)__
43. Rate how a person maintains health: Meditation__ Spiritual practice__ Belief in Higher Power/Self__ Exercise__ Diet__ Eat and use organic products__ Balance in Energy field__ Good brain chemistry__ Emotional freedom/balance__ Eliminate Stress__ Eliminate toxins in body__ Drink clean water__ Good Genes___ Positive Thoughts__ State of Joy and Happiness__ Practice Forgiveness__ Live in present moment__ Attitude of Gratitude__ Be an Embodiment of Love__ Other(s)___
44. Would you consider Flower Essence Therapy to be a unified healing system (despite variations in flower essence makers and practitioner protocols across the planet)? Yes___ No___
Thank You SO Much!! I think this is a fascinating area of research! I honor your work!
Elm: When You’ve Reached the Very Last Straw!
Posted by admin on Jul 24, 2010
©2004, 2010 by Connie Barrett
Our heroine is a superbly competent woman who can juggle the demands of home and w0rk with seeming ease. One day, though, an onslaught of rush work hits her desk, her daughter suddenly remembers materials she needs for a school project due the next day, and her son develops a painful toothache. Our heroine begins to think that the sky is falling. “Overwhelmed” is the most succinct description of what happens to people whose ability to gracefully and efficiently handle a great deal of responsibility suddenly collapses.
This Elm condition is usually temporary. It can occur during the holidays, when piles of unwrapped packages (or imaginary piles of unbought ones) compete for attention with children who need to rehearse for a pageant, a yet-to-be-planned holiday feast, and the imminent arrival of in-laws. Moving time can also be Elm time for most people.
The state of needing Elm is distinct from being in a chronically overwhelmed condition. This Elm condition is usually temporary. It can occur during the holidays, when piles of unwrapped packages (or imaginary piles of unbought ones) compete for attention with children who need to rehearse for a pageant, a yet-to-be-planned holiday feast, and the imminent arrival of in-laws. Moving time can also be Elm time for most people.
The state of needing Elm is distinct from being in a chronically overwhelmed condition. People in that state don’t typically handle responsibility well. They may also identify having too much to do with being needed and important (a number of flower essences can relate to that condition).
It’s important to distinguish the Elm condition from that of someone who needs Centaury. Such people are often described as “willing slaves.” They are the employees who always work overtime because their bosses ask them or who give up their life plans in order to take care of a demanding (but often healthy) parent. They may habitually take on more than they can handle because they lack the ability to say no. They lack this ability because they believe their sacrifice will earn them love.
The Illusion of Living Within Your Comfort Zone
Posted by admin on Jul 17, 2010
©2010 Deborah Bier, PhD, Publisher and Editor of this blog and maker of the Whole Energy Essences
“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Neale Donald Walsch
How often do you use the terms “comfortable” and “comfort zone,” either inwardly or out loud? How frequently do you hear them used by others? To my ears it seems to be a constant litany wherever I go.
“Oh, I couldn’t talk about how much it means to me… speaking up is just not in my comfort zone.” “Go after that big life change? Not yet — not until it’s in my comfort zone.” “I’m not comfortable with what you want from me, so I’m going to say ‘no’.”
Who said we were supposed to be so comfortable all the time? In the American culture I’ve been in my entire life, we seem to be stuck in the idea that living “comfortably” or “within one’s comfort zone” is some kind of right we have been granted by the Divine. And to be pushed out of — or, heaven forbid, decide on our own to leave — our cozy sense of comfort is some kind of horrendous personal assault. It’s as if our Declaration of Independence said back in 1776:
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created comfortable; that they are endowed by their Creator with inherent and inalienable rights; that among these, are life, liberty, and the pursuit of living within their comfort zones…”
I’m trying to remember when the term “comfort zone” and the overuse of the word “comfortable” came about. I’m also trying to remember the last time I felt I was living life within my comfort zone. The best I can come up with to answer both questions is: “a long time ago.” Living within my comfort zone is simply not a life goal of mine; if your goals are anything like mine (maximum growth, flexibility, creativity, awe and wonder at the world we live in), then living within your comfort zone needs to completely come off your daily “must have” list.
Dill: An Antidote to Sensory and Mental Overload
Posted by admin on Jul 10, 2010
©2007 by Dr. Terry Willard, Director, Wild Rose College of Natural Healing
Dill Flower Essence: Anthenum graveolens
Positive qualities: Experiencing and absorbing the fullness of life, especially with heightened sensory aspects (taste, touch, hearing sight, smell)
Patterns of imbalance: Overwhelm due to over-stimulation, hypersensitivity to environment or to outer activity, sensory congestion
* * * * * * * *
Donna is easily overwhelmed. She constantly feels bombarded by stimulus. Sometimes she can’t even distinguish between tastes and smells or sights and feelings. Donna’s mind races from all of the sensory input, especially when she is at work. She gets so overwhelmed that sometimes she starts to cry. Most evenings Donna has to sit in a darkened, quiet room just to be able to calm herself down.
Donna needs to find a way to slow down in this fast paced life. How can she calm her mind so she can relax? Even her dreams are hectic.
* * * * * * * *
Heart and Mind Opener: Basil
Posted by admin on Jul 3, 2010
By Maggie Smith, maker of Flower Essence Energy
- Open’s the heart and mind
- Restores harmony
- Helps with courage in times of difficulty
- Strengthens us when we are fearful or sad
History
In India basil is considered a sacred plant. It is known as the flower of Krishna, as he always wore garlands of basil around his neck. In his teachings he used basil to help with detachment, to strengthen faith, devotion, compassion and clarity. Wherever it is planted is considered a place of peace, piety and virtue. It was also traditional to lay a basil leaf on the chest of the dead to open the gates of heaven for them. In Egypt basil is scattered over the grave of the departed and used to embalm the mummies. The Greeks carry basil on journeys for safety, and use it as a symbol of mourning. In the Italian countryside it was worn by courting peasants as an emblem of love and fidelity. In England departing guests were given a small pot of miniature basil to aid them on their journey.
Calming Animals Afraid of Fireworks
Posted by admin on Jun 26, 2010
By Maggie Smith, maker of Flower Essence Energy
My friend’s dog goes crazy during the July 4th US holiday with all of the fireworks. I would guess everyone has a few shaking and howling friends in the neighborhood, or kitty’s hiding under the bed or in the closet during this time. Pets are such sensitive creatures and as much as we love them, most folks do not realize that they resonate with our fears as well as the fireworks noises on July 4th.
There are several calming flower essence formulas that can help pets at this time. I have found that they work best if you start them two or three weeks in advance of July 4th. Just a few drops of tincture in their water dish or on their paws daily – will work wonders to reduce the fear factor. One friend, after using a flower essence tincture in the weeks preceding July 4th, said her dog went outside and acted like nothing was going on. Other clients say they find that their animals are still aware of the noises but are not shaking, howling or crying.
Bach Essences Go Hollywood, Part 2
Posted by admin on Jun 19, 2010
Editors’ Note: The first part of this article is at http://www.floweressencemagazine.com/blog/?p=1305, in which we challenge readers to come up with some of these movie/essence pairs themselves. Go ahead and get into the fun! Don’t feel you need to stay with the Bach remedies — but do include the essence manufacturer’s name as well as the movie where the quote can be found. List additional entries in comments.
©2010 Linda Pride
Hornbeam: “Sometimes I think it’s harder to raise a husband than a baby.” Blondie, 1938, Blondie Bumstead (Blondie, Penny Singleton)
Sweet Chestnut, Crab Apple (photo, at right), Star of Bethlehem: “Why was I not made of stone like thee?” The Hunchback of Notre Dame, 1939, (Quasimodo, Charles Laughton)
Vine (as in Tyrants, power struggles with…): “What we’ve got here is.. .failure to communicate.” Cool Hand Luke, 1967, (The Captain, Strother Martin)
Healing the Earth’s Hot Spots–Putting Essences on a Map
Posted by admin on Jun 12, 2010
©2004, 2010 by Robina Hearle
Editors’ Note: Foremost in many of our minds right now is the devastating oil spill on the Gulf of Mexico that shows no signs of slowing down. It brought to mind an article in Vibration by Robina Hearle first published in 2004. We reprint it here in the hopes that our readers will join forces with the many who are praying for healing of the oceans in the wake of this event. Here’s Robina’s idea:
In this world of greater understanding that all things are connected, the idea of sending healing, love and blessings is not so impossible. We have science backing up metaphysics, such as String Theory. Mathematics has always known that many energies exist, and Professor Stephen Hawking has proven interdimensionality.
My idea and ongoing project is to get as many people as possible putting bottles of flower essences on a map. In this way we can send healing vibrations to earthquakes, war zones, civil unrest, famines and disasters. This will facilitate healing of the planet and its peoples, flora and fauna. I have in my spare room three maps, upon which I have placed some of my own Rose Cottage Flower Essences. However, you can use any suitable bottle of essences you already own. Read the rest of this entry »
Making Yourself a Birthday Essence At the Solar Return
Posted by admin on Jun 5, 2010
©2010 Donna Cunningham, MSW
As Vibration Magazine celebrates its 12th birthday this month, and as we in the northern hemisphere head into primetime as far as flower essence making is concerned, I wanted to tell you about a very special and personal vibrational essence you can make yourself each year around your birthday.
The moment of your astrological birthday, called the Solar Return, results in a special chart each year. This chart shows what special opportunities and challenges you will face between this birthday and next. Many people consult astrologers for an annual update around their birthday for precisely that reason.
Your astrological birthday is not always the same as your chronological birthday but may be a day before or after. This is true for the same reason we need a leap year every four years–the true year is 365.25 days, so there is a four-year cycle in Solar Returns as well. To be technical, this moment–which we rely on astrological software to find–occurs when the Sun returns to the same zodiacal degree, minute, and second it was at your birth. Read the rest of this entry »
