Essences to Help in Facing and Overcoming Fear
Posted by Skywriter on Mar 8, 2009
©2009 by Donna Cunningham, MSW
Editors’ Note: We anticipate publishing one post a week on Vibration’s blog, and that there may be a theme for the month. This month’s theme is essences to help us all feel stronger and more able to meet the challenges of today’s difficult economy. For those of you who may have stumbled upon us by chance, please note that flower essences are not the same as essential oils, which are used in aromatherapy. See a more detailed explanation on the FAQ page on this site.
During the current economic downturn, many people are swamped with fears of one sort or another. We live in a difficult, challenging age, and many of us simply don’t always feel up to it! Flower essences can help us shift from fear to action.
Number one for this purpose is Mimulus, by Bach or Healing Herbs. It’s for fear of something specific, or of many specific things, as well as more general timidity and shyness. I generally combine it with other remedies specifically related to the situation. For instance, add Money Plant if the concerns are financial.
Borage — photo shown here – is a wonderful remedy which the Flower Essence Society says is for “cheerful courage.” The very idea of cheerful courage is heartening, somehow. One of borage’s common names was herb of gladness: the Greeks used it in wine to give a feeling of well-being. Cordials made from it were used to cheer up those suffering from such prolonged illness as tuberculosis.
There are a variety of preparations for terror or panic, including Bach and Healing Herb’s Rock Rose, Australian Bush Flower Essences’ Grey Spider Flower, and Living Essences’ Pink Fairies. (Rock Rose is a component of Rescue Remedy.) They are helpful in emergencies or life-threatening situations, of course, but such events rarely confront us in our daily lives. However, should you be tested by having to make a speech, audition for a part, or take an actual examination, you’ll find that they will restore calmness so that you can function to the best of your abilities.
While living in California, I had to take a state licensing exam, although I had received my degree in social work long before many years earlier and had many years of experience. The test included a variety of long-forgotten theories, newer additions to the curriculum, and social welfare laws of the state of California. The oral section involved being questioned by a panel of hard-nosed examiners. I was terrified. Just before going into the room, I took a dose of Rock Rose straight from the stock bottle and immediately felt cool and collected. I passed, too, even though the majority of candidates have to repeat the testing process twice or more! A good income undoubtedly awaits the person who gets the Rock Rose concession for license examination candidates.
Many times, however, people have the uncomfortable experience of being nervous and fearful with no clear-cut reason. If you’re anxious and don’t know why, Aspen (Bach/Healing Herbs) may very well reveal what you’re actually upset about. Anxiety is a generalized response through which the unconscious masks feelings the person finds unacceptable, like anger or sexual attraction. It is also one of the symptoms of serious depression, so if you have recurrent or severe anxiety, consult a physician.
The legends about aspen are revealing. The medieval church taught that the cross was made of aspen and so it trembles, out of guilt. One study shows that people who have something on their conscience are more fearful. No doubt the unconscious anticipates and even desires punishment for its transgressions. This arises both because of childhood experiences of discipline and because the Higher Self wants us to grow and evolve into better people. Therefore, when guilt is an underlying cause of anxiety, Aspen may bring that layer of feelings to the surface, to be handled.
Turning our fears over to God helps too. Fear makes every effort more difficult and we often waste precious energy worrying about things that never happen. I remember going through a very anxious time, when everyday or two a new worry would become my total reality. Someone suggested I make a worry box, writing my concern down on a piece of paper, praying over it, and then placing it inside the box for God to take care of. After six weeks, I opened the box to find 26 slips of paper. Only one of the things I was so concerned about had actually happened. This realization helped me stop worrying so much. If you are a frequent worrier, you might try making a worry box.
Note: This was an excerpt from Donna’s Flower Remedies Handbook. It’s out of print, but copies can be found on Amazon.com. Donna’s ebook, Flower Remedies: How Plants’ Energies Can Heal You, can be found at http://www.moonmavenpublications.com
About the Author: Donna Cunningham is an internationally-respected author of books, articles, and columns about astrology, flower essences and other metaphysical topics. Her insights reflect her dual background in astrology and psychotherapy. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from Columbia University and over 40 years of experience. Her ebooks can be found at Moon Maven Publications. Visit her blog at http://www.skywriter.wordpress.com. For the past 11 years, she has co-created Vibration Magazine and Blog with Deborah Bier.
Art Credits: The beautiful picture of borage is by Hans Hillewaert and was found at WikiPedia at: commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Lycaon
Blessings to you all on the new era!