Bach Remedies to Ease the Stress of Retirement
©2001 by Rachelle Hasnas, MSW
The following is an excerpt from Rachelle Hasnas' conveniently
portable Pocket Guide to Bach Flower Essences, reprinted with the
permission of the publisher, Crossing Press.
Retirement as well as aging can be a stressful time. As in other times
of transition, Bach's Walnut is indicated. There are many uses for this remarkable flower
essence. It is one of the most often selected of all 38, and for good reason.
Walnut's indications are for all transitional periods in life -- teething, puberty, beginning
a career, becoming a parent, the empty nest syndrome, divorce, retirement and menopause.
Walnut is for any period in life that requires adjustment to new situations. It brings to us
an ease and more confidence to move through these transitions smoothly and with less stress.
It assists us to more smoothly break the links or ties with the past that may bind us to the
old ways -- as in a relationship that isn't working out, yet we fear making the break and
going it alone.
Wild Oat is another
consideration when individuals who are retiring feel they no longer have any purpose
in life, or even Wild Rose if apathy sets in. Star of Bethelehem may be
indicated if feelings of loss and grief arise when the person feels
forced to retire, as well as Willow for resentment. Honeysuckle may be indicated for living too much in past memories that
prevent opening up to the opportunities life now presents. Mimulus may
also be needed when there is fear of no longer bringing home a salary,
and of loss of health. These are some of the many emotional states
that can come up. Not everyone will experience retirement the
same way, nor have need of the same flower remedies.
A Case Example: A Newly Retired Man
Tom had just retired when he came to see me. His wife Nancy was a
client of mine, and when she realized Tom was in an emotional crisis,
she asked him if he would try the flower essences. He was experiencing
a mild depression and appeared listless, withdrawing into himself.
He expressed sorrow over the loss of his youth, stating that he didn't
know what he would do with the rest of his life. There wasn't anything
he felt he could do, and he seemed to long for "the good old days."
I suggested the following flower essences: Walnut for his state of
transition; Wild Oat to bring a new path into view; Wild Rose for his
sense of apathy and resignation; Star of Bethlehem for his sense of loss;
and Honeysuckle, as he seemed stuck in the past. Tom related to the
indications of these essences and agreed to use them.
When we spoke again, Tom was no longer listless. He told me that he
had taken up golf, something he had always wanted to learn, but never
before had the time. He remarked that he was a bit surprised at his
change of mood over the past few weeks. He had taken his retirement
harder than he thought he would.
He now realized that though he was "getting on in years," he was
still strong and healthy. And he now had the time to do many things
that his schedule had previously prevented. I noticed a complete
change in Tom's energy. He also told me that though he knew the
flower essences had helped his wife, he never thought they would
work for him.
As we all know from experience, life is filled with change -- life itself
being a cycle of maturation. Change may be experienced as either positive
or negative. Yet, regardless of how change is seen, there is always
stress involved, with fear of the unknown assailing us all. The Bach
flowers can be incredibly helpful in assisting us through whatever
changes we go through, by releasing the stress and emotional issues
that may arise during these times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rachelle Hasnas is a certified Bach Flower
Therapist with a commitment to healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Involved in holistic healing for over twenty years, her training
includes a B.A. in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Social Work,
and certification as an astrologer and Reiki practitioner.
Rachelle conducts transformational workshops in the use of Bach flowers,
astrology and meditation. In addition to The Pocket Guide Pocket Guide
to Bach Flower Essences, she is the author of The Essence
of Bach Flowers. All of these books can be ordered from the publisher,
Crossing Press.
DESIGN CREDITS: This page was designed by Deborah Bier and Donna Cunningham; photos are from Clipart.com.
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.
