Qualities the Essence cultivates: Kindness, Compassion
Message of Self-Mastery: Forgiveness; sympathy; taking responsibility for one's actions; benevolence; generosity; for releasing old wounds; desire to help others; the ability to "turn the other cheek."

Pattern of Disharmony: Feelings easily hurt; a touchy nature; for taking things too personally; for when people say hurtful things; overreactive-ness; insensitivity; for lashing out; lacking understanding; blaming others; resentment; bitterness; attitude of "I don't deserve this"; unkindness.

Raspberry could be called the essence for our age, with its feminine gentleness and compassionate nurturing so needed in these troubled times. One in the positive Raspberry state is both forgiving and compassionate. Positive Raspberry reflects our understanding that the hurts that come to us are our teachers. Our lesson is to reciprocate only love when others treat us poorly. Our task is not to retaliate, but rather to deflect their unkindness and thus be freed of any emotional thorns of inner conflict.

Those who have learned this lesson of Raspberry make excellent teachers, counselors and therapists. These individuals qualify for any occupation that involves working closely with others, for they have mastered the ability to transmute negative and harmful emotions. To hold a grudge does far more damage to the holder than the individual at whom it is directed. Grudges are like bricks -- one by one, they create an entire wall of resentment, preventing a forward movement of energy. Grudges leave one heavy-hearted, even hard-hearted, instead of the desired opposite -- kindhearted.

The positive Raspberry state acts as a vibrational salve for the wounds of the heart. The healing professions abound with individuals strong in Raspberry-like qualities, simply because their own past pains have taught them great compassion. Sympathizing, empathizing and listening are their hallmarks. Lastly, please know that you needn't be emotionally wounded to take Raspberry. It also helps kind people to be even kinder!

The negative Raspberry condition is present in those who are easily hurt; who react emotionally; who lash out without apparent reason or who are just plain "not nice." All of these actions can indicate either an immaturity, in the sense of not yet having matured, or an aftershock to an emotional wound not yet healed. Men more often than women tend to express this angry/hurt pattern because our culture does not allow them to openly show their feelings. Those who do so may find themselves objects of ridicule that only serves to further suppress their true feelings.

If Raspberry is the essence for forgiveness, then the negative Raspberry state is one of bitterness, resentment and blaming others. Administering this essence will either allow the issue in question to dissolve or to be talked out until the emotional climate is cleared.

Raspberry is the essence for partners in relationships that terminate without satisfactory reconciliation. When dear friendships end on a bitter note, Raspberry is indicated. For long-term relationships ending in separation with no friendship salvaged, this essence is again recommended. When marriages dissolve into ugly court battles or lingering animosities, again, look to Raspberry. Sadly, ours is a culture rent with divorce, although there are cases in which no other solution is possible. Especially if children are involved, Raspberry helps to initiate a peaceable friendship and thereby minimize the emotional scarring for all involved

"I wanted to be able to let go and forgive a former boyfriend. This took place on Raspberry. I also wanted to let go of blaming my daughter, to forgive her and myself for things that had happened between us. On Raspberry, a real shift took place within me and my attitude towards Juliette has changed. I feel that the hurt has healed." -- CNF, Palo Alto, CA

"My chiropractor muscle-tested me for Spirit-in-Nature. Raspberry came up really strongly. He called me a 'tough nut to crack.' I took it for a week and was able to see that I had been thinking only of myself in many of my relationships." -- JP, Los Angeles, CA

"Taking Raspberry for a week got me thinking about how I treat others in relationships. My response to this essence was very strong." -- JP, Ventura, CA

Forgiveness heals the body as well as the heart. The contrary is also true. Studies have shown that reliving past hurts over and over again is physically harmful and that the mere memory of an unresolved bitter incident is stressful to the heart. Lingering grudges have been linked to coronary artery disease, high blood pressure and lowered immunity to other diseases.

Raspberry, then, is a vital essence for emotional well-being. In choosing to let go of past hurts, we embrace health. As Confucius reminds us, "To be wronged is nothing unless you remember it." In taking responsibility for our actions -- being loving instead of nursing hurts -- we become whole in ways that allow us to in turn help others in their quest for wholeness. Raspberry is the healer of hurts; the comforter of pain; the balm for the wounded warrior who refuses to exit the battlefield until he has conquered every obstacle to his goal -- the ability to love perfectly.

If you have any friendships or relationships that have ended bitterly or are unresolved, patch them up. If this is not possible due to death or their unwillingness, work with prayer to reach a resolution within yourself. Other options are: a self-help book or prayer. Rather than focusing on the details of what needs to be forgiven and whatever sharp thread of bitterness that remains, concentrate on sending love. To give love to those dear to you is kindly; to return only loving kindness to those who have hurt you is heroic.

About the Author: Lila Devi Stone is the founder and director of Spirit-in-Nature Essences. She lectures extensively both nationally and abroad. Lila received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English and psychology along with a secondary education teaching certificate from the University of Michigan. Lila, who lives in California's Sierra Nevada foothills, is currently completing a series of 20 children's books, each profiling an essence as a main character. A new feature at the Spirit-in-Nature website is Lila's blog, where she shares new developments and insights into her essences.

DESIGN CREDITS: The border and illustrations are based on photos 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.

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