One of the most difficult lessons that I've had to actualize in this life (and I know I'm not alone) is the practice of self-nurturing. In the past, often I'd say that I know I need to slow down and take time out, but I'm so busy today that I must keep pushing myself and put "time out" off until tomorrow (which of course never comes). At some point, I finally find myself flat on my back with a cold, flu, or other malady, forcing me to stop . My "time out" has become convalescence rather than an enjoyable, energy building experience. At this point, I must concentrate on the process of building my health back up so I can start pushing it hard again. This cycle perpetuates the avoidance of feeling things on a deeper level which for me, used to be confusion, depression, and frustration because I didn't have the tools or facilitation I needed to unravel what was going on in my soul and psyche.
My big wake-up call came in the winter of 1992-93. After years of training hard to maintain elite athletic performance, working long hours to finance this habit, getting only an average of six hours of sleep each night, and not minding my dietary or emotional needs, my body went on strike. I won't go into the gory details but I ended up spending two days a week for four months in my homeopathic doctor's office getting chelation therapy, colonics, shots, suppositories, and a regimen of preparations and concoctions that demanded every ounce of my feeble energy and will that I could muster.
My self-abandonment, self-deprivation, self-punishment, and disregard for myself had finally come back at me so hard that I was handed a live or die scenario. Needless to say, I chose to live. Reflecting on the high cost of all these alternative treatments and care is a sore reminder of the idea that if I had dedicated a small percentage of my resources on routine self-nurturing in the first place, I would have saved my body and bank account a great burden. But alas, it took a wrecking ball to break through my armor!
After my physical recovery was accomplished, I then embarked on a long, arduous quest of self-discovery. Through the inner work and processing I continue to do and the assistance I am given, more and more, I allow myself the down time and quiet time I deserve to regenerate, renew, and reflect. I still monitor myself for the propensity toward my old habits and patterns, but self-love and my ability to receive are gaining ground.
In my personal endeavors to find balance and wholeness in my life, I've become fascinated and immersed in flower essences and their incredible potential for multi-dimensional healing. They have become an indispensable part of my evolution and healing process as all essences are dedicated to fostering our health and well-being on some level. As I have explored and used the energies of the flowers for my own purposes, my research has naturally unfolded into the creation of formulas that I can share with others. Several of these formulas are especially designed for self-nurturing.
One of these is the Massage/Relaxation Formula which is designed to induce synergy between the massage therapist and the client. It goes into the massage oil and under the client's tongue, promoting a release of tension, calmness, cleansing of toxins, and a unifying of mind, body, and spirit in the here and now. The essences included in this blend are bottlebrush, chiton, dandelion, jasmine, jojoba, lilac, live forever, manzanita, and yellow ginger. I can't imagine ever receiving a massage again without it. It has made a huge difference in the quality of the bodywork experience for me. This formula can also be used in a bath.
Another formula for self-nurturing and quiet time is the Meditation/Tranquillity Formula. This one contains aventurine (gem elixir), aquamarine (gem elixir), banyan, black-eyed susan, carnation, pineapple guava, pimpernel, rose roxburghii, sandalwood, and sorrel. It promotes a deep sense of calm and peaceful relaxation, emotional objectivity, improved breathing and energy, visualization, and strength of being. It aids in achieving a meditative state more quickly and easily.
An excellent revitalizing blend is the Fatigue/Exhaustion Formula. This one promotes rejuvenation and regeneration on an etheric and cellular level. It activates energy to boost vitality, expansion, connection with Earth rhythms and cycles, and an overall balance and sense of wellness and wholeness. It's composed of vibrational essences of aloe, blackberry, bluebell, bo, date palm, indian paintbrush, morning glory, nasturtium, peach, and self-heal.
One of my more recent additions (2008) to my Flower Essence Formula line is the Self-Honoring Formula. It inspires a sense of safety, grounding, independence, clarity, maturity, mental balance, sense of humor, appreciation. Strengthens meridians, cell energy, and nervous system.
The more I work with and use essences, I am constantly amazed at how subtly powerful they are in their ability to assist and support us through transitions, difficulties, and complex healing processes. I invite you to experience the gentle, nurturing love and support of the flowers for yourself.
All rights reserved. Copyright © 2000 - 2009 Holly Beatie. The entire content of this article is the intellectual property of Holly Beatie.