Holly and Toonces
"After many years of deep process-oriented emotional and spiritual self-healing work, I am convinced that Flower Essence Formulas and vibrational medicine support are an integral part of attaining, anchoring, and maintaining balance, perspective, and the transformative qualities that we seek in our human evolution into the Light." HB
I wrote the following in January, 2010
Holly Beatie grew up in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California and moved to the mountains as a young adult. Having been an athlete in high school and college, she soon became an expert Alpine skier and instructor in the Bear Valley Ski School. She moved to the North Tahoe/Truckee area in the late 1970's where she found that she had a talent for cross-country skiing and racing. That led her to try her hand at Biathlon in the winter of ’Äò78/'79 at the Olympic training center in Squaw Valley.
The fact that there was no women's Biathlon team in the U.S. at that time did not deter Holly and she competed in the men's races. She fell in love with this fascinating sport, worked hard, and was soon beating half of the male competitors.
Holly's tenacity and prowess at skiing and marksmanship inspired other women to come out and try Biathlon racing. By 1980, the U.S. Biathlon Association decided it was time to develop a women's team, inviting Holly and other women to training camps, and holding separate women's events and National Championships.
In 1984, Holly showed up at the Olympic Trials races in Lake Placid, New York and earned the number one spot on the team that would represent the U.S. at the inaugural Women's World Championships in Chamonix, France. With Holly as the anchor, the American women brought home the bronze medal in the relay (behind Russia and Norway). This was the first ever world champion medal in Biathlon for the United States.
During her 20-year athletic career, Holly tried her hand and excelled in numerous other sports including Running, Cycling, Triathlons, and Ride & Tie. She also became an expert at event management, creating events like the Mountain Run at Squaw Valley USA, now in its 30 th year. In the 1990's, she took on the role of regional coordinator for the emerging sport of Summer Biathlon (running & marksmanship) and went on the road with her cat Toonces for seven months in 1992 as the national coordinator.
Currently, Holly manages over 100 products in her line of High Sierra Botanicals and when she's out on the trails, is a sharp shooter with a camera instead of a rifle.
I wrote the following in October, 2006, for my bio at feminist.com
I did not consciously set out to become a healer or personal care product maker. My journey into the world of plants and their incredible healing gifts has been guided by higher forces of nature. These energies have taught me to pay attention on many subtle levels and eventually learn to self-nurture, receive, and believe in the higher principles of Love and Light.
Before becoming a flower essence practitioner and botanical product developer, I was a world-class athlete for twenty years, and member of the U. S. Biathlon Team (cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship). I accomplished a great deal in the competitive arena. I won a world championship medal in Biathlon (relay bronze), a first for America, and also excelled in a variety of other sports.
The downside to my athletic endeavors was that I used my physicality as a form of self-abuse and addiction. Lack of self-worth can be an incredible motivator. Sub par performances are intolerable....but winning actually does nothing to quell the lack of self-esteem and self-belief....there’Äôs always that inner critic telling you, you still were not perfect enough. There’Äôs only an imagined sense of joy in this predicament.
One can only suffer under this kind of stress and punishment for so long. At one point I nearly died because my body had finally reached its limit and went into deep collapse....OUCH! I knew nothing of emotional rights, healthy boundaries, self-nurturing, or authentic self-love.
From this point I embarked on a challenging, yet ultimately successful healing journey. As I learned how to feel my emotions and get in touch with the wounded places within, I discovered flower essences and their ability to transform, re-pattern and balance energies in my heart and mind. They have played a huge role in my process of self-recovery and discovery. I also became aware of my deep affinity for wild places, and the critters and plants that inhabited them. In 1998 I had a wondrous encounter with a Lynx who basically told me that it was time to open up to the secrets that are hidden deep in my soul (easier said than done).
As I reflect on the past nine years and the diverse product line that I have generated, I'm a little astonished. Most of my flower essence formulas and stock essences have been created in the midst of my own inner healing process. They have literally birthed me as I have birthed them. The personal care and medicinal products have come about from my own needs and a desire to source the absolute best formulations from plant sources. The combining of the variety of botanical derivatives into complex products that are natural, non-toxic, and highly effective, is a magically creative venture. The High Sierra Botanicals products are brought to life through a cooperative, guided process of love, heart, and intention.
My Story (written in 2001)
Through my personal healing and awakening journey, I have found flower (and other) essences to be an invaluable aid in breaking through to new levels of awareness and consciousness. Years ago, in researching and sourcing essences for my own healing, it occurred to me how vast, daunting, and confusing the choices can be. In following my guidance and innate wisdom, I have sourced and formulated vibrational remedies for many of today's common, and deeper challenges and difficulties. Over time I have come to trust the ancient knowledge that works through me.
In my formulas, I employ essences and elixirs from all around the world. They come from places like the Amazon, Himalayas, India, Hawaiian Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Europe, Africa, and of course various areas around North America including my beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains. Careful discernment, intuition, and intention is used in composing every formula. I also draw upon the wisdom of my spirit guides, totem animals, and the devas and elementals (nature spirits) for assistance.
Last, but certainly not least, I am a former world class Biathlete. I was a member of the U.S. National Team for 15 years and own one of only two Senior World Championship medals ever brought home by an American in this Euro-dominated sport. In developing my formulas and products, I bring the sensibility of one who knows how to strive for the highest quality, excellence, and integrity and will settle for nothing less. This current vocation (High Sierra Botanicals, the High Octave Formulas, and my own healing) represents the most important work I have undertaken in many lifetimes. These creations are my heartfelt gifts to the world.
Holly Beatie
Holly Writes About Developing Her Product Line
Ski Mountaineering in Eastern Sierra
Heading off to lead a Nature Hike at Lake Tahoe
Hiking in the Eastern Sierra Fall 2004
Mustang Sal at work behind the camera 2005
Holly Beatie
Create Your Badge
