By: Gretchen Fox Schempp, Wellness Manager
This past Spring our world, collectively, was shaken up, turned upside down and inside out. Regardless of beliefs….I don’t think there is a person that this hasn’t affected in some large way.
Here at the Co-op I would say that we had the luxury of support and community when many were stopped in their tracks and possibly left completely alone literally or figuratively to navigate massive uncertainty. Yes, there were tears inside these walls while we were closed, often on a daily basis. I’m sure you’ve shed your share too. Fear, confusion, disbelief, loss…so much of what our world has become. Whether or not we are aware, I believe we are in a great state of grief.
“Grief is the response to loss, particularly to the loss of someone or something that has died, to which a bond or affection was formed.”
Unaware of the deep bond and affection I had for my daily routines and regular life, all of that changed literally overnight. Our way of living died. The details are too long to list and are different for everyone. Whatever the losses, it is okay to be sad.
I think it is fair to honor this. I think it is crucial to honor this. Collectively, divided as we may be, we are all in this together. Energetically our world is shifting, and we have the ability to shift it positively. I’ve experienced kindnesses unequivocal to any I’ve known in life during this time. I know we have it in us to shine a little light in the darkness.
Now more than ever is a time to take care of ourselves and each other the absolute best we can. Eat good food, read good stories, move our bodies kindly, treat our spirits gently and fill our hearts with as much good as we can find to fight through this changing landscape.
Never have I felt more drawn to the subtle medicine of flower essences than I do now. Flower essence therapy was founded by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s and is based on understanding the vibrational healing properties of flowers. (I’ve never seen gardens like I have this year, so I know you love flowers and understand their basic gift of joy and beauty!)
FES (Flower Essence Services) Flourish Formulas are blends of flower essences for specific uses. These gentle vibrational sprays are perfect for those who are easily affected by energetic shifts. Empaths often find great support from these products. I do believe that anyone can benefit from the sweet medicine of the essence of flowers though.
These are some of the blends I love and have used with effectiveness.
Post Trauma Stabilizer blends the essences of arnica, bleeding heart, Echinacea, glassy hyacinth, green cross gentian, fireweed along with Dr. Bach’s composite remedy for rescue and relief, Five Flower Formula and essential oils of lavender, hyssop, and yarrow. This blend is suited for recovery and rebuilding from shock and trauma. Any loss or disruption that creates bewilderment and numbness.
Grief Relief – Bleeding heart, pink yarrow, California wild rose, love lies bleeding, borage, forget me not and explorer’s gentian with oils of Melissa and myrrh help to cleanse and heal bringing light and depth to the soul. This blend I find to be so useful in so many applications, such as that of what I write of here. “Solace and insight in times of sorrow and searching.”
Illumine – mustard, St. John’s wort, borage, explorer’s gentian and pine with brightening essential oils bergamot and orange. This blend was my introduction to the Flourish line many years ago. “Allowing the light of understanding to transform discouragement and depression.”
Flora Sleep – This is by and large our best seller in the formulas with white and red chestnut, olive, chamomile, California valerian, aloe vera, alpine aster and St. John’s wort with essential oils of sandalwood and chamomile for grounding and relaxing.
Animal Relief Formula – I cannot go without mentioning this product as the one that is in my home at all times. Illness, rescue, trauma, end of life, companion pet, nervousness, and fear – this formula encompasses it all.
Other Flourish Formulas that you’ll soon find on our shelves are Fearless, Scared Heart, Grounding Green, Grace, Magenta Self-Healer and Mindful.
Flower essences are diverse in how they can be used as well. They are considered a dietary supplement and can be used internally but they also can be used as a topical or mist. Misting is my favorite application with animals.
May the garden in your heart flourish!
Be well.
