August, 2010

Greetings, once again, to all of you who have an interest in holistic healing and a commitment to making natural, inexpensive modalities accessible to all.
I am renewing this column to acquaint you with 38 of my dearest friends, the Bach Flower Essences. They were originally developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s as homeopathic derivatives of flowers from his native Wales. The essences address emotional pain and are completely safe and non-addictive. Up to 10 or even 12 essences may be combined in one dosing bottle. Dosing is usually 4 drops 4 times a day, under the tongue. The dose may be increased to every 5-15 minutes in times of great need. The drops may also be diluted with water, in which case they last longer.
Before we continue our series, I will review briefly. In the past issues of this series we have covered the following essences:
May, 2009: Rescue Remedy (crisis) and Holly (anger)
June, 2009; Walnut (protection) and Honeysuckle (stuck in past)
July, 2009; Agrimony (addictions) and Mimulus (worry)
August, 2009; Aspen (nightmares) and Wild Oat (lost in life)
September, 2009; Beech (irritability) and Willow (resentment)
October, 2009; Wild Rose (depression) and Centaury (weak-willed).
This issue, renewing the series, is dedicated to the flowers Cerato and White Chestnut.

Cerato: For those of us who feel like life is making a fool out of us…or we have already made a fool out of ourselves..Cerato is the essence for wisdom. The key symptom for Cerato is a lack of confidence in your own decisions. When you feel caught in the throes of many decisions, not knowing which way to turn, consider Cerato. When you feel you are about to or in the midst of repeating mistakes with old solutions that did not work before, Cerato is indicated in combination with Chestnut Bud, the Bach Flower for learning new lessons well. Cerato combines well with Larch, which is for overall self-confidence.
Cerato relates to inner certainty, intuition. “The heart has reasons that reason knows not” refers to our innate wisdom and discernment when we listen to the still, small voice within…our inner knowingness. Often, our foolish decisions come from the foolish decision to not trust ourselves and our inner connection with “Higher Self”, “Divine Will” or however you choose to name that phenonmenon. Often our rational mind over rules the inner knowing based on external authorities or dictates/demands from others. If we have hurt ourselves or others in the past through erroneous decisions (and who has not?), we are even more likely to second guess ourselves…and consult others. Cerato is for the person who continually is asking others.. “What would you do if…” Cerato also is useful for those people who have “analysis paralysis”. They cannot take firm action, because they are certain they still have not collected enough information…or information about the information..or new sources/opinions about the information… they die from not trying because they are trying to figure it all out first. People who are pulled by fads, who do not develop commitments about where they stand in life can use Cerato with Wild Oat, which help you locate your place in life. Cerato also stimulates your dreams and helps you to remember them.
The positive potential of Cerato is increased power of intuition and discernment; profound trust in your inner guidance, wise choices, an ability to organize information and use it correctly; and an eagerness to learn more and teach well.

White Chestnut: This essence is for those of us who cannot find the “off” button for our own mind. Better said: it is for all of us on those occasions when we cannot turn our mind off and relax! Often, when we are worried, we are ruminating. Or if we have a big project pending, we can’t let it go, even in the middle of family dinner or the middle of the night. Some people struggle with “the racing mind” when suffering from conditions of mania, anxiety, or just too much coffee! White Chestnut is a remedy for insomnia when it is due to the restless mind. Mental arguments and dialogues about what could’ve, should’ve been won’t quit. Sometimes you may hear a comment about you and it “gets to you”..you can’t stop thinking about it…around and around and around it goes…where it stops… is with White Chestnut. Remember, in times of great need you can repeat the essence every 5 minutes. If you are not sleeping anyway, you might as well take your drops! White Chestnut also helps the meditator who sits to still the mind. It also helps the person with attention deficit for any reason. When lost in distraction and unable to focus, this essence combines well with Clematis or Rescue Remedy.
“When my thoughts are like a hamster on a wheel, I use White Chestnut” one client reported.
The positive potential of White Chestnut is a balanced state of mind, a calm and clear head, the opportunity to have a solution appear of its own accord without effort or force; and the ability to use one’s power of thought constructively,…instead of being used by it!!!

Well, that’s it for this installment. Once again, for your information, a wholesale price for the Bach Flowers is available at www.feelBach.com. There is an official certification available for those taking a 40- hour class with the Bach Centre in the United Kingdom. It costs about $310 US dollars. Also, there is a more economical, local and entertaining option: please join me for a short course on the Bach Flowers, which only costs $20. The next session is August 14, 2-4 pm. Call me for more information: 210 473-1619. I am also the only practitioner of the flowers (that I know of) that uses them to help people transition off of psychotropic medications (ie…antidepressants and mood stabilizers). I also combine the Bach Flowers with other healing modalities including the new microchip holograms from CieAura.
Please stay tuned next issue, when I will go into detail about Cherry Plum, for self-control and Chestnut Bud, to enhance learning. If you have any particular questions, please feel free to contact me at www.lifemotivationssa@gmail.com; 210 473-1619; or review my website at www.lifemotivationssa.com. Again, the blog is available at www.salifemotivatons.blogspot.com . If you will send me a brief e-mail requesting it, I have a one page handout that summarizes all the flowers. It wasn’t easy getting them all on one page!!!
References for this article available for your further study are: Bach Flower Therapy by Mechthild Scheffer and Bach Flower Essences for the Family by Wigmore Publications, Ltd., London.
Til our next encounter, may you bloom, grow and flourish in your life! And please, do fill your life with flowers!

Greetings, once again,to all of you who have an interest in holistic healing and a commitment to making natural, inexpensive modalities accessible to all.

I am continuing this column to acquaint you with 38 of my dearest friends, the Bach Flower Essences. They were originally developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s as homeopathic derivatives of flowers from his nativeWales.The essences address emotional pain and are completely safe and non-addictive.Up to 10 or even 12 essences may be combined in one dosing bottle.Dosing is usually 4 drops 4 times a day, under the tongue. The dose may be increased to every 5-15 minutes in times of great need. The drops may also be diluted with water, in which case they last longer.I choose not to dilute them, perhaps just preferring to think they are more effective if they are more concentrated.

Before we continue our series,I will review briefly. In the first article (May, 2009) we began with a summary ofThe Rescue Remedy and Holly. The June article focused on Walnut and Honeysuckle; in July we reviewed Agrimony and Mimulus. In August we discussedAspenand Wild Oat and in September we introduced Beech andWillow. All of these articles are on my blog for the Bach Flowers. Check it out at www.salifemotivations.blogspot.com!Enough for the review . This month, I would like to introduce you to two more of the Bach Flowers:Wild Rose and Centaury.

Wild Rose is my favorite remedy for depression of KNOWN origin. Most of the time we suffer from what is called a “situational” depression.That means you can list off the reasons you feel “down”; there are definite circumstances that are pulling you in that direction.Genetic predisposition is also important, and psychotherapy is critical for changing negative thought patterns, but the fact remains that a great deal of depression comes from depressing events, situations and circumstances.Resignation and apathy are classic signs of a Wild Rose depression.People feel dull, without initiative, and drained of joy.People who need Wild Rose are resigned to an unpleasant situation, monotony.They are fatalistic and hopeless. These are people who do not care that they do not care, and are too apathetic to even complain about it. Wild Rose people tend to vegetate instead of live. They areunable to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. Wild Rose people are also prone to chronic illness. It’s almost as if their immune system doesn’t care either… In many ways, they may feel like they have already died inside.

In a more subtle case of Wild Rose, the person may just be bored, tiresome for others to be around, a naysayer and a party pooper.My recommendation is that whenever you feel depression and inertia sneaking up on you..whenever you know you do not want to get up in the morning to “face another day”consider Wild Rose!Depression is easier to reverse when you first start to slide downhill rather than waiting until you hit rock bottom!!

With the Positive Potential of Wild Rose, apathy gives way to ambition, a sense of purpose and a lively interest in life.Wild Rose enables people to accedpt responsibility for their circumstances and take initiative. It restores devotion and inner motivation.

My favorite affirmation for the Wild Rose type is “All of life comes to me with ease, joy and glory!!” which is derived from the Access programs.

Centaury is the Bach Flower for peoplewho just can’t seem to say “No”, no matter what.Centaury people tend to be weak-willed and subservient, meek and mild..at least on the surface.They are the doormats of the world. They live their lives as victims. They allow themselves to be imposed upon beyond any reasonable limit. They are anxious to please others, and even when they are dissatisfied with an arrangement, they do not risk a confrontation.They are drained by others easily, and they lack assertiveness, wise boundaries, proper self-care. They are often tired and overworked, always taking on too much in their desire to help.The definition and demarcation of the personality is too weak. They are the quintessential co-dependent.Even if you are not usually a Centaury personality, consider Centaury whenever you are afraid to stand up for yourself or find yourself overburdened by projects and promises.

The positive potential of taking Centaury allows someone to serve willingly, but without denying their own needs. They are able toexpress and defend their own opinions, they are in touch with what they want and they are able to follow their own path with determination and confidence.The positive virtues of the Centaury personality can then blossom:devotion and service shine without the incapacitating effect of spineless victimhood.

As I mentioned before,the flowers combine in harmony with each other very well. They create an inner symphony that is complementary in nature. Each flower contributes its own virtues to a healing song in your heart.

You could see how someone who cannot say NO might also need Larch for self-confidence, Walnut, for protection from outside influences and Honeysuckle to get over the past of being a permanent people pleaser.Elm would be important to add in whenever the Centaury person has overwhelmed themselves with commitments.

Someone who needs Wild Rose for depression might also benefit from Gorse, which helps in the recovery of any long-term illness, or Mustard if the depression has elements of profound melancholy. For the pathetic victims of life, Wild Rose combines well withWillow, for resentment.Once again, Honeysuckle would be important for any depression related to loss of someone or something beloved.

Well, that’s it for this installment. Once again, for your information, a wholesale price for the Bach Flowers is available at www.feelBach.com. A very useful online class for the Bach Flower Essences is available through www.rainbowcrystal.com. This is also economical:only $60 with a book included.Official certification is reserved for those taking a40- hour class with the Bach Centre in theUnited Kingdom.It costs about $310 US dollars.The most economical and entertaining option of all is to join me for a short course on the Bach Flowers, which only costs $25.Call me for more information:210 473-1619.I am also the only practitioner of the flowers (that I know of)that uses them to help people transition off of psychotropic medications (ie…antidepressants and mood stabilizers). I also combine the Bach Flowers with other healing modalities including the new microchip holograms from cieAura.

Please stay tuned next month, when I will go into detail about Cerato and White Chestnut.

References for this article available for your further study are:Bach Flower Therapy by Mechthild Scheffer and Bach Flower Essences for the Family by Wigmore Publications, Ltd.,London.

Perhaps you have heard of vision boards, and most certainly you have seen wall murals. But , have you ever tried to collage your way to a happy and successful life? While I do not have any artistic talent and do not consider myself an artist at all, I have fallen in love with this art form, that fortunately for me, anybody can do. I look at collaging through the eyes of a clinician. Since I am a psychotherapist, a hypnotist and a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I use collaging to transform realities, to breathe power into dreams and to heal myself and others. As another collage expert says, collaging “steers you straight into the heart of your own truth” (Anne Marie Bennett). It is a unique blend of spiritual practice and pure fun.

I first learned to collage for healing, completion and full self-expression in an advanced course with Landmark Education called Wisdom. In that course I was introduced to the power of cutting images out of magazines or newspapers or whatever and putting them together in one large overlapping kaleidoscopic mass to speak to me about myself. It is an amazing experience. It is entertaining, fascinating, wonderful. . It is the easiest way to talk with your subconscious mind. It is a magnificent way to heal all your nightmares and your daymares. It is a miraculous, magical way to manifest your dreams.

That is MY definition of collaging. The dictionary definition of a collage is kinda dull by comparison: A collage is “a paste-up mode by sticking together pieces of paper or photographs to form an artistic image.” All you need is a pair of scissors and some tape and a bunch of old magazines. If the magazine has value ( like my husband’s National Geographics) and you cannot tear them up, a color copier comes in handy. That copier may be too expensive to buy for just collaging, but if you own one anyway…it’s a great solution. Saves me a lot of arguments with my sweetheart.

If you would like to create a deck of cards that represents your soul, please check out www.soulcollage.com. On that website, Anne Marie recommends four different suits: The Committee, which represents the inner voices of your mind; the Community, the family and friends who love and support you; the Companions (animal totems who lend us their energies for healing and growth) and the Council, the archetypes who symbolize major life themes).

Since I am a Catholic, I include my favorite saints and guardian angels in my “Council”, as well as images for the Divine Mother and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who would be on your spiritual team? Or as they say in the Master Mind groups, who would be on your Board of Directors? You can also use color copies of your favorite Tarot cards in your personal deck.

Anne Marie Bennett says, “The idea is to have the cards in your Soul Collage deck name and honor your individual voices: the luminous and the clear as well as the dark and the shadowy, because it is only in accepting every facet of ourselves that we can bring ourselves to wholeness.” I couldn’t agree more! If you would like to read a book on this aspect of collage spirituality, I recommend you read “The Dark Side of the Light Chasers” by Debbie Ford.

When you select pictures from magazines allow yourself to dwell on those images that attract you, intrigue you, inspire you, “call your name”. I pull pictures and images whenever I can and keep them in file folders. Sometimes I organize them by theme, often I just put them all in a pile. I usually wait until a sleepy Sunday afternoon to put my collages together. Often, I will set an intention for a collage, such as “I want to collage innocence and purity” or “I want to collage my blocks against becoming wealthy.” Other times, I will just gaze at my collection of images and allow the collage to “do itself”. Even when you have a particular intention for a collage, put the images together as they come together…I promise, they will do so all by themselves.

Anne Marie suggests that you do journaling exercises with the collages you create. After creating a card, ask it “ Who are you? What do you have to give me? What do you want for me?” I often write on the back of the collage what the message of the image is for me.

Something else I love to do with collages is construct photo albums with them. I place each collage on an 81/2 by 11 construction paper and insert it into a sheet protector. Then I put as many as I can in a spiral 1 inch notebook. I have about 5 notebooks full of my favorite collage conversations! Whenever I feel down or lost, I pull out one of my albums and search for my favorite themes. The dark collages express to me the kind of negativities I struggle with. The brilliant collages represent what I live for and what I want to bring to life.

Another great way to collage is buy a artist sketch pad and spread the collage over a paper. I put two sheets of construction a paper over the white sketch pad and have the background colors match the theme of that collage. I use my sketch pad when I have too many images for the 81/2 x 11 paper, when I have an overarching theme to express.

One last way to collage that I want to share with you: you can get a cork board and make a vision board which you can keep in your office or your home. The vision board is illustrated in the movie The Secret. Careful what you put on that board!! Imagine your best life, your best success, your best home, your favorite people, your favorite pastime, the legacy you want to leave, your best hopes and prayers for a needy world, etc… Put those on your vision board and watch life show up according to “plan”. Have you ever read the book “The Science of Getting Rich” by Wallace Wattles? If not, let me know and I will send you a copy of that e-book. It is similar to a condensed version of “Think and Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill. It is a great companion to your collage work.

Please consider including collaging in your spiritual disciplines and creative sports!! If you would like to see some examples, I have posted several of my favorite collages on my website at www.lifemotivationssa.com. I also teach workshops in how to collage so let me know if you would like to join us. Call me for details: 210 473-1619 or email me at ekeller56@hotmail.com. When you wish upon a star, your dreams come true….especially if you collage it first!!! Blessings, and Namaste, Elizabeth

Psychotherapist, Certified Hynotherapist

September, 2009

Greetings, once again, to all of you who have an interest in holistic healing and a commitment to making natural, inexpensive modalities accessible to all.

I am continuing this column to acquaint you with 38 of my dearest friends, the Bach Flower Essences. They were originally developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s as homeopathic derivatives of flowers from his native Wales. The essences address emotional pain and are completely safe and non-addictive. Up to 10 or even 12 essences may be combined in one dosing bottle. Dosing is usually 4 drops 4 times a day, under the tongue. The dose may be increased to every 5-15 minutes in times of great need. The drops may also be diluted with water, in which case they last longer. I choose not to dilute them, perhaps just preferring to think they are more effective if they are more concentrated.

Before we continue our series, I will review briefly. In the first article (May, 2009) we began with a summary of The Rescue Remedy and Holly. The June article focused on Walnut and Honeysuckle; in July we reviewed Agrimony and Mimulus. In August we discussed Aspen and Wild Oat. All of these articles are on my blog for the Bach Flowers. Check it out at www.salifemotivations.blogspot.com! Enough for the review . This month, I would like to introduce you to two more of the flowers: Beech and Willow.

Beech. I like to tell people: “If all you can do all day long is beech, beech, beech, then you need the Bach Flower Beech.” It is a fun way to remember that Beech works on irritability, intolerance, critical attitudes, and superior and judgmental dispositions. The Queen B—- needs Beech. Most of us have a Queen B hiding in our psyche somewhere. Don’t let her sting other people. Beech is for people who are constantly critical, intolerant of other’s shortcomings. They have a strong sense of their own superiority, correctness, etc.. They can be judgmental, arrogant, and so easily irritated you can’t look at them sideways. If you find yourself walking around on eggshells around someone, do yourself a favor and give them some Beech,,,um, maybe from a safe distance! If someone else gives you Beech, have the grace to take it, please. Beech people tend to suffer from arthritis due to rigid attitudes and tend to have few friends because of the damage they leave in their wake. The positive potential of Beech is the ability to hold strong convictions and high ideals: to be a stubborn and faithful stand for what you believe in. A positive Beech personality sees the good in others despite their imperfections.

Willow. Willow is for resentment and it is one of my favorite gifts to newly weds. I don’t think you can be married to anyone for very long before developing a few resentments. They tend to fester over the years, and then explode and damage the relationship…sometimes permanently. Be careful here…Cancer is a resentment disease. Did you know that?

Willow is indicated for self-pity, bitterness, blaming others or circumstances for one’s difficulties. If you feel short-changed by life itself…if your battle cry is “WHY ME?!” Willow is a good idea. Willow also helps people who begrudge other people of their success. Willow people can be grumbling, sulky, irritable and spread gloom wherever they go. The room brightens when they LEAVE it. Willow people are critical and take without giving. They are ungrateful and alienate people. They are difficult spouses, patients, students…etc.. They are never satisfied, they are reluctant to admit they need improvement, they see themselves as the victim. You may not have a full blow Willow personality, but you will find that Willow will save you from yourself from time to time whenever you find yourself in that hurtful place called resentment.

The positive potential of Willow is the virtues of optimism and faith. With Willow people recognize that their thoughts create the way they live their circumstances. They are able to forgive and forget. In fact, they can learn to not be offended in the first place!

Willow gives the gift of helping people control their own destiny instead of living in victimhood.

As I am sure you are beginning to see at this point, the flowers combine in harmony with each other very well. They create an inner symphony that is complementary in nature. Each flower contributes its own virtues to a healing song in your heart.

You could see how someone who struggles with resenting a spouse feeling irritable due to menopause would combine Willow and Beech! The possibilites are endless. When combining I ask my patients/clients to limit themselves to 10-12 essences in one separate dosing bottle. The real art of the Bach Flowers comes from constructing your own personal healing symphony. You will probably need help with this at first.

Well, that’s it for this installment. Once again, for your information, a wholesale price for the Bach Flowers is available at www.feelBach.com. A very useful online class for the Bach Flower Essences is available through www.rainbowcrystal.com. This is also economical: only $60 with a book included. Official certification is reserved for those taking a 40- hour class with the Bach Centre in the United Kingdom. It costs about $310 US dollars. The most economical and entertaining option of all is to join me for a short course on the Bach Flowers, which only costs $25. Call me for more information: 210 473-1619. I am also the only practitioner of the flowers (that I know of) that uses them to help people transition off of psychotropic medications (ie…antidepressants and mood stabilizers). I also combine the Bach Flowers with other healing modalities including the new microchip holograms from cieAura.

Please stay tuned next month, when I will go into detail about Wild Rose and Centaury. If you have any particular questions, please feel free to contact me at ekeller56@hotmail.com; 210 473-1619; or review my website at www.lifemotivationssa.com. Or the blog www.salifemotivatons.blogspot.com .

By Elizabeth Keller, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Psychotherapist,

Certified Hynotherapist

August, 2009

Greetings, once again, to all of you who have an interest in holistic healing and a commitment to making natural, inexpensive modalities accessible to all.

I am continuing this column to acquaint you with 38 of my dearest friends, the Bach Flower Essences. They were originally developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s as homeopathic derivatives of flowers from his native Wales. The essences address emotional pain and are completely safe and non-addictive. Up to 10 or even 12 essences may be combined in one dosing bottle. Dosing is usually 4 drops 4 times a day, under the tongue. The dose may be increased to every 5-15 minutes in times of great need. The drops may also be diluted with water, in which case they last longer. I choose not to dilute them, perhaps just preferring to think they are more effective if they are more concentrated.

Before we continue our series, I will review briefly. In the first article (May, 2009) we began with a summary of The Rescue Remedy and Holly. The June article focused on Walnut and Honeysuckle; in July we reviewed Agrimony and Mimulus. This month, I am introducing you to two more of the flowers: Aspen and Wild Oat.

Aspen: is the Bach Flower for the fear of the unknown. Fears or anxieties which have an unkown “spooky”, vague, or subconscious origin are relieved by Aspen. It is particularly helpful for nightmares, and for residuals from “bad trips” with recreational drug use (LSD, cocaine). Anxiety about death or disaster, frightening psychic experiences, supernatural (ghost) fears, fearful fantasies, or even psychotic experiences.

I call Aspen the “Twilight Zone Remedy.” People needing Aspen often feel seized by sudden fear for no tangible, specific reason. Potential Aspen users may be thin-skinned, overly sensitive, superstitious or victims of post-traumatic stress. Often they feel blocked from receiving help. They may talk or walk in their sleep. They may be afraid of the dark or of demons or evil spirits, or of being possessed or bewitched. Aspen works well on anxiety attacks and obviously, it works well when combined with Rescue Remedy.

The positive potential virtues that Aspen promotes are inner confidence, security and fearlessness. Aspen’s benefit leaves people with a desire for adventures and new experiences, regardless of difficulties. Aspen enables people to realize that everything is supported by love.

Wild Oat: helps people who can’t find their correct path or place in life. People who are indecisive, can’t choose, lack direction, or feel lost inside themselves can benefit from Wild Oat. It is indicated for those making important decisions, like choosing a career. Wild Oat can also help you clarify which of the Bach Flower Essences to take when you are uncertain. Simply take Wild Oat before making your selections.

Don’t forget that you can combine several essences at once into one dosing bottle. Wild Oat can be used if your have tried the flowers for awhile and have not seen a result; or when too many of the flowers seem to apply to you all at once.

Wild Oat is useful for those breakdown times when you are lost in complete indecision. People who need Wild Oat often are unconventional types who have ambition and potential, but cannot locate their niche. They may feel like they are wasting their gifts due to a lack of direction. They may also be easily bored or tend to be drifters, or may have trouble with commitment, tenacity or persistence. They may want to do things their way, but be unsure what that way is! They tend to fear that life is passing them by which leaves them frustrated and dissatisfied.

The positive potential and gift of Wild Oat relates to the soul qualities of vocation and purpose. Wild Oat provides a clear picture of what to do in life: clear ideas, clear actions to take. It also confers an ability to stick with a plan of action and a set path. With Wild Oat, talents are now used constructively, and the person no longer gives up when bored or distracted.

Well, that’s it for this installment. Once again, for your information, an off-brand is available at www.feelBach.com, for about half the price of the originals, which are imported from Wales. Also an extremely useful online class for the Bach Flower Essences is available through www.rainbowcrystal.com. This is also economical: only $60 with a book included. Official certification is reserved for those taking a 40- hour class with the Bach Centre in the United Kingdom. It costs about $310 US dollars. The most economical and entertaining option of all is to join me for a short course on the Bach Flowers, which only costs $25. Call me for more information: 210 473-1619. I am also the only practitioner of the flowers (that I know of) who uses them to help people transition off psychotropic medications (i.e., antidepressants and mood stabilizers.)

Please stay tuned next month, for more information about Bach Flowers. If you have any particular questions, please feel free to contact me at ekeller56@hotmail.com; 210 473-1619; or review my website at www.lifemotivationssa.com. If you will send me a brief e-mail requesting it, I have a one page handout that summarizes all the flowers. It wasn’t easy getting them all on one page!!!

References for this article available for your further study are: Bach Flower Therapy by Mechthild Scheffer and Bach Flower Essences for the Family by Wigmore Publications, Ltd., London.

Greetings, once again, to all of you who have an interest in holistic healing and a commitment to making natural, inexpensive modalities accessible to all.
I am continuing this column to acquaint you with 38 of my dearest friends, the Bach Flower Essences. They were originally developed by Dr. Edward Bach in the 1930s as homeopathic derivatives of flowers from his native Wales. The essences address emotional pain and are completely safe and non-addictive. Up to 10 or even 12 essences may be combined in one dosing bottle. Dosing is usually 4 drops 4 times a day, under the tongue. The dose may be increased to every 5-15 minutes in times of great need. The drops may also be diluted with water, in which case they last longer. I choose not to dilute them, perhaps just preferring to think they are more effective if they are more concentrated.

There have been many discussion and recommendations concerning how to respond to addictive behaviors. The fa-mous Twelve-Step Groups have evolved for addictions to alcohol, drugs, overeating and even workaholism! There are companion groups as well for the co-dependents of the addict and co-·dependency is considered an addiction in its own right. In reviewing the psychological literature on the effectiveness of these groups and on the nature of addiction and using my own perspective as a part-time workaholic, sugaraholic myself, I would like to propose that addiction is NOT the sign of a character deficit. – Rather, all addiction is a joy deficit. I see it as the cry of a hungry soul that does not love life more than it loves LOVE. Essentially, a life without love is not worth living.

Addiction is the defiant, suicidal cry of a child of God rebelling against the injustice of suffering and pain when kindness, compassion, support and the joy of love are hislher true birthright. Addiction is the sign of a seeker of transcendence. It is a misplaced expression of divine dissatisfaction with this dimension (demonsion??) and its toils, insults, depravities and tragedies. It is not so much a lack of willpower as an incredibly STUBBORN amount of WON’T power! There are two wills locked in mortal combat inside the addict~ soul. When life does not provide the requisite amount of motivation, life-energy (joy), to sustain such a soul above its addiction threshold, the maladaptive behavior will manifest, no matter how self-destructive it is: “Let me outta here! Get me out of this state of consciousness, NOW, PRONTO!!!!! Somebody, something, be my teddy bear. Hold me and tell me that it’s all right. Even if you stab me in the back later.”