A Flower Essence-tial process

A Flower Essence-tial process

Most importantly, remember that work with the Flower Essences is a process that can result in the balance and resonance to which all species are entitled.

by Kris Lecakes Haley — 

So you’ve been using a flower essence regimen that just does not seem to be working. Perhaps you think the situation is getting worse. What is going on?

For those unacquainted with the 38 Bach Flower Essences, discovered in the 1930s by Dr. Edward Bach, they work on an energetic level to restore emotional harmony and balance to the individual, regardless of their particular species. All except one of the Essences are distilled from flowers and leaves. They were designed primarily for humans — but their equal success with animals became quickly evident.

The oft-quoted rule of thumb is that if you do not see the desired results within a two-week period, you have selected the wrong essence(s). In my experience, however, I have encountered a number of additional considerations.

First, if you are seeing some positive results, but not to the extent you anticipated, consider extending usage for another week or so — some old emotions may prove challenging to dislodge.

Or, consider taking Red Chestnut yourself, because believe it or not, your expectations may be influencing the emotions of the pet or person you are trying to help. Another option, should you witness an apparent regression, is to discontinue the blend for two to three days, replacing it with Gentian (for setbacks) and then resume your regular regimen.

Finally, an interesting observation I have made over the last few years is that an apparent regression in behavior may actually be progress. Consider the onion-peeling metaphor often used to describe how the essences work. Frequently, deeply buried negative emotions have found quiet refuge within the formidable folds of those long-undisturbed layers. As the essences do their work and layers disappear, we typically see positive behaviors emerge.

Then, occasionally, negative behaviors appear or reappear and we feel the essences have failed us. I suggest this may not be a regression, but that a very deep layer has disintegrated, thus shining a light on a deeply buried emotion that is at last being experienced and freed. Now that we can see the emotion, we can modify our blend of essences to address it and continue along the process.

Most importantly, remember that work with the Flower Essences is a process that can result in the balance and resonance to which all species are entitled.

Kris Lecakes-Haley is an internationally certified Bach Foundation registered practitioner who works exclusively with animals. www.animalsynergy.com, [email protected] or 480-460-1801.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 23, Number 1, February/March 2005.