Slow down with Impatiens

Slow down with Impatiens

by Linda Crider — 

Impatiens can restore the ability to slow down and allow for a more natural progression of things and events.

Impatiens was the first flower essence that Dr. Edward Bach discovered when compiling his 38 remedy healing system. It is an easy one to remember, as the name of the flower describes the emotional imbalance it is meant to harmonize. Bach’s creative process involved taking visual and energetic clues from the plants, and the impatiens species he worked with is a fast-growing one that appears independent and self-reliant. When its pods are ripe, the plant literally shoots its seeds in an explosive manner.

Considering these qualities, Bach related this energy to people with similar personality traits, describing them as quick-moving folks who “often prefer to work and think alone so that they can do everything at their own speed.” Such an approach to life can lead these people to lonely places. This is why Bach included Impatiens in the category of “loneliness,” as it helps such individuals who may experience difficulties reaching out to others.

It drives these types of people to distraction when they must work with those who move at a slower pace, which causes inner tension that is emotionally draining. You can spot this imbalance in folks who tend to finish other people’s sentences. They have no tolerance for delays and are prone to quick outbursts of temper.

Those in the negative Impatiens state always seem to be pressed for time, and they act with a sense of real or imagined urgency. Their hasty movements can manifest as accidents or poorly thought out decisions.

Such a profile might conjure an image of a petulant, grouchy boss in the workplace or a reckless driver who cannot get to his destination fast enough. Picture a mother anxious to get the day started while her young son is slowly tying his shoes. Instead of allowing the child sufficient time for the learning experience, she impatiently pushes the little hands aside, completing the process herself so they can move on with her busy schedule.

When observing animal behavior, compare the rapid movements of people in need of this remedy to the cat who is always running about in perpetual motion. And if you have ever noticed an energetic dog that seems to be walking its slower-moving owner, rather than the other way around, you have likely found another candidate that would benefit from a few drops of this flower essence in the pet water or food.

It is not surprising that Bach included Impatiens among the five remedies in his popular stress-relief formula. When one is under stress, it is challenging to think and act rationally, and this remedy discourages rash words and actions that one might regret later.

As a singular remedy, a dose of Impatiens encourages patience, along with compassion and empathy for the temperaments of others. If you find yourself moving at the fast-forward pace so characteristic of our modern times, Impatiens can restore the ability to slow down and allow for a more natural progression of things and events.

Linda Crider, BFRP, has been a promoter and educator of botanical healing practices for 15 years. She specializes in flower essence therapy and is a Bach Foundation registered practitioner and founder of Blooming Vibrations, LLC. 602-774-2382 or bloomingvibrations.com.

Reprinted from AzNetNews, Volume 32, Number 6, December 2013/January 2014.