Adapted from John's new book, Earth Spirit Warrior: A Nature-based Guide to Authentic Living (Findhorn Press,
2002).
In a society that worships activity above all else, it's very easy to approach spirituality
with the same sort of "produce or perish" mentality that infuses the rest of mainstream culture.
It's tempting to skitter across the surface of one spiritual tradition after another, to
demand total enlightenment from each inspirational audio-cassette or transformational weekend
retreat. And while we can receive very real benefits from surveying various spiritual
traditions, this type of impatient, frenetic searching often takes us farther from the very
peace we're seeking in the first place. One effective antidote to all this rushing around
is spiritual practice.
Every spiritual tradition is built around a core of activities intended to deepen our
experience of life and help us cultivate the qualities necessary to live in alignment with
ourselves, each other, and the world. The specific activities outline a broad spectrum -- from
prayer or meditation to chanting, ritual movement, and creative expression. In fact,
spiritual practice can encompass every part of life. What we do often matters much less
than how we do it. That's where flower essences can offer powerful assistance.
(In the suggestions below, I have used the following abbreviations to
designate essence makers: BRN = Bloesem Remedies Nederland, EF = EarthFriends, FES = Flower Essence Services.)
One of our first challenges is to practice regularly. Just like brushing our teeth,
eating well, or exercising, spiritual practice is an ongoing commitment to quality living.
One trip to the gym may feel good, but it changes very little unless it becomes part
of a regular program. In the same way, doing spiritual practice once can feel satisfying,
but its true value lies in doing it again and again. Oak flower essence (from FES)
encourages persistence so we can stick with a practice long enough to start seeing
positive results. When internal resistance to practicing or to making changes comes up -- as
it inevitably does -- Smartweed (EF) promotes grounding and vitality that help us to stay
on course for the long haul.
One goal of almost every spiritual practice is to help us move beyond the incessant chatter
of the mind into a place of "mindfulness" or centered awareness. Dogwood (EF, FES) flower
essence is particularly helpful in creating an atmosphere of quiet centering.
Pink Dogwood (EF) acts in the same way, especially when the distractions tend
to be of an emotional nature. Mullein (EF) and Spicebush (EF) both help us to stop
obsessing about the past or the future and live in alignment with this breath, this moment.
Often, especially when we're new to spiritual seeking, it's easy to be distracted by
spiritual "glamour" -- the expectation that a particular practice will bring
instant enlightenment, dramatic psychic powers, or a life without challenge. Sometimes,
these expectations are fanned by over-zealous proponents of one path or another. In fact,
every spiritual journey is unique and personal. Techniques that work amazingly well for
one person might do nothing for another. It's vital to honor our own paths.
In order to do this, American Elm (EF) helps us cut through external expectations and the confusion they
engender, to make choices from a place of centered knowing. Pokeweed (EF) offers
the clarity of vision to see through expectations and preconceptions, to determine
the truth in any moment. It's a powerful tonic for people choosing to move beyond
old religious indoctrination and claim their own authenticity. California Poppy
(FES) works in a similar manner to encourage self-responsibility and an understanding
that true spiritual value lives within, not without.
It is important to trust our own timing. Spiritual growth evolves at its own pace -- which
is almost always slower than that demanded by the impatient mind. Spanish Moss (EF) and
Impatiens (Bach, FES, others) help us embrace the present moment and let growth occur in
line with our own inner rhythms.
Spiritual practice also evolves over time. What
is entirely appropriate at one point in the journey might not work at all later.
Just as we'd adjust an exercise program, diet, or any other type of support, we can also
replace any practice that seems outdated with one that addresses our present needs more
effectively. Both Walnut (Bach, FES, others) and Lenten Rose (EF) help us to let go of
old, limiting attitudes and behaviors, to make healthy transitions, and to embrace change
as an integral part of spiritual vitality.
Finally, the proof of any spiritual practice is in the pudding. Effective spiritual practice
should help us to bring the full light of heart and soul into our daily lives. Red Poppy (EF)
reminds us that while theories and insights are great (and a dime a dozen), the only way
we can make true spiritual progress is to put those into practice here and now in the physical
plane.
Mistflower (EF) helps us escape the trap of perfectionism, to move beyond fears
of making mistakes that would keep us from following our highest callings and taking
positive action in the world. Yellow Star Tulip (BRN) helps us fulfill the deepest
urgings of the heart by bringing our inner riches into outward expression. Southern
Magnolia (EF) promotes a sense of perspective that encourages us to bring our physical
lives into alignment with our highest vision.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John R. Stowe creates EarthFriends
Flower Essences and has worked to share their
healing since 1984. He is author of Gay Spirit Warrior: An Empowerment Journey for
Men Who Love Men (Findhorn Press, 1999, order from Earthfriends) and
Earth Spirit Warrior: a Nature-Based
Guide to Authentic Living (Findhorn Press, Spring, 2002).
He maintains a practice in body-centered therapy in Decatur, GA.
Contact him by email.
EDITOR'S NOTE: John has published three previous articles in Vibration: "Kudzu
Flower Essence: Balanced Connection of Heart and Soul," "Flower Essences
and Same Sex Relationships," and "Flower Essences
Smooth the Path of Emotional Release".
ART CREDITS: This treatment was based on clip art from Art Today and
The Image.
The World Wide Essence Society does not mean to imply any recommendation of nor give certification to any individuals or companies above. This article is provided purely for informational purposes. We ask consumers to make their own determination as to quality of the services and products offered above. This article is not meant to be advice, and the information is not meant to replace medical or psychological treatment.
