by Deborah Bier, M.Ed., maker of the Whole Energy Essences

In the workplace, power over others is often mistaken for authority. Aggressive bullying, turf-protecting sniping, mindless obstructionism, and capricious decision-making are often the mark of asserting this type of authority -- and, underneath it all -- sure signs of a business which operates on ego, insecurity and fear.

Here, authority can masquerade as the power to STOP others from accomplishing their goals, reducing the workplace atmosphere to the level of a "pissing contest." Poor morale and misguided energies become commonplace and woe be the worker who actually wants to get something done: with office politics taking center court, who has the time or energy to actually do their job?

But in a balanced setting, authority becomes the power to inspire, lead, and provide healthy stewardship for the goals of the company. Real authority is the ability to empower workers to accomplish with pride and self-respect in an atmosphere of real teamwork. True authority does not need to strut or demonstrate its power for its own sake -- it can be deftly, benevolently -- even quietly -- wielded for the benefit of the greater good.

Women in particular are still learning -- and teaching -- roles of authority in all types of jobs. Women's ways of best managing work, people and other resources can be signficantly different than the mainstream (read: 'male') approach. Torn between acting like men or finding their own way, women's use of authority on the workplace continues to be a ponderous challenge.

Whole Energy Essences' Foxglove essence is made not from the showy, big, biennial foxglove typically found in cottage gardens in candy colors. Digital lutea is a perennial species with small creamy yellow flowers (pictured at right). A strong self-sower, it returns year after year with its quiet, subtle flowers.

This essence is great for promoting an environment where power is used in healthy, constructive ways. As such, it is just right to be used by queen and worker bees alike, as everyone needs to be encouraged to work together in harmony for the good of the hive.

Key Statements:

• I have been beaten down by life's misfortune.
• I am too timid or come on too strong.
• I feel powerless.

Foxglove essence (Whole Energy Essences) reaffirms our sense of inner authority so we don't have to either be too timid or overly aggressive to try to make that very point. Foxglove essence trumpets out its authority, like horns announce an approaching ruler.

This essence reminds us that we project real authority only when we feel it, and others will unconsciously treat us accordingly. Therefore, self-respect is an important aspect of Foxglove.

Many of us confuse fear with authority; power grabbing with holding power. Being afraid of someone is not the same as recognizing their authority, as the first is motivated by fright, the second by respect. Those who project the former may feel on pretty shaky ground themselves, needing to use the force of threat to manipulate others: the blustering bully might be a bowl of quivering jelly deep inside. On the other end of the scale, those who are timid similarly lack inner authority. In both cases, Foxglove may help transform uncertainty into self-respect.

Look at the horizontal photo of the mirror-imaged Ditalis lutea on this page (above the start of this description, as well as a couple of paragraphs below). The shape and curve of the flower stalk...doesn't it remind you of the human spine? And the color and placement of the flowers...don't they look like the vertebra? We speak of having authority as "having spine". The shape of this plant echoes this common expression. Those who inspire respectful authority create an inspiring atmosphere, one which empowers and uplifts those around them. This type knows and feels their own authority so everyone one else can, too. Foxglove is the embodiment of this kind of power.

About the Author: Deborah Bier, M.Ed is one of the editors of Vibration and the maker of Whole Energy Essences. For more about Deborah's work and links to her generous selection of previous articles in this journal, visit her Frequent Contributor Page.

Art Credits: Foxglove photo by Duncan McDougall of Compass Seeds. Other photos by Micrografix.

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.

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