The following is an excerpt from Rachelle Hasnas' conveniently portable Pocket Guide to Bach Flower Essences, reprinted with the permission of the publisher, Crossing Press.

Retirement, as well as aging, can be a stressful time. As in other times of transition, Bach's Walnut is indicated. Wild Oat is another consideration when these individuals feel they no longer have any purpose in life, or even Wild Rose if apathy sets in. Star of Bethelehem may be indicated if feelings of loss and grief arise when the person feels forced to retire, as well as Willow for resentment.

Honeysuckle may be indicated for living too much in past memories that prevent opening up to the opportunities life now presents. Mimulus may also be needed when there is fear of no longer bringing home a salary and of loss of health. These are some of the many emotional states that can come up. Not everyone will experience retirement the same way, nor have need of the same flower remedies.

Tom had just retired when he came to see me. His wife Nancy was a client of mine, and when she realized Tom was in an emotional crisis, she asked him if he would try the flower essences. He was experiencing a mild depression and appeared listless, withdrawing into himself. He expressed sorrow over the loss of his youth, stating that he didn't know what he would do with the rest of his life. There wasn't anything he felt he could do, and he seemed to long for "the good old days."

I suggested the following flower essences: Walnut for his state of transition; Wild Oat to bring a new path into view; Wild Rose for his sense of apathy and resignation; Star of Bethlehem for his sense of loss; and Honeysuckle, as he seemed stuck in the past. Tom related to the indications of these essences and agreed to use them.

When we spoke again, Tom was no longer listless. He told me that he had taken up golf, something he had always wanted to learn, but never before had the time. He remarked that he was a bit surprised at his change of mood over the past few weeks. He had taken his retirement harder than he thought he would.

He now realized that though he was "getting on in years," he was still strong and healthy. And he now had the time to do many things that his schedule had previously prevented. I noticed a complete change in Tom's energy. He also told me that though he knew the flower essences had helped his wife, he never thought they would work for him.

As we all know from experience, life is filled with change--life itself being a cycle of maturation. Change may be experienced as either positive or negative. Yet, regardless of how change is seen, there is always stress involved, with fear of the unknown assailing us all. The Bach flowers can be incredibly helpful in assisting us with whatever changes we go through by releasing the stress and emotional issues that may arise during these times.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Rachelle Hasnas is a certified Bach Flower Therapist with a commitment to healing the body, mind, and spirit. Involved in holistic healing for over twenty years, her training includes a B.A. in Psychology, a Master's Degree in Social Work, and certification as an astrologer and Reiki practitioner. Rachelle conducts transformational workshops in the use of Bach flowers, astrology and meditation. In addition to The Pocket Guide Pocket Guide to Bach Flower Essences, she is the author of The Essence of Bach Flowers. All of these books can be ordered from the publisher, Crossing Press.

Art Credits: The photos came from a clip art disk by Micrographx.

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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