Emotions are like the weather--they flow through our lives in an ever-moving, ever-shifting progression. Happiness shines like the sun one moment. Anger storms across the horizon the next. Gales of laughter catch us unawares and break a spell of languishing doldrums.

Because emotional energy is fluid and dynamic, one definition of emotional health is that we allow emotions to flow without judgment or resistance. Ideally, when we experience the full extent of each emotional state, our lives deepen and become richer--and the flow continues.

In practice, every one of us learns to stop the emotional flow. Reasons vary, and many are quite valid. Other concerns may take precedence, like the need to act quickly in an emergency. Maybe it doesn't feel appropriate to burst into tears at an office party or rage at our partner in front of the kids. Maybe we judge anger as "wrong" and stuff it whenever it comes up.

Unexpressed emotions don't go away. Instead, they stay static and stuck in our bodies until we're able to release them. Emotional releasing is natural and healthy. In my years of working with clients here in Atlanta,Georgia, I've made and come to depend on several essences that facilitate specific aspects of emotional releasing. All of these essences, which make up the Earthfriends collection, focus the heart-healing energy of the Southeastern U.S. Individual essences in the set help with different areas of concern.

I use PINK MAGNOLIA for clarity, completion, and release of old emotional patterns and connections. It helps to soothe the pain of a relationship that is ending, helps "cut cords," and brings clarity around emotional complications. I use it frequently when someone wants to resolve negative relationship patterns--"so I never make that mistake again"--deal with the "empty nest," or find completion with a dying loved one.

PINK YARROW helps us keep the heart open, to be strong and present emotionally, and to allow intimacy in relationships. Many clients report that it helps them to get over fears "of being hurt again" and gain a sense of emotional space when they feel crowded by the demands of others. Pink Yarrow helps people in care-taking roles to avoid emotional burnout or shut-down. (See Joyce Mason's article on the three colors of yarrow here.)

SMARTWEED and SHOWY EVENING PRIMROSE both encourage emotional stamina in challenging situations or transitions. They are strong emotional "first-aid" after trauma or when a difficult situation goes on for a period of time.

QUINCE helps move emotional energy with lightness, laughter, or other activity. It helps especially in cases of rigidity--when a situation feels totally stuck, hopeless, or unmoving. I use it frequently--often combined with SOUTHERN MAGNOLIA--to help people maintain a sense of perspective and the ability to see how day-to-day details flow within the larger patterns of life.

Finally, I've created a combination remedy called EMOTIONAL RELEASER, an anointing oil that combines various flower essences and aromatic oils. This remedy is a sort of all-purpose emotional support encouraging calm, clarity, balance, and the appropriate release of old emotional energy. It's great in baths, when a person feels "full of feelings" without knowing why, and is also a favorite of body workers to help release emotions that have become stuck in the body.

Always seek professional medical or psychiatric assistance if you're dealing with severe trauma, abuse, addiction, chronic depression, or similar issues. Most of the time, though, you can facilitate your own emotional cleansing with a gentle, holistic approach. Whatever healing path you choose, a very effective way to support yourself is by using flower essences to encourage inner alignment. Extremely subtle in nature, flower essences complement virtually any other type of therapeutic process and are especially effective in the realm of emotions.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: John R. Stowe offers body-centered therapy and flower-essence counseling in Atlanta, GA. Since 1984, he has prepared EarthFriends Flower Essences and Oils. Reach him at his web page or by e-mail.

DESIGN CREDIT: This background set was created by Sweetmamapam & Co.

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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