Tonight begins the Jewish Festival of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, a time to reflect on our shortcomings (sins). The spiritual themes of this holy time teach us about forgiveness and taking responsibility for our thoughts, feelings and actions.
These themes remind me (Richard) of the Willow essence of Dr. Bach, one of the first Bach flowers I experienced 40 years ago when I was a volunteer helping to build a Buddhist meditation center. I was dealing with severe food sensitivities by restricting my diet (not so common in those days). When I was with the other volunteers in the common kitchen, I felt that they were hostile to me because of my diet. I felt everyone was being very unfair and uncaring.
I started taking the Willow essence, and several days later, after morning meditation, I exploded in anger and resentment at everyone in the kitchen. I was shocked, as I thought of myself as being very calm and peaceful. I sat quietly on a hillside to contemplate what had happened. I began to realize that the anger and resentment I had experienced was something that I had carried in my heart for some time, hidden to myself. It was my own attitude that was the cause of the tension I felt with my colleagues. I went back to the kitchen, apologized for my stand-offish behavior, and found that I was welcomed warmly, with surprising willingness to accommodate my dietary needs.
The Willow flower essence is for feeling resentful, inflexible or bitter, for the tendency to blame others and see oneself as the victim. It fosters acceptance, forgiveness, and taking responsibility for one’s life situation.
We can understand these qualities when we look at the Willow tree itself. It is all about flexibility and flow. Willow loves to grow near the water, and its branches bend without breaking. It is full of life, so much so that even fences made from willow posts will sprout. Willow bark, related to our common remedy aspirin, is used for the stiffness and pain of rheumatoid arthritis.
Similarly, in our emotional life, Willow essence helps us let go of the rigidity of blame and resentment, which holds us back from the flow of life. The gift of the Willow is expressed most beautifully in these affirmations by Patricia Kaminski:
I take responsibility for life’s challenges.
I forgive and I resolve. I let bitterness dissolve.
Sweet new life springs up within me.
I am For Giving and For Living.
Read more about Willow essence on the Healing Herbs website.
In the US, Willow flower essence is available here.
As someone deeply immersed in the realm of holistic well-being and alternative therapies, my journey spans over decades, much like the experiences shared by Richard in the article. I've delved into the intricate world of Dr. Bach's flower essences, understanding their profound impact on emotional and spiritual healing.
Richard's account resonates with me, particularly his connection between the Jewish Festival of Yom Kippur and the Willow essence of Dr. Bach. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of these essences in addressing emotional challenges. Allow me to share insights into the concepts embedded in this narrative:
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Yom Kippur - The Day of Atonement: Yom Kippur is a significant Jewish festival, emphasizing reflection on personal shortcomings and seeking forgiveness. It symbolizes a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual renewal.
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Willow Essence of Dr. Bach: Dr. Bach's Willow essence is highlighted as a remedy for feelings of resentment, inflexibility, and bitterness. It addresses the tendency to blame others and fosters acceptance, forgiveness, and taking responsibility for one's life situation.
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Personal Experience with Willow Essence: Richard's personal experience mirrors the essence's effect on his emotions. The explosive anger and subsequent realization parallel the essence's purpose of breaking through rigidity, blame, and resentment.
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Symbolism of the Willow Tree: The article draws parallels between the qualities of the Willow tree and the emotional attributes addressed by the essence. The tree's flexibility, ability to bend without breaking, and its association with water symbolize the flow of life and the importance of adaptability.
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Affirmations by Patricia Kaminski: Patricia Kaminski's affirmations capture the essence's transformative nature. Phrases like "I take responsibility for life’s challenges" and "I forgive and I resolve" encapsulate the spirit of the Willow essence in promoting personal growth and emotional healing.
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Physical and Emotional Connection: The mention of Willow bark, related to aspirin and used for rheumatoid arthritis, establishes a connection between physical and emotional well-being. It highlights the holistic nature of Dr. Bach's remedies.
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Availability in the US: The article concludes by providing information about the availability of Willow flower essence in the US, offering a practical avenue for those interested in exploring this holistic remedy.
In essence, this narrative intertwines spiritual practices, personal experiences, and the healing power of nature, emphasizing the interconnectedness of our emotional and physical well-being.
