The longer I use Edward Bach’s system, the more I discover. (I started my journey with the remedies in 1988, and I’ve been a flower remedy practitioner since 1997.)
Regarding the system from a higher vantage, there are several overall themes in there for personal growth, flourishing and lasting happiness and joy. Isn’t that something we all strive towards as we grow older? In the following, I explore three facets which can contribute to ageing with positivity.
One of Bach’s central messages is about courageously adapting to change. We find that theme in remedies such as Chestnut Bud (learning from experience), Walnut (going our own way and not being influenced by others) and overcoming fear (Agrimony, Aspen, Mimulus, Red Chestnut, Cherry Plum.) Cerato stands for listening to our inner voice and not relying on other people’s opinions in situations where decisions are needed in a transition situation.
What continues to impress me is that each of Bach’s negative states has a valid ‘learning point’ involving change. Look, for example, at Vervain; one has to shift from our convictions to recognising that others’ opinions have equal validity. (But no, I’m not going to budge my opinions on Putin, Netanyahu, and Trump.)
Bach’s message is also about connecting with others on a deeper level. I came across this quote from the author Julian Barnes In his book ‘Elizabeth Finch’ recently. It surprised me because of its truth and brevity: ‘The number of people we deeply meet is surprisingly few’.
Bach regarded loneliness as a state that could potentially impact our health. The three remedies in the loneliness group (Heather, Water Violet and Impatiens) are not, according to Bach, connecting optimally with their fellow humans for extraordinarily different reasons.
People in a Heather state are wrapped up in their own narratives with a driving need to articulate them – they talk a lot. They cannot listen to other people. Their verbal barrage hinders connection with others.
Water Violet people tend to be independent and withdraw easily. Look at these lyrics from Paul Simon’s song ‘I am a Rock’,
‘I've built walls
A fortress deep and mighty
That none may penetrate
I have no need of friendship, friendship causes pain
It's laughter and it's loving I disdain
I am a rock I am an island.’
Bach’s message for people who tend to ‘not need others’ is to recognise that we all need nurturing relationships for happiness – people in this state need to learn to open up and connect with others when they are struggling. (Yes, it does rather sound the opposite of Heather.)
Impatiens is also in the loneliness group. People in this state surge through life often without realising that they are mowing other people down with their speed. Becoming aware of this is a challenge for Impatiens people (I speak from experience). The unconscious Impatiens state involves the feeling of having no quality time for anything or anyone because there are so many tasks that need to be (quickly) done. I’ve discovered how much deliciously relaxes by allowing time to become an element in relationships.
Giving of oneself is also central to Bach’s philosophy. “Possibly the greatest lesson of life is to learn freedom. Freedom from circumstance, environment, other personalities, and most of all from ourselves: because until we are free we are unable fully to give and to serve our brother-men.” p. 6 - Ye Suffer From Yourselves.
This quote also connects with the elements of change and relationship. Some remedy states ‘give too much of themselves’ – for example, the potentially coercive negative Chicory state. Giving love without expecting anything in return is the positive Chicory state that we can all strive towards.
(My above listings are not conclusive.)
My friend and colleague Lesley Cooke, BFRP has a new book out. You can see details on ‘Space to Reflect. Notes and Quotes on the Bach flower remedies.’ via the Bach Centre book shop.
There is always more to discover 😊
My family history book ‘The Unspeakable. Breaking my Family Silence Surrounding the Holocaust’ is available here.
An interview with Lesley about how Bach’s remedies helped me during the harrowing research is here.