The emotional state where we need Larch is not about the anxiety of fear. If we are scared of what people might say, of how it might go wrong, that would call for Mimulus rather than Larch.
Larch is closer to imposter syndrome, such that when your
boss asks you to lead on a team project, your reaction is that you’re not good
enough. Others will do it better or wonder why you were picked. When we need Larch we decide the risks
involved are not worth the attempt.
John O’Donohue tells
us, “Risk might be our greatest ally. […] There can be no growth if we do not
remain open and vulnerable to what is new and different. I have never seen anyone take a risk for
growth that was not rewarded a thousand times over.“
‘Daring’ is a good word to think of in terms of Larch. Do we dare to become the Chair of a local
community group when invited by local residents? Or give the vote of thanks? Or dare to apply
for an overdue promotion? Daring is a
form of courage, ‘to plunge into life,’ as Dr Bach described it, adding ‘… we
shall learn but little unless we face realities and seek to our utmost.’ People needing Larch don’t feel very brave
because they lack belief in themselves. They
are easily dis–couraged, which is to say their heart is not in it. (Courage and
heart share the same word origin.)
When we need Larch we know we can do the job as we have all
the experience and expertise necessary, but our lack of self-confidence
prevents us from trying. ‘Someone else would do it better.’ Taking Larch
reassures us that we can do it, and even giving it a go will be a step towards growth that we never dreamed possible.
Photo: Ally Matson
