Space to Reflect - new book

Looking for a new book on self-healing, emotional resilience, nervous system regulation or the flower remedies?

I am delighted to launch my latest book, Space to Reflect.

In these times of turmoil we are all liable to suffer from anger, fear, depression and other negative emotions, which destroy our peace and leave us feeling less able to cope than before. The Bach Flower Remedies offer a solution. They work to rebalance our emotions so that we can return to peace and well-being, with a renewed sense of purpose and compassion.

Throughout history, writers and thinkers have always comforted and inspired us with their thoughts about our worst fears and emotions. Some of their ideas are explored in this text, in order to illustrate how the skilful use of Flower Remedies will resolve negative emotions.

All 38 flower remedies are presented here alphabetically. Since everyone learns in different ways, this commentary includes stories and photos, humour and cartoons, poems and rhymes, to help you remember which remedy to choose when you are trying to resolve challenging emotions.

You can purchase this book direct from me: see my email under my Profile. It is 104 pages with colour photos.   It is priced at £9.95 including postage to UK addresses - other countries, please enquire. Or you can purchase from The Bach Centre at https://bachcentre.com/shop/product-category/books/

A pdf is now available, I'm pleased to say, click here.

For a booklet on the emotions (and which remedies to choose) click here

Liking what we see

A ballet teacher was telling us that with dancing exams coming up, the mirrors have to be removed from the practice sessions.  The students were horrified as they have grown used to watching their reflection for pose, angles, alignments etc, as well as imitating their fellow dancers at need. 

This viewing habit can be how we go through life.  Unless we are totally at peace and centred, our observing tends to be outwards rather than inwards, focusing on how we appear in the world, projecting our best image, what we should be correcting, adjusting, easing in the way we relate to others.  When our emotional balance is adrift, we find ourselves particularly in the ‘outward’ gazing mode – eg being critical of others if we need a dose of Beech – rather than ‘coming home to ourselves’, as Thich Nhat Hanh called it, and concentrating inwardly on our authentic life.  When we concentrate inwardly we become much more aware of imbalance in our hearts, minds and physical body.  Then we can tune in to what flower remedy is needed in order to restore harmony and well-being.

This screenshot – of Darcy Bussell and Dawn French from the old BBC Comedy, Vicar of Dibley* – reminds us of how we sometimes look in the mirror and dislike what we see. For instance, we’re not as slim, fit, or attractive as we would like to be. Then Crab Apple would be a good remedy to take.  Part of the emotional harm caused by addiction to social media is that people – youngsters in particular – see a Darcy Bussell-type beauty scoring all the likes, while they themselves look in the mirror and agonise over what they perceive to be wrong with them. 

Crab Apple will help to restore a sense of perspective.  And, depending on how we feel, other remedies might be appropriate. Willow for self-pity and resentment.  Larch if we lack confidence.  Mimulus if we are nervous about appearing in public.

* Full sketch on Youtube https://youtu.be/tRN17AJ0RY8?si=7mPF3SDp7aWLZTMS blic.

Hearts of gold

On my Facebook page - @AtHomeBachRemedies - I occasionally ask readers to guess which remedy I am describing.  Here is a recent one.

Heinz Geilfus (1890-1956) from
Vintage Posters & Visual Curiosities

I loved this drawing when I saw it on Beautiful Illustrations.  It reminded me of an old friend who, typical of this remedy type, had a heart of gold but kept himself to himself. He was the first person you would turn to in times of need but would never ask for any help for himself.  Like this heart mender he worked alone, quietly healing hearts, doing his ‘little bit of good in the world’* without calling attention to his kind deeds.

 

This is a remedy type we witness more often in the positive than the negative.  I say ‘witness’, as although we know what a blessing they can be in our lives we may take them for granted, assuming they have no problems of their own as they don’t discuss their concerns and would spurn interference.  Their quiet independence can mean we fail to notice their need for solace, support or connection, and then they feel lonely. This makes them feel even more withdrawn so that people label them as stand-offish and cold.

 

Here’s a final clue to identifying this remedy. Dr Bach wrote, “… more like an angel than a man, passes amongst the company like a breath of warm wind or a ray of glorious sunshine, blessing everyone.”

 

* “Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Desmond Tutu

Illustration by Heinz Geilfus (1890-1956) posted on Beautiful Illustrations page.