The American lifestyle of the '90's is brimming with opportunities to be over-extended, stressed out and exhausted, and we're taking full advantage of every one of them! We spend untold hours at work, grab something to eat, run the kids here and there, and struggle to find personal time and moments with loved ones.

This "hurry up! hurry up!" lifestyle can cause us to neglect ourselves. Our diet suffers, we forget to exercise, we don't get enough sleep, and we ignore clear requests from our body for attention. We've learned well the art of denying pain and discomfort, using prescription and over-the-counter medications (including natural supplements) that let us pretend everything is fine.

Lie Down Right Now!

Why are we so compelled to abuse ourselves like this? I certainly don't have the answer. This past October, after ignoring weeks of clear messages, a respiratory infection threw me into bed and said, "lie down RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW! and don't get up until I tell you!" When I wasn't sleeping, I was coughing. I took essences, I took herbs, I took vitamin C. Friends offered advice and distance work. The cough lingered for weeks. I cannot remember when I've felt so bad for so long.

What happened here? Due to my "hurry up! hurry up!" schedule I was neglecting my personal time, my essence work, my diet, and my rest. Then I "caught a bug" from someone, right? Well... kind've. Mostly I had a tremendous negative emotional charge about my place of employment and my attitude drastically affected my immune system.

Emotion = Energy in Motion

Energy in motion (emotion) is healthy when it is expressed and released. When feelings are denied or suppressed, energy gets stuck and illness can manifest, usually where the body is weakest. My throat and lungs have been notoriously vulnerable in this lifetime. Anger, sorrow, grief, shame, guilt, anxiety, resentment-unexpressed feelings can wreak havoc in the body by blocking the natural flow of energy.

Like many small-business owners, I support myself with a "day job" and fit my "real work" into the rest of my life. My frustration came from a perception that I'm failing because I can't pay the bills right now without regular employment. Before going back to the job I did a lot of essence work to help me release this attitude. I have more than 400 essences (nearly 250 from featherhawk and about 200 from around the world), and these are some I needed:

Double Rainbow: Shatters the illusion of separation. (I had forgotten my connection to All That Is.) Cedar: For internal cleansing, releasing illusions, and reclaiming original soul intent. Yucca: For seeking truth beyond the looks-as-if; transforms anger. (Pretty clear message there!) Yellow Yarrow: For strength when feeling vulnerable; emotional protection and self-confidence. Angelic Carekeeper: For integrating soulular memory (soul intent) into present life experience. Peace: a rose essence from Perelandra, Ltd., for aligning personal courage with universal courage.

Amazingly (essence work still amazes me, even after ten years), I walked into work Monday morning... and the charge was gone! The essences had done their job beautifully, helping me release my old attitude and alter my perception to see my job as a means to an end rather than a hopeless dead end.

Sailing through my day, I went home in peace. The essences (and my willingness to make another choice - a crucial ingredient!) had helped me return to my heart and remember that I began making essences because I was passionate about what they can do and I wanted to share my passion with others. Out of fear that I would always be stuck in a job, I had lost my enthusiasm for my true life path.

Essences Gently Peel Away Layers

Essences affect body, mind and spirit. With consistent use, you discover their wonderful ability to gently peel away layers of even the most deep-seated issues. Over time (sometimes hours, sometimes weeks) you realize that seemingly huge problems (whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual) can be resolved and released with grace.

The essences also helped me rediscover my "job description," which is to be of service. Serving somebody else's company doesn't match my pictures - I want to make my living being of service to you as an essence producer, practitioner and teacher. In the meantime, however, I can, and must, nurture and share my passion for life no matter what I am doing with my time.

This year, rediscover the spark of passion within yourself with the gentle support of nature essences. Shine on!

Nanci Wesling produces featherhawk nature and flower essences. She presents workshops about essences and personal potential, offers consultations, facilitates an essence study group, and is available for speaking engagements. featherhawk nature essences are sold at Rainbow Blossom in St. Matthews, or by mail order direct from featherhawk. The new Guide & Repertory is available for $3.50, credited to your first order. To receive your copy, send $3.50 to featherhawk, Box 125, New Albany, IN 47151-0125, or call 812/949-0478.

published in
Illuminations
January/February 1999
Louisville, Kentucky

©1999 by Nanci Wesling

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