Back to School with Bach

In my part of the world, today is "back to school" day. I guess most kids, and parents alike, have pretty mixed feelings about that. Having been the kind of kid that for the most part really liked school, September sort of brings a memory of excitement. It's a fresh start feeling. For some kids, and parents though, school can be a really tough place and if that's the case, September must feel like a pretty rough start.

If the back to school routine has you or your child in an uncomfortable place, Bach Flower essences could provide a smooth transition and a great support. As always, any of the 38 different essences might be indicated, but I'll narrow it down to a few of the more common!

For young children, particularly those that might be entering the world of school for the first time, Aspen, Centaury, and Clematis may be helpful.

Aspen is indicated for unknown fears. The child that has never experienced school before, may be full of fear without really even knowing what that fear is directed towards. They can't tell you what they are afraid of because they truly don't know.

Centaury may be helpful if your young child is timid, shy and easily led astray. Centaury may help them get off to a good start by standing up for themselves and expressing their opinions.

Clematis may be helpful if your child is a real daydreamer and has difficulty making the transition from the world of play to the focus and concentration that may be required in school.

For older children and teenagers, their emotions may be seeped in a few years of experience with school, friends, and teachers. For them, Mimulus, Beech,  Crab Apple, and Elm may be more appropriate.

Fear can be a pretty common component in the back to school routine. For those that have been there before, they may know exactly what they are fearful of. In this instance, Mimulus is indicated rather than Aspen. Mimulus can help your child find the courage to face their fears and address them with a presence of mind and logical thought.

As children get older, and begin to develop the second chakra, they sometimes develop an intolerance of the rules, structure, or certain personalities within their school system. For this type of irritation, Beech may be helpful.  If your child complains about or  is bothered by the habits and mannerisms of others, or seems irritated and critical of other students or teachers, Beech may be helpful.  Beech may be appropriate at the early teen, junior high level. 

Crab Apple is an essence that can be very useful during teenage years. Crab Apple is indicated when your self image takes a hit and self  esteem is low. If your teenager is returning to school with pimples on their face, a changing voice, a few extra pounds, or just not feeling good about how they look and feel- Crab Apple can be a life saver!

It isn't easy being a kid. In today's world the responsibilities can start to mount up pretty quick when school gets started again.  If your teenager is juggling a heavy work load, a part-time job, extra-curricular activities or "needy" friends, they may become overwhelmed with it all. It's not uncommon for teachers to pile the work on in the first few days of school in, an attempt to get students to take the year and homework seriously.  This may be a time when Elm is helpful so they don't suddenly feel like they can't possibly keep up with it all.

It can be pretty hard to separate your child's feelings from your own. The return to school can bring up just as many emotions in parents, and teachers, as it does in children. The Bach Flower essences Red Chestnut and Chicory may be appropriate.

Red Chestnut, in my opinion could just be labeled as "the parent worry" essence.  It's indicated when you have a sense of worry and over-concern for family members.  It would be most helpful for all those parents that left the daycare/pre-school room with tearful, screaming children clinging to their appendages as the parent struggled to get out the door. By the time the parent got to the parking lot, their child was happily engaged in an exciting activity, while the parent was a bag of goo for the rest of the day- perhaps the semester. If you feel any version of that in the "back to school" season, Red Chestnut may be helpful for you.

Chicory can also be a "parent remedy". It's indicated for people that become overly possessive of those in their care. Chicory people dislike being alone and for this reason often keep children under their thumb longer than is necessary or welcomed! Chicory can help you allow your children to be themselves, capable of having experiences that don't always include you. Chicory can help you let go. Chicory may be particularly helpful for parents with children either going to school for the first time, or "empty nesters" with children out of the home for the first time.

No matter what your age or stage, Hornbeam, Honeysuckle, Larch, Walnut and Gentian might be indicated in the back to school phase.

Hornbeam is the "Monday morning" essence.  It's helpful when you find it hard to face the day.  After a summer of no, or modified, routines, everyone may need a little Hornbeam to get used to the harsh reality of school and work!

If you've had a great summer and enjoyed lazy days and evening campfires, or whatever it is you like to do, Honeysuckle may be helpful as school begins.  Honeysuckle is indicated when you long for the past and can't quite get "in the now" because of it.

Larch is a self-esteem, confidence booster and is indicated for anyone that needs a little bit of encouragement to try something new. And that can be either child or parent! Remember Larch when exam time rolls around as well.

Walnut is the essence that helps when you find it difficult to adapt to change. Walnut can help you move forward on your path, free of the past, ready to make changes in your life.

Finally, Gentian may be an essence to consider as we move through the month of September. Gentian is indicated when you feel discouraged or depressed when things go wrong or you are faced with difficulties. If the return to school, routine, or just the fall season, has you feeling a bit disheartened this is the essence for you.  It may be indicated when the excitement of the return is replaced with some discouraging marks or tough assignments.

In my "perfect world", I'd replace that box of Kleenex that is on the elementary school supply list, with a bottle of Rescue Remedy.  Make that 3 bottles- one for each child, one for each parent, and one for the teacher. I'd make sure every backpack and briefcase had a special, easy to access, compartment for a bottle of Bach Flowers. I think the world would be more balanced as a result.

It's natural to feel some ups and downs, highs, and lows during changing seasons and routines. Taking the time to acknowledge how you feel, and respecting how your child feels, is important. Talking it out may be all you or your child needs. But if you could use some help to find the balance in a changing world, Bach Flower essences are a gentle, non-addictive approach to helping. 

For more information on any of the essences, type the essence into the  "search" feature at the top of the blog, or visit my website http://www.pixiedusthealing.com/

In the meantime enjoy the scent and feel of new scribblers, crayons and colored pencils, or the peaceful aroma of coffee in solitude!

Healing Symptoms vs. Disease Symptoms

It feels like this is a month of new beginnings. September often signals a change in direction or course in life. People begin to move on with things they have been "toying with" over the summer and come out with new motivation. In many ways, September feels more like new beginnings to me than the new year feeling of January.

For some people, that new beginning is often a commitment to take stalk of their health and change what they might be doing. New eating patterns are established, gym memberships increase, and people sign up for classes and programs they might have been thinking about for awhile. That includes a shift for some from conventional medicine to alternative forms of healing. If that's the case- this blog is for you. Alternative healing is not just another type of medicine, remedy or even lifestyle switch.  True alternative healing is a different mind set and therefore truly a new beginning.

Lots of people dabble in alternative healing techniques by starting out with something like ginseng or a homeopathic combination remedy  for a cold or flu. http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/11/colloidal-silver-for-colds-flu.html Some people try Arnica for a cut or injury. http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/10/crushed-fingers-homeopathics.html Others go to an osteopath or a Bowen therapist for a back or limb adjustment. People starting out in Bach Flower remedies often first use Rescue Remedy for sudden shock or trauma. The results of any of these can be dramatic and immediate relief is found. The cold or flu never really takes hold, the injury is gone in record time with no bruising remaining, long term pain has suddenly disappeared, or immediate calm and rational thought is restored. These people suddenly become "believers". That sense of "newness", wonder, and miracle work can be amazing.  It can also come crashing down when you start to address some long term issues and don't experience the same immediate results.

Maybe you have allergies or sinus congestion and you turn to homeopathic remedies expecting  the miracle cure.  Instead of a cure, you nose starts to run like crazy, you develop a weird rash, or you find you are tired and just want to sleep. You notice your feet hurt in the morning, your throat seems to have a lump in it, or an old cough has returned.  This is the point where a lot of people give up. They decide alternative cures no longer work for them and they go back to conventional medicine and take a pain reliever, an anti-inflammatory, a cough suppressant, etc. etc. 

A lot of "modern medicine" is about "getting rid of symptoms". You tell your doctor or pharmacist what your symptoms are, and they give you something to suppress the symptoms.  It isn't "acceptable" to have a runny nose, a rash, or a productive cough. You can't be sleeping all day when you are sick, you need to suppress that urge with some sort of cold and flu medication. Hmm...

Being tired may be a symptoms of disease or illness, but it may also be a symptom of healing.  If your immune system has taken a hit and needs to work really hard, it may need you to stop for a bit and let it do it's work in peace without you throwing more stress on top of it. That runny nose or productive cough may mean you are expelling the virus from your body. That rash may mean you are releasing toxins through the largest organ of your body as you finally release something that was making you ill. Maybe the fact that "you are disgusting to be around" as you cough, blow your nose, and examine your rash, is nature's way of putting you in quarantine to save the rest of us, and allow you time to focus on healing!

I am sorry to report that the "blows" can be even more crushing than having to work through the symptoms. Modern medicine is not without it's miracles. It has allowed us to eat things we shouldn't, be in environments that are not healthy for us, be with people that are hurting us, and ignore lifestyle choices we know are not in our best interests. Many people, in order to really cure chronic issues like allergies, fatigue, or pain, have to change their food and lifestyle habits. Sometimes this isn't forever, but for a period of time in order to allow the body to re-balance. For candida for instance, the cleansing diet is pretty strict before you gradually introduce certain foods again, and you may never be able to eat that favorite sugar covered danish thing without paying the price. http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2011/03/alternative-therapy-for-candida.html There is work and effort involved in really curing what ails you.  It isn't about explaining a symptoms, getting a medicine, and moving on through the exact same motions you did before. That's the point that some people decide they don't really need to be cured that bad, they'd rather just suppress the symptoms and carry on. That's a personal choice to make.

Because conventional medicine usually deals with one symptoms at a time, we can get pretty caught up in that cycle. When you start using alternative therapies you almost forget that 5 out of 8 of your symptoms are no longer there because you still have 3 and perhaps you have even in the course of treatment picked up another one.  It isn't always easy to differentiate between symptoms of disease and symptoms of healing. To do so, you really need to step back and take a strategic look at yourself.  It helps to keep a journey to record how you are feeling and to reflect back. Consider overall, as a whole person, how do you feel? Are you really tired and fatigued to the point where you can't enjoy life or are you tired of doing the same old thing that no longer makes any sense to you?  That's the difference. Is that rash itchy, painful and the outward manifestation of real deep inner pain and discomfort or do you overall feel better if only that  unsightly, irritating, and embarrassing rash would go away? Or does that rash appear when you find yourself doing one of those things that no longer makes sense to you, or in an environment that you know isn't good for you? It may be a signal, as much as a symptom.

Conventional medicine masks and suppresses symptoms so we can carry on with our lives. There is a time and place for that and that may be what is right and needed for you at this time. Only you can figure that out. Most alternative therapies attempt to reveal the symptoms so you can alter your live to enjoy greater harmony and health. That's a huge difference. It isn't for everyone, but if it's for you, it can truly be a new beginning.

Some of this information I learned by studying and being very scientific in my approach. Some of it I learned from "the school of hard knocks".  Most of it, I'm still discovering. One of the horses that chooses to live with us, developed a cough a while ago. I treated, and continue to treat it with a wide variety of alternative "things" including consultations with alternative professionals. http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/11/cuties-cough-homeopathics-and-respect.html He is often "cough- free", but every once in awhile he will cough again.  Every time I hear him, it twists something in my brain.  I immediately start to worry and want to treat him with something, anything, that will stop that cough!  That's conventional thinking.  When the knot in my head untwists (Bach Flowers help do the untwisting sometimes), I am able to look at the whole picture. He runs "like a crazy man" when he feels like it, rolls around in the dirt, and the cough doesn't actually change.  He eats everything I will feed him with gusto, drinks and eliminates just fine, has a clear worm count, and has wonderful hooves. He seems very happy and is quite capable of putting his much larger "sister" in her place when it suits him. I do have to be very careful of the hay that I feed him.. The cough is a signal. Moldy hay and he's coughing. Grass and he's coughing.  I do have to pay attention to him. If we haven't talked to him quite enough or given him enough treats and loving, I might just start to hear that cough again. I also have to respect his journey and accept that he may be going through things and making choices over which I have no control and am not responsible. He does still get experimented on, and  in that regard, he is helping me with my journey.

All this to say, if you are thinking about starting something new this month, and that something happens to be alternative healing- "chin-up" and enjoy the journey. If you feel like you are hanging from a branch, take a deep breath, reward yourself for thinking outside the box, allow yourself some backsliding,be gentle with yourself,  find someone to talk it out with, and above all appreciate the healing rewards.

Soul Connections & Imaginary Friends

Over the past week or so, I have heard some very interesting stories about "soul visitations". People have been telling me about feeling as though they were connected in some brief way by a "ghost from the past", a loved one that has died, or a sense of connection with someone or something that is no longer here on earth. In some cases, it seems the experience was more than just a feeling, but was an auditory or visual connection with something that can't quite be explained- the "paranormal" I guess. For some, this connection was with someone they knew and loved, for others is isn't anyone they remember knowing.

Some people are quite okay with this sort of "visitation".  Some welcome the connection, even seek it out.  Others in fact, make their living by making these connections for other people and doing channeling work, angel readings, psychic predictions or intuitions etc. But, if it sort of comes at you "by surprise" or is not part of what you thought you believed in, this can be a rather unnerving experience to say the least.

I'm not talking about extremely fearful experiences of something evil, or of hearing voices in your head telling you to do something harmful, or anything that truly disrupts your day to day living.  That is something else all together. I'm talking about having a sense that perhaps an imaginary friend was hanging around a bit, looking after you, or in some way "with you" that can't quite be explained.

Personally, I believe the imaginary friends of childhood are quite real for the person who has done the "befriending" and only imaginary to others around them.  I don't see why children in their openness and sensitivity couldn't have friends both here and beyond. Until we socialize them out of the experience.

The universe is changing . More people seem to be opening up in their sensitivity.  For concrete evidence of this, just look to the subject matter of popular television shows and movies. They are often about "paranormal activity".  Detectives on television now have extra powers of perception and can feel things, sense things, or have talents and skills outside the usual training. Intuition and "spiritual gifts or talents" are  playing a big role in solving puzzles. This type of extrasensory power is becoming part of pop culture. I think that suggests the greater consciousness, and perhaps the more recent generation, is opening up to new ways of thinking and admitting to new types of sensations. What might have got you committed to an institution a few years ago is now being brought out into the open. We are talking about extra abilities, different sensations, and other ways of experiencing the world beyond what is tangible to everyone.

I think one of the challenges of expanding our consciousness is deciding whether you see this power as good or evil.  Super Hero's of the comic book age were told "you can use this power for good or for evil".  And every hero had a villain or two it seemed. We humans are very good at facing what we fear by deciding it is evil. Sort of the "witch hunt" experience. The idea of a harmless connection can be turned into thoughts of "being possessed" by something evil and harmful. Wisdom is knowing the difference. 

I'm not sure why this "activity" seems to be increasing over the past few weeks.  Maybe it's just something I am personally open to and therefore people are talking to me about it. Maybe there is something astrological going on that explains it. Some people believe that when the world experiences mass disasters with multiple deaths occurring at the same time, this type of activity increases.  I wonder if getting closer to the tenth anniversary of 9/11 ramps up activity a bit.  So many of us were focused on multiple and dramatic deaths that day, and we will no doubt visit our feelings on that again- opening ourselves, and mass consciousness, up I guess for extra sensory perception. People often report connections with loved ones on anniversary dates.

In the mental health field these days, it seems "acceptable" for children to have imaginary friends.  Maybe we should extend the same "courtesy" to adults, and allow adults to feel the presence of friendly spirits without having to analyze it much further?

If the experience is making you feel uncomfortable, (you knew I would come around to this!), you can consider the Bach Flower essence Aspen.  It is helpful for "unknown fears", the sense of something "out there" that can't be defined, or felt, that is giving you a sense of apprehension.

Any kind of fear or trauma (and a visit from beyond might qualify here!) can be relieved by Perelandra ETS Plus. 10 drops every 5 minutes for the first 20 minutes or 3 to 5 doses of ETS Plus daily making sure one dose is at bedtime, could relieve your anxiety. Perelandra also has a protocol for "Post-Death ETS Plus Process".  This protocol is done within 72 hours of someone dieing to help that person "cross over".  There is also a process to help pets with the dieing process. Perelandra doesn't get into this or suggest this, but my mind wonders if perhaps you couldn't use the same process to help a "spirit from beyond" that seems a little restless?  For more information on what Perelandra does suggest, check out their website www.perelandra-ltd.com

Above all, if you are feeling anxious, excited, amazed, or fearful from an extraordinary experience, I think the best remedy is to find a friend you trust and talk it out.  You do have to be very careful in the friend you choose!!  I am told, that not so many years ago, in an area that will remain nameless, if you committed a friend or family member to the mental institution, you (the referee) received $50.00 and a new toaster!!!  So find a friend that doesn't need or want a toaster before you open up the discussion!  It is only through sharing our experiences that we realize we have entered a "new normal" and we allow enlightenment to occur.

The greatest gift you can give someone else, in my opinion is "unconditional listening". That means truly listening to their experiences without judging, finding solutions, talking them out of their sensations, or counselling. If every child had someone they could talk to unconditionally we might evolve a lot quicker and peacefully. That might mean listening to your imaginary friend!

I welcome your thoughts and discussion on this post!- unconditionally- I promise!

Bach Flower Essences for Children

We can get pretty caught up in our fast-paced, multi-tasked adult lives. We accept the concept of stress, perhaps even expect and embrace it a bit. We understand that part of that stress means a host of emotions and issues that can sometimes become overwhelming.

We don't always consider that children may share that overwhelming level of emotions. In my opinion, we sometimes trivialize the emotions of children, thinking they should just "buck up", "get over it", "wait until you have real problems". Perhaps we believe that, because that's what we heard as children. So that brings to mind the saying I heard a lot as a kid, "Just because every one's doing it, doesn't make it right".  Maybe it's time to reconsider the lives of our children and acknowledge their emotions as part of their overall well-being.

Children bring change to the world. The shift of consciousness, power structures, and belief systems is in no small part due to the new generation. Many people believe that Indigo Children, Crystal Children, and others, come into this world with advanced ways of thinking, being, and feeling, that help to raise our levels of understanding. I think anyone that hasn't felt their core values challenged and shift with the experience of parenting, or exposure to children, has missed part of the process. Children know things we have forgotten. They feel things we are hardened to. They see things we have become blind to.

For some, if not most, children, being a more open person in a world of closed adults is perhaps a challenging, but still pleasurable, experience. I believe children feel our loving intentions even when we are a little "off the mark" in our expression and understand the value of "lessons learned" to adapt to the physical world we exist in. But that isn't always easy.

Children of all ages experience the same range and intensity of emotions that adults do. Sometimes, just like adults, their systems become out of balance and they experience the negative aspects of emotions; anger, fear, anxiety, overwhelmed, guilt, loss of control, etc. etc.  I (and Dr. Bach agrees with me on this) don't believe there are "kid emotions" and "adult emotions" we all experience the same range. It's just that the situation that causes the emotion may be different, and therefore, sometimes hard to understand.

The good news is that Bach Flower essences work the same for children as they do for adults.  You don't have to learn another set of definitions, figure out different dosages, or do anything differently. One of the differences is that children often respond quicker to the essences that adults do. That may in part be because children have had less time to "pile on the layers of the onion" when it comes to emotions, so what you see expressed is pretty close to their core.

Some people believe you have to experience the negative side of life, and go through tough emotions to build up a layer of resistance I guess, or adapt to the world.  This is the "buck up and deal with it" approach. I don't judge any one's parenting skills.  If I come out of the experience intact myself, I still won't judge any one's approach! I think parents and children are individuals and that approach may be right for some. But, if you don't buy into that approach, you might want to consider Bach Flower essences for times when the going seems tough for your child.  Bach flowers won't prevent them from experiencing emotions or from learning the lessons of life.  But the essences may help balance the the swings and ease transitions.

Like adults, children don't become "addicted" to the essences.  They don't experience side effects or allergies to them,  and the essences won't negatively interfere with other medications or treatments. In other words, "They can't hurt and they might help!"

Judy Howard has written a good guide for choosing Bach Flower essences for children, called Growing Up With Bach Flower Remedies. She discusses the challenges faced by everyone as you move through birth to adulthood. She  includes the birth process itself and infant concerns like colic,sleeping, and  teething. She includes information from potty training to puberty and includes, physical and social concerns. Howard even includes a chapter on special needs. This book is an excellent read, and a great reference for any parent. You can purchase it directly from the Bach Center at www.bachcentre.com or through most books stores.

Howards' book will give you a good place to start if you feel your child can benefit from Bach. It can be difficult to diagnose your own child, particularly when you are caught to some degree in the cycle, and therefore don't see things objectively, or from a detached point of view. It might be helpful to enlist an outside opinion- lend the book  to a friend, or talk it out with someone you trust that is detached from the child. Most clients I see that request Bach for their children end up taking Bach themselves. The same thing happens for people that request Bach for their pets by the way! The parent-child relationship is complicated and interwoven and that's the type of thing Bach Flower essences can really help with. If you need help sorting it out, visit my website www.pixiedusthealing.com and sign up for a consultation.

Perelandra essences are also very helpful for children and can make a big difference for physical and emotional issues. Just like adults, children have electrical systems that can sometimes get "out of whack" and they respond well to the adjustments that Perelandra essences can achieve. Perelandra has a specific protocol for the birthing process  that would be valuable for any new parent and child.  For more information check out the Perelandra website www.perelandra-ltd.com 

Children are magical creatures and should be respected as such. Perhaps that's why the magic and subtle nature of Bach Flower essences is such a good match.

Calm After the Storm

I realize for a lot of people, today is a day of damage assessment, clean up, and perhaps some heart break in the aftermath of Hurricane Irene. If that's the case, I'm sorry for your loss.  But in my part of the world, Hurricane Irene blew through here with some wind and rain, but today we are enjoying the "calm after the storm".  A lot of people talk about the "calm before the storm". That's the sense of foreboding that something is about to happen and a feeling that often occurs before a big event.  But, in my opinion, there is a much more pleasing sense of calmness and peace after a storm has past- the type of day we are having today.

If you did your "pre-storm" preparation, and you didn't end up getting hit too hard anyway, this sensation of "post storm calm" is particularly delicious and is reason enough to prepare the next time- just to experience the sensation.

In anticipation of power outages, I did a lot of "chores" like laundry and cleaning. We picked up things lying around the yard, and got a few days worth of "easy meals" from the grocery store. I made Ginger cookies- to satisfy the root chakra during storms  http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/11/chakra-foods.html so we still have them to enjoy today as well.  For some reason, part of my storm prep usually involves a need to clean the floors- no idea why- but today even my floors are clean- a nice feeling in itself. Perhaps because, around here, a clean house is a pretty unusual treat!  I don't have to go to the grocery store, I don't have to go to the gas station, I have not need to tidy up or clean. I can just enjoy the fact that things have been down in advance and I can relax and enjoy this free time that early preparations afford me now.

We did have a lot of wind and some dark gloomy skies and downpours.  That means that today I really fully appreciate the sun in full force and a light gentle breeze . In Mary Poppin tradition, I believe that storm winds are "winds of change". It seems like after a storm has unleashed it's power, and blown through, there is a "newness" to the world that is meant to be enjoyed. It's a chance to start fresh with nature.

The storm winds seem to have blown away the heavy muggy, humid atmosphere that was hanging around prior to the storm.  And it that's not enough to change the atmosphere, we have also entered into a new moon cycle.  That means time to bring new things to you and improve your situation or enjoy exactly where you are right now.  http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2011/03/new-moon-phase.html

Another change to the atmosphere occurred on Friday, August 26th or thereabout, when mercury moved out of it's retrograde position. That means we should now start to enjoy communications without the mis-direction and chance for error that mercury in retrograde can bring people. http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2011/04/mercury-retrograde-computer-issues.html

We are just days away from entering a new month.  September often brings changes for people and is the start of something new- a new school year, new occupational pursuits, the start of new projects, and a shift in our thinking somehow. It seems like this week, we start to shift out of lazy hazy days of summer into new energy and opportunities.

If such change is uncomfortable, you might want to consider the Bach Flower Walnut. You also might want to consider just getting out in nature and allowing the flow of "newness" to permeate you.  Forget yourself and your "human-made" issues, problems, and schedules for a minute.  Since you spent some time preparing yourself, and now have some free time- use it.  Smell the fresh scents that the rain and wind brings- inhale the scent of apples ripening, and late flowers blooming. 
And in the spirit of "the new", check out my website http://www.pixiedusthealing.com/  Thanks to Jodie's preparation and extra effort in the dead of night, because she anticipated loosing power in the storm that wasn't, it has a newness as well- a couple of updates!

Above all, breathe in, breathe out, and feel confident that the storm energy has released something for you and  new opportunities are coming your way.

Preparedness vs. Panic

We are in preparedness mode today as Hurricane Irene starts to make her way up the East Coast. Certainly in parts of the U.S., the urgency to be prepared is increased. Parts of the coastline that aren't used to getting that much in the way of hurricane activity are in the path of this pretty big storm.

I have spent the day in emergency manager role, and it seems for the most part people are on one of two ends of the scale. There are those that refuse to believe weather will affect them.  The "tough guy" approach. They laugh off preparedness plans and go about their day to day activities. They pack their tent in the truck and head out to the campground. Days later they be the same ones that are crying for rescue and putting others in danger to get them out, surprised that their pup tent was hurricane proof!

Then there are people at the other end of the scale. They become glued to the weather station and watch report after report of the high winds and rain that is hitting places quite distant from them. They ask everyone they know whether or not the storm is going to hit. They listen to every different report, concerned over the discrepancies between reporting.  For some people, this heavy vigilance turns into a bit of a panic sensation and they develop a pretty heavy sense of fear and dread. Some of these people go out and  store bread, milk and water in massive quantities  they could never use, "just in case". Others miss the store hours they are so focused on watching the reports.

As with everything in life I guess, preparedness is about finding the balance. Preparedness for storms means you consider the impacts. You can't plan for a hurricane. You plan for high winds, heavy rain and storm surge that might take out your utilities (power, phone, e-gulp! computer & T.V), and cause some property damage.  When you think about those impacts, it's seems logical to take in the lawn chairs- if not to save the chairs, to save your neighbours head when they hurtling across the street!  It makes sense to tie some things down. If you like bread (that isn't toasted because the power might be out) and figure you could live off bread for a few days- it might make sense to stock up.  It definitely could be a good chance to inventory your fridge and cupboards and consider what groceries you  need so that you and your family could eat reasonably for a few days if roads were impassable, stores were closed, and the power was off (that means, no toaster, microwave and oven for most people!). If you're on a well system that requires power to pump it- storing water is essential. If not, and you have a outside source (municipal, town, city etc.) you might not need to store water at all- it will likely still come out your tap.  The point is, the things we do to prepare should be individual and a match for how we might be impacted and what is important to us. Hmm..

Sounds like basic life lessons again.  If you have a sense of fear that "something" might happen to you in the future, you have a couple of options. You can ignore the warnings and just bury your head and decide it won't happen.  That's the "storms never actually turn into anything" approach. If it does happen someone will come and rescue you. Hmm..

Another option is to decide that absolutely this thing is going to happen and be catastrophic.  You can watch what is happening to others and become so fixated on the horrible things happening to others that you cower in a corner just anticipating it's arrival and do nothing tangible to stop it, except panic. Or you can run out and buy everything or do everything that you see other people doing. In life, instead of "bread and milk" I think this often becomes, vitamins, health fads, exercise equipment, security systems, and the "latest and greatest of everything:.

The balanced option is to turn your head away from the T.V., computer, or friend for a moment, and focus  on your fear. Once you face it, you can analyze it a bit. Think about the most likely impacts of the event (measure the threat and probability of it's occurrence).  One you've got it broken down into pieces, you match solutions to the pieces. This is the individual part. If you're okay with the power being out for a bit, you might want to buy a good flashlight some spare batteries, a box of crackers and a good book.  Might be all you need.  If you really need to run your electric fence, generate that report off your computer, have a shower, and power your well to have water, you might invest in a generator.  This is the logical emergency management approach, but I think it works whatever the source of the fear.

If you need some support when facing your fear, there are lots of Bach flowers that might help.  Mimulus, Aspen, Rock Rose, Red Chestnut, or Cherry Plum are all options. Plug in "fear" to the search bar at the top of my blog, and you'll find lots of past blogs that further define your options. If you think you need some help tap into the support systems before there is a "run on" these servcies and you can't get the help you need. If you need some help getting started visit my website http://www.pixiedusthealing.com/

Once you're prepared for storms, if you still have some lingering sense of fear consider this past post.  http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2010/12/weather-impacts-on-your-health.html  Weather does affect us in many ways.

Once you're prepared, you don't have to be scared. You can "go with the flow" and enjoy being in the now. Enjoy the wind and rain and curl up with a great book! "Secondhand Spiritis" would be a great one to read in a storm http://pixiedusthealing.blogspot.com/2011/08/secondhand-spirits-book-review.html

Stay safe and enjoy your journey!

I Quit!: Reasons to take Pine & Elm Bach Flowers

I had a very cathartic experience today I thought I'd share. For the past few days I have been reading a very thick novel that shall remain nameless. It had many good reviews, an interesting subject matter and was one of those "literary works" I felt I should read.  My copy was from the library ,I'm pleased to say, and happened to be in large print but was well over 400 pages. I struggled for over 200 pages, thankful for the large print that allowed me to  feel like I was getting through it quickly. That was also about the point in the book when it started to feel like we were perhaps at least getting in to the subject matter. But I didn't like any of the characters. It wasn't that they weren't well portrayed necessarily- I just didn't like them. The story line was dark and gloomy, nothing was going well,  and there was no way it was going to end well. It was NOT lifting my spirits.

I understand that not all books have happy endings. I appreciate that, in the quest for knowledge and understanding, one has to expose themselves to darker ideas and historical incidents. That's why I kept going to page 258. And then "I QUIT". I closed the book and put in the "to be returned " pile and I won't be able to say I have ever read it. 

Perhaps for some, maybe even most people?, this is not a big deal.  Not me.  I've always felt  (in other words "told") when you started a book you needed to finish it.  I know I'm not totally alone in this. I come from a long line of readers and it was just "what you were supposed to do". Kind of like eating everything on your plate.  It you chose it you are supposed to finish it. Hmm...

Surprisingly nothing bad happened when I decided to quit the book. On the contrary- I felt so much better immediately.  What a relief to let those characters go. In fact, since I didn't read it to the end I can make up my own ending. They will become much nicer and happier, and I think I'll have them move away before the trouble begins. 

I guess it's a sense of guilt that makes me think I have to keep reading something or doing something that isn't making me feel good. If you can't quite break that tie, you might want to consider the Bach flower Pine. Pine is helpful for those that have a sense of guilt or shame that isn't based on any actual wrongdoing.  It's the "good little girl" syndrome for some. Pine can help you accept responsibility realistically.  Put the book down and let someone else enjoy it!

I might also have been in a bit of an "Elm" state while reading the book. Elm is indicated when you are feeling overwhelmed by your workload. No one ever told me I had to read this particular book. I don't think I'll ever have to pass a test about it. (If I do, I'll just pick "C" and bluff my way through it). Much of the sense of responsibility in an Elm state is self imposed. Taking the remedy can help you gain perspective and take only as much as you can cope with.  It helps you pay attention to your own needs. I put the book down and went for a walk. I picked blackberries along the way and the whole world felt brighter.

I won't trash the book, or give it a bad review.  I think it might be the perfect book for other people. Lots of people have proven that they think very differently than I do because it's been a best seller. I think it was quite cathartic for the author and I applaud anyone's ability to put their thoughts out there for others to read. I respect and admire that. I'm not saying it's a bad book. I'm just not going to read it!

So... I quit! I highly recommend the experience at least once in your life!  And by the way, I never eat the peas on my plate either- never!!!