BLACK-EYED SUSAN MEDICINE: DARKNESS INTO LIGHT

First morning chill. 

Embarking on the shadow ship. 

Days start to blend into night. 

In this shift, the glow softens, warmth lessens, flowers fade. 

I traipse outside, snips at the ready, an Edward Scissorhands stance.

Crisp black blooms fall silently towards wanting soil.

On the tip of the headlands in San Simeon on a windy day in June, I’m having a surreal experience of connecting with Nature. About twenty-five of us are “hunting” for Bumblebees, as they whiz past us on gusts of wind. My hair furiously flows into my face when I hear a hum behind me. Grasping the wooden handle of my insect net, I whirl around to capture a Bombus just as they land on a sinewy stalk of golden Yarrow. I pop them into a vial and toss them into the cooler with the others. Our hunting party waits for Dr. Leif Richardson to teach us the science behind why we are freezing Bees and collecting their data. This is a capture and release program, which is nothing short of awe-inspiring, where we witness cryotized Bees awaken and return to the flowers after we’ve photographed and studied them.

Flowers offer a delight for the senses, with their delicious fragrances, glorious colors, and beautiful forms. A manifestation of nature’s magnificence, their presence contributes to personal wellbeing by simply appearing before us.

Flowers offer a delight for the senses, with their delicious fragrances, glorious colors, and beautiful forms. A manifestation of nature’s magnificence, their presence contributes to personal wellbeing by simply appearing before us.

Working with the energy of flowers is my passion. Through the years I’ve learned to listen carefully to the 38 Bach flower remedies, and to receive their messages as medicine. As a Holistic Healer, I recognize the power that lies in being able to shift negative thought patterns and limiting beliefs, through inspiring language.

It’s been a heck of a rainy season here in L.A. Something we’re not quite used to. The chill finally set in, and the golden glow is shrouded by thick clouds heavy with damp. I take baths, wear sweaters and lately my favorite thing to eat is spicy red mustard greens, one of my winter faves.

As a child, I experienced traumatic events that left me struggling with their after-effects for years. During my teenage years, I turned to unhealthy relationships and self-destructive behaviors, such as drug abuse and neglecting my own well-being, in an attempt to cope with the pain.

Rock Water remedy is about letting go of the high ideals we place upon ourselves. One of the things I notice about the Rock Water challenge is that, at worst, there’s a rigidity that unintentionally exudes a sense of superiority.