PATRICIA MEYER CHT.

FLOWER/GEM ESSENCE CONSULTANT

HEALING FACILITATOR

REIKI PRACTITIONER

HOW DO THEY WORK?

Flower/Gem Essences offer gentle and natural methods of restoring a child to his/her fullest potential because they address the child at a deep energetic level. Vibrationally acting catalysts, like keys to doors of awareness, they introduce opportunities for positive choices in place of negative.

All human beings are bundles of whirling energy. Every cell in our bodies, and even the atoms within each cell, vibrate energetically. With ADD and ADHD children [and adults], and also for those who have other kinds of developmental problems or learning difficulties, there is a blockage or a deficit in the impulse which causes an imbalance in the whole system. It is at this vibrational level that Flower and Gem Essences kick in to restore balance and reinforce the body's natural drive towards self-healing and good health.

Each flower has its own particular vibratory rate, and through the principle of resonance, these vibrations re-awaken positive aspects that lie dormant and introduce a fuller range of choices to the child. For example, children who seem fearful, shy, withdrawn or reluctant to interact with other children, when given the flower essence MIMULUS, are reminded energetically of their courage, and with this remembered courage they are able to progress.

Flower and Gem Essences elicit positive results in children who have different symptoms. These essences do not change the child's inherent personality but release those emotional components that have blocked the natural unfolding process. Most children intuitively welcome and accept this completely natural and safe form of therapy. Generally the experience for the child is of greater inner balance and harmony, with consequently improved learning and coping skills. A grounded and balanced child can more easily take on life's challenges.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO HAPPEN WHEN MY CHILD TAKES ESSENCES?

Most children experience quite rapid positive effects in that the presenting symptoms may diminish in frequency and intensity as the drops are taken. Frequently there is a significant improvement early on, although in some cases a few cycles of essence may be needed before the results show on the surface. Remember that "miracles take a little longer" so try to be patient. As stress falls away, children usually become relaxed and more joyful. Most children tell parents that they feel better, clearer, and more alert after taking essences.

Parents are encouraged to record and report any progress noticed to the therapist. There may be changes in patterns of eating, sleeping, or even dreaming. Details of dreams the child has can indicate how much progress is being made, or simply that the concern is being addressed on the subconscious level. Artwork or writing done by the child can similarly indicate progress. Report any comments by school teachers regarding differences observed in the child's behavior or interactions at school. Improved school results are often a clear indication of progress. As the child progresses new cycles of essences are introduced. Do contact your practitioner when an essence cycle is completing, or sooner if you have any concerns.

Physical changes - with essence use and the subsequent rebalancing that occurs, health in general is often enhanced. You may also notice a physical growth spurt, a 'filling out' and maturity occurring with essence use, particularly if the child is slight in frame to start with. An improved appetite in "picky" eaters is common. Measurements can be taken of the child's height and weight before starting essences, if this is an area of concern.

A"HEALING or AWARENESS CRISIS" - WHAT IS THAT ABOUT?

With each cycle of essence use some essences appear to heal and some may temporarily worsen the situation.

You need to be aware that most alternate therapies involving vibrational energy changes can evoke something called a "HEALING or AWARENESS CRISIS". THIS IS NOT DANGEROUS!! These reactions [described below] are normally short-lived if they occur at all, and are an indication that the essences have been accurately selected. These reactions are not predictable, and depend on whatever "subtle body" needs clearing.

If your child develops a "HEALING OR AWARENESS CRISIS" some time after starting any set of the essences, it is always a very positive sign of a clearing. This could occur on any or several levels - Physical, Mental, Emotional or Spiritual [the last three are known as the "subtle bodies" because they are as real as the Physical body, but are usually invisible].

Some typical examples of Healing Crises are:

PHYSICAL LEVEL

Increased tiredness - needing to sleep more than usual. Sleep is a great healer; dreams are too.

A cold, or nasal congestion, a mucous discharge - may be viewed as "old tears shed from the release of past grief" . This is unlike a normal cold, and passes usually within a couple of days.

A fever - indicates that toxins are being naturally burned out on a physical level. The fever is usually short-lived. If the fever goes above 101 degrees use cooled towels on the child or treat as you would have in the past. If necessary, call your practitioner for a reference to a homeopathic doctor because homeopathy assists the elimination of toxins and does not suppress them. Using antibiotics tends to weaken the immune system, and toxins trying to get out of the body will surface again and again as relapses of illness. Children don't normally want food with a fever, but if they do, feed them lightly with fruits and vegetables. Give lots of liquids [water, natural fruit juices, soups] and allow the child to rest quietly until the fever subsides naturally. A child who has naturally overcome a fever [and toxin release] has strengthened the immune system and often is visibly stronger afterwards and appears renewed.

EMOTIONAL LEVEL

This reaction is unlikely to be anything you haven't seen before, maybe a little anxiety, as they feel somewhat different with the shifting that takes place in the energy body (aura). If the child suffers from depression, there can be a heavier bout of that for a short while. There may be sporadic weeping, sadness or even some anger for anything from a few hours to a few days. The healthy expression of these old feelings leaves a space that can be filled with more love.

SPIRITUAL LEVEL

Those incredible moments of loving sweetness and strong connectedness that most mothers report having seen fleetingly, seem to increase. The boys particularly seem to become more caring, protective and openly affectionate, without embarrassment. Children generally love the essences. They feel once again connected to their source, their nature, and the joy of oneness they came from.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THERE IS A HEALING CRISIS?

There are two possible ways to go, and either is fine: Call your therapist to discuss them.

a)Stop the essences for a short while to allow integration of the newly introduced patterns, or b)Take more of the essence and push the patterns through to completion.

Remember that children always need unconditional love, consistent acceptance and limits set and maintained, as they mature and change. Most children need a certain amount of structure to feel secure, so do try to maintain the usual discipline. Depending on the severity of the issues, some counseling support may be recommended.

Natural healing crises occur in all children's lives as they grow and develop. Negative occurrences are NOT permanent. They appear more alarming due to parent's sensitivity and concern. On a milder level they actually occur in all growing and developing children. Any aware mother will tell you about those "off days" when her child is uncentered, more difficult to handle and less compliant than usual. The next day or so, the reason for the disturbed patterns becomes obvious - there has been inner development - a growth spurt, the child exhibits a new skill or advance and is able to accomplish more than previously. These periods are clear signals that shifts are occurring.

HOW LONG DO THE ESSENCES NEED TO BE TAKEN?

This varies from child to child. The best results occur where consistent use has been a priority. It is hard to predict how long each person needs to take a specific set of essences. Changes in children generally occur much

more rapidly because their behavior patterns are newer and less ingrained than those of adults. As with a blooming flower, the unfolding process differs from child to child. It resembles natural growth. Each set of flower essences will reveal more of the child's hidden potential while negative attitudes are transformed. You will notice shifts in awareness as work proceeds. Some essences may need repeating for a second month, rarely for a third.

Although these shifts may seem slow and almost imperceptible at times, changes do take place at deep levels. Changes may be so subtle that they are only noticed in retrospect; for example, an expected tense reaction to a situation can suddenly be missing; the previously inattentive child may appear more present when addressed; or they can be obvious - a depressed child discovers joy and becomes so different from before.

The child will not need to take essences forever. Once a reconnection has been made and the healed pattern re-established, it becomes a rightful part of the child, a new wholeness has happened - and the need for that essence has passed. If the child slides back into the old behavior, the essence can easily be given again for a short while, like a reminder. Essences can be can stopped at any time without harm as they are not habit-forming. However, if they are stopped too early, before the new pattern is in place, the child may revert to earlier ways. This is a signal that a repeat of some essence is needed. Consistent use allows the new patterns to become solidified or integrated.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS ALREADY ON MEDICATION, eg. RITALIN

As the child achieves greater equanimity and wholeness through the repeated applications of Nature's pure positive vibrations, the need for stimulant medication is naturally reduced. You will recognize these key opportunities as they occur along the way, and be able to talk to your medical doctor about cutting gently back on their medication. These children can actually be released from the necessity of drug use. An important bonus here is the increased likelihood that in the future, as they mature to independence, they are less likely to fall prey to the temptation to self-medicate with recreational drugs. A joyful, happy and fulfilled child does not seek self-destruction.

WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE GOAL?

This is healing or "whole making" of the child, and for the child to have the most supportive home environment possible so that all can reach their fullest potential on as many levels as possible. Visualize a child that reaches out joyfully for life's experiences, handles challenges courageously, is caring and considerate of others and is able to experience creativity and the pleasures of accomplishment in a family that rejoices and supports that. Thus the eventual expanded advantage of flower essence work can be healed integration of the whole family.

IS IT BENEFICIAL FOR PARENTS OR SIBLINGS TO ALSO TAKE ESSENCES?

As your child is an essential part of the family group, Flower essences may be advisable for certain other family members as well. Parents can begin to heal their own backlog of negative feelings, and involved parents with healthy and positive attitudes provide a most desirable nest environment for the growing family. Family system therapy reveals how everyone in a family is affected by improvement in one or two of its members.

Mothers particularly can use support because they experience extreme stress, tension and usually self-blame when a child struggles in life. Empathic mothers suffer with their children, and those who are not empathic often have children who feel emotionally abandoned. This life picture is a possible reprint of the mother's own experience of being emotionally abandoned herself. She never learned how it felt to be nurtured herself or to nurture. The essences can help with all of this.

Historically stressful or broken relationships constitute severe trauma, enough to effect the child's entire life. Reconstituted families after divorce, for instance, with parental visitations can be devastatingly painful and stressful for the children, who also inevitably [unconsciously] blame themselves. Anger that is suppressed then can cause havoc later when teens act self-destructively from self-hatred and inner anguish. Alleviating this early stress can eliminate the child's need for reactive behavior. The troubled child's gift to the family is often greater healing and awareness for all.