As we move deeper into Autumn, the days grow darker and the temperature colder. There is a natural sense of moving inward that we can see by the changes in the natural world. In Chinese Medicine this is understood as the shift from the most Yang/Outer state, which occurs in Summer to the most Yin/Inner time of year, which occurs in Winter. This period of transformation can sometimes be felt as a feeling of compression or contraction of energy.
These particular seasonal changes are often accompanied by the what many folks experience as the most busy season of the year. It starts with returning to school and work in September and escalates with the holiday season in November and December. In my years as a holistic practitioner, I have noticed that it is very common for people to feel a strong sense of overwhelm this time of year. This is not surprising given the busyness of the season combined with the natural inclination to begin to slow down and go within as we move toward Winter.
The Bach Flower Remedies can be a wonderful support for any type of transition including seasonal ones. In addition to addressing specific emotions or personality traits, one of the benefits the remedies offer is the overall strengthening of our energy system; this stems from the vibrational nature of their effect. That combined with a focus on our individual challenges, makes the Bach Flower Remedies a powerful tool for balance and well-being.
Last Autumn I shared a post on Star of Bethlehem: The Remedy of Comfort and it’s benefits for the feelings of loss and grief that may arise as begin our seasonal descent. Today, I’d like to highlight another remedy that can be beneficial this time of year and beyond ~ Elm, the remedy for overwhelm!
In his book, The Twelve Healers and Other Remedies, Dr. Bach describes Elm as follows:
“Those who are doing good work, are following the calling of their life and who hope to do something of importance, and this often for the benefit of humanity.
At times there may be periods of depression when they feel that the task they have undertaken is too difficult, and not within the power of a human being.”
Here are some questions to explore to see if Elm may be beneficial for you at this time:
- Are you feeling a sense of overwhelm?
- Do you feel that all that is on your plate is just too much for one human being?
- Is there a sense you are inadequate in the face of your responsibilities?
- Do you become despondent when faced with the magnitude of your responsibilities?
- Do you tend to experience temporary exhaustion from over striving toward perfection?
- Do you tend to overextend or over-commitment and then feel incapable of completing the tasks?
- Are you too altruistic for your own good, neglecting self-care to serve or help others?
- Do you suddenly feel unable to cope?
Elm has many benefits that can help to ease our feelings of overwhelm and regain energy and focus. These include:
- A sense of being capable, efficient and intuitive
- An ability to see problems in their perspective
- Feeling an inner conviction that help will the there when needed
- Developing positive awareness around responsibilities
- Renewing leadership and decision-making abilities
- strengthening self-assurance and confidence
It is important to recognize that the Elm type tends to be altruistic and their overwork may come from wanting to help or serve others. One of the ways this can manifest during the holiday season is by feeling the need to show up for family and friends in a particular way or more than we can hold energetically. Everyone is different and needs a rhythm that supports their own health and well-being. It can be easy to get off course or to become overwhelmed when life and work demands so much of us. Elm is a remedy that can help restore balance and strength.
As always, I’d love to hear your experiences with Elm or any thoughts, reflections or questions that may arise in response to the post.
Bach Flower Remedy Consultation & Treatment is an integral part of One-on-One Shamanic Transformational Sessions and Programs offered virtually via Zoom or in person in Annapolis, Maryland, USA. I have found the Bach Flower Remedies to be one of the most beneficial transformational and healing tools that I utilize both personally and in my holistic healing practice. I have worked with the Bach Flowers for over 25 years and I am a BFRP, Bach Flower Registered Practitioner through the Bach Centre, founded by Dr. Edward Bach. Connect with me if you’d like to explore more…
Please feel free to visit my blogfor additional Bach Flower Wisdom posts as well asto explore how the Bach Flower Remedies and an Integrative Transformational Approach may benefit your own process of transformation and healing.
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