Centaury- The Caretaker

Centaury is one of the original 12 Healer remedies that Dr. Bach first created. Centaury flower essence addresses conditions that arise when we play the role of caretaker. Caring for another can and often is very rewarding, the gift of our presence being of service to another; it is truly a noble way of being, when in balance. And it is easy to fall out of balance when we care for another. This is because in general the person who choose to be a caretaker is a giver. They naturally have a giving nature and it is something they typically enjoy.

As a giver it is easy to over give because you seek to please. Now one does not need to be in the role of a caretaker to over extend themselves this way. Maybe you are just that type of person who likes to help others you enjoy being of service and find it hard to say "No". This one aspect, the difficulty with saying "No" is a key indication that Centaury flower essence could really help you. As a flower essence therapy practitioner I see it all the time.

I find the client who needs centaury is often good natured, kind hearted and a genuinely sweet and caring person. And, they fear saying "No" will make them come across a rude, unloving or uncaring. It is easy to see why they might think this and within this perspective is the failure to put themselves first. They forget to take care of their own needs. Everyone of us can best serve the world when we give from a place of strength rather than weakness or obligation.

I see a broad need for the use of Centaury in those who have forgotten how to flex their "No" muscles. This becomes a boundary issue, saying "No" creates a boundary and it separates from another or a situation. In the more new age circles where essences are popular there is great encouragement towards openness and often unclear or distorted boundaries. Because there is such a value placed on the concept of Oneness and being positive. But we need boundaries in order to evolve, to insulate, support and protect us as we grow.

Consider using Centaury Flower Essence if any part or parts of the following description resonates with you:

The person needing Centaury lacks clear boundaries and the ability to say ‘No’. Centaury types are weak willed and act to please others while neglecting their own needs. Centaury flower essence helps one to establish clear boundaries and strengthen the sense of self. It supports one to stay true to themselves and serve from a place of inner strength.

Bach's Mimulus

There are Mimulus flowers everywhere . . . well at least on my most recent walk through the desert. My walk took me through a canyon with a small spring fed stream. Mimulus love clear, fresh, flowing water and as far as my eye could see Mimulus lined the banks of this tender stream. It was  a winding sea of yellow through the slate grey and brown landscape of the desert wash.

Dr. Bach and Mimulus

Mimulus was the 3rd flower remedy Dr. Bach made, early on he noticed the significant healing potential of this flower. It truly is a lovely flower to behold and healing potential just radiates from the yellow flowers. 

Mimulus in the Wild

I have come across this plant many times in the wild and I was surprised to find it here in this desert climate. But, it did have the one requirement that this plant craves and needs to thrive; a constant supply of pure, clear, clean, fresh running water. There was an abundance of that available and from this the plant has colonized the entire stream bed.

Mimulus For Addressing Fears

Mimulus is a type remedy, meaning it is good for the personality type that re-coils in shyness and acts with hesitation to the small challenges of life. It is for the known fears as opposed to Aspen for fears of an unknown origin. Fear has the power to impact, influences and subjugates human emotion and behavior. Yet its place in life is greatly exaggerated and over played.

Fear is a Low Vibration

Fear vibrates at a low frequency and when it is present in our minds and hearts it just drags us down in a spiral of contraction and negativity. Most of all FEAR inhibits us and often stops us from moving forward and taking constructive action. This forces us to contract and has no place in the advancement of life. It may serve as a protective force in certain circumstances but FEAR has become all to prevalent in our day to day life and what ever protectiveness it offered at a certain point becomes counterproductive.

The Trick of FEAR
F- False
E- Evidence
A- Appearing
R- Real

The trick of fear is that it actually does not exist outside of us, it is an internal experience created in concert with the mind, imagination and emotions. Unfortunately fear cancels the love of life that is present and available if we choose to allow it. The way that mimulus exhibits its vulnerability, is that it is willing to take risks. The river where it grows is subject to FLASH FLOODS! This lovely scene before me could turn for the worse at any moment. But it must take the risk to thrive that is the profound beauty of it. It is risking being washed away for its place in the sun.

Bach's Discovery

Bach discovered that Mimulus is the perfect remedy to address the fearful concerns of daily life, the fear of worldly things such as illness, poverty, of the dark, of being alone, of accidents and so on. These are fears of a known origin which in one sense is good because they then become easier to treat and heal from. By letting go of fear we can gain more trust in the goodness of life and life can flow elegantly and nourish us, they it does for Mimulus. Always straddling the edge between safe ground and constant flow this flower can teach us about trusting the river of life. With risk taking, straddling the edge, we grow and can overcome our fears.