I want to tell you about a new project I'm starting. It's called #FlowerEssenceFriday and I would love for you to join me!

The idea of #FlowerEssenceFriday came to me in the middle of a Tuesday morning meditation. I've been feeling like I need to do more in the herbal world, specifically with sharing herbal knowledge, and somehow, my subconscious came through with this hashtag. The idea is to post a Flower Essence you are currently working with (or one you have worked with in the past) and to share its qualities with the online world. I'll be posting an Instagram entry every Friday with the hashtag #FlowerEssenceFriday, and I'll link back to a post on this blog that goes into more detail (you can only say so much on an iPhone/Android app).

I'll be sharing the plant's common and botanical name, its actions and indications, and my personal experience with the essence. I start this series with the intention of deepening my own Flower Essence practice, remembering the energetic magic of each plant, and with the hope that you, too, will be inspired to work more closely with this sustainable, beautiful form of herbal medicine. (Ps. If you don't know anything about Flower Essences, check out my Energetic Herbalism: Flower and Gem Essences post).

Without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to the first essence of this series: Borage.

Borage is the essence I turn to when I feel completely over-whelmed with life. I use it when I am starting a new habit and feel discouraged. I use it when I feel like I have "failed" and my self-esteem plummets as a result. Let's be honest - Borage Essence is the herbal cheerleader who says "YOU CAN DO IT!" Her essence helps you finish those last assignments, get out of bed on those days that it's really hard to, or say "no" to the habit you have been trying to break. The Flower Essence Repertory eloquently states that it provides "buoyancy in the soul which helps it to rise above, rather than sink into the weight of discouragement," and I couldn't agree more! Now, let's break it down.

Name: Borage (Borago officinalis)
Actions: Gladdening, uplifting, encouraging, heart opening
Indications: Low self-esteem, feeling like you are unable to meet life's demands, a feeling of a "heavy heart," feeling discouraged with yourself and your abilities
Dosage: 3 drops, 3x a day (for chronic depressed states), or 3 drops an hour in acute situations

I'm excited for this opportunity to share my Flower Essence practice with you, to deepen my connection to the plants, and to take the time, each Friday, to ask myself "What flower essence do I feel connected to, today?" or "What flower essence do I need to pay attention to, today?"

In love and Borage cheerleader spirit,

xoxo Blaire