Flower Essence Tears: Of Sadness–Or Joy?

Rosa wrote the following letter, documenting her strong response to a flower essence, not knowing how to accurately interpret her reaction. Below is her email with my answer, followed by her additional comments.

Hi, Lila,

I am on day 5 of the 6 days of Strawberry Essence that you suggested for me, so I am more than halfway through the program. I was doing fairly well with the essences. Now that I have started the Strawberry, I can’t believe how terribly sad and weepy I’ve been these past few days. If someone just looks at me, I cry! This is not me, as I am not a crier. (Eveyone knows I’m a crabber, not a crier!)  What in the world is going on here!?!?!?  I have one more day of Strawberry Essence, and then I go to Fig and end up with Grape. Any advice on what is going on with me?

Thank you,

Rosa

Hi, Rosa,

And thank you for writing. I’m glad to hear back from you.

Here’s a comment about Strawberry Essence to consider: A sage once said that circumstances are neutral.

In this light, the crying could be seen as a neutral response that depends entirely on how you choose to interpret it. Is it good; does it feel like a welcome release; are the tears healing for you? Or is the crying upsetting; making you miserable; leaving you feeling like you’re out of control?

If the former, do complete the extra day on Strawberry; if the latter, please stop and begin the next essence in your program.

My dear, let’s not call you crabby. Maybe you’re just a fantastically gutsy lady!

Let me know how this goes for you, and please take good care. Either way, this reaction means the Strawberry Essence is working for you.

Rosa then wrote with these comments:

It wasn’t a physically hurtful sort of feeling, just overwhelming sadness. I went back and re-read the Strawberry chapter in The Essential Flower Essence Handbook; after doing so it made a bit more sense.

I’ve always thought I was a tough old bird and could handle just about anything. Guess I was fooling myself all along! I was just stuffing all that pain inside somewhere, and this wonderful little essence crept into those places to do a thorough cleaning. Well it is spring, so spring cleaning is appropriate. I do notice subtle changes happening though—sort of like positioning the spices in the cupboard in a more organized way.

(Note from Lila: the subject of unexpected or unusual flower essence responses is also addressed in the following posts: The “Direct Hit” Approach to Flower Essences; Detox Reaction to Flower Essences—Or Not?; and Grape Flower Essence for “Loving ‘Til It Hurts.”)