Corn Flower Essence: “The Energizer”

Qualities:

Mental Vitality

Message of Self-Mastery: 

Energy; taking initiative in projects; enthusiasm; living fully in the moment; saying “Yes” to life’s challenges; exuberant willingness; for new beginnings.

Pattern of Disharmony: 

Sluggishness; procrastination; unwillingness; blocked energy; unresponsiveness; dragging one’s feet; resistance; lethargy; “Manana” state of mind; “passing the buck” attitude.

AFFIRMATION

With boundless energy I rise to greet the world!

POSITIVE EXPRESSIONS

NEGATIVE CONDITIONS

TESTIMONIALS

“I wanted to be able to let go and forgive a former boyfriend. This took place on Raspberry. I also wanted to let go of blaming my daughter, to forgive her and myself for things that had happened between us. On Raspberry, a real shift took place within me and my attitude towards Juliette has changed. I feel that the hurt has healed.” -CNF, Palo Alto, CA

“My chiropractor muscle-tested me for Spirit-in-Nature. Raspberry came up really strongly. He called me a ‘tough nut to crack.’ I took it for a week and was able to see that I had been thinking only of myself in many of my relationships.” -JP, Los Angeles, CA

“I work with people a lot and periodically do month-long programs. I was concerned about not losing the connection with my students. Raspberry helped me stay connected.” -JV, Nevada City, CA

“Taking Raspberry for a week got me thinking about how I treat others in relationships. My response to this essence was very strong.” -JP, Ventura, CA

“My twenty-one-year-old daughter noticed a nice difference in me on Raspberry and wondered what had gotten into me.” -CL, Cottage Grove, OR

FAMOUS QUOTE

“Nothing is troublesome that we do willingly.”

-Thomas Jefferson

FLOWER /FRUIT/FOLKLORE

Corn is the only cereal crop with an American origin and is widely found in tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Records indicate that a corn-like crop existed in Mexico over seven thousand years ago. In addition to being used as food by North American Indians, the Incas, Mayans and Aztecs have employed it as a form of currency, jewelry, building material and decorative art. An annual crop of the grass family requiring three to five months to mature, its female flowers with protruding “silk” are carried lower on the stems. The male flowers form short, feathery tassels at the top. Corn is considered one of the most balanced of starches. Though easy to digest, it is high in roughage, rich in magnesium and phosphorus and strengthening to the brain and nervous system. Cornsilk, meal, kernels and cob-all parts of the corn are medicinally beneficial in lowering cholesterol, regulating the bowels, strengthening the kidneys and relieving skin rashes.

SPECTRUM PLACEMENT

(see explanation of The Essence Spectrum Chart)

Corn signifies the beginning of the Spectrum’s masculine half. Birthed from Peach, it captures the masculine qualities of drive, expression, building and the desire to achieve. This first house of Quadrant II expresses the energy of summertime and youthfulness with bountiful enthusiasm.

Summer, the warmest season of the year, possesses a certain fire, abundantly found in Corn’s vigor and vitality.

POSITIVE APPLICATIONS

The positive Corn state exemplifies living fully in the moment. Instead of putting things off, we find we have the present in which to do them. Rather than living on auto pilot, we get ourselves in gear. The positive Corn state applies to getting jobs done and more importantly, to an inner attitude of willingness and a commitment of energy to make needed psycho-emotional changes. One woman phoned to relate that, after taking one dosage of Corn in the evening, she didn’t recognize her own reflection in the bathroom mirror the next morning!

“It’s cloudy today. I think I’ll stay home.” “It’s raining again-that really bums me out.” What do both these statements have in common? Superficially, the weather. On a deeper level, both reflect a dependence on outer circumstances to make our lives work. If something so simple as weather contrary to our wishes can ruin our plans for the day, what would happen if true tragedy struck, such as a hurricane or an earthquake? Let’s look at two reactions to what we might call “tragedies,” one exemplifying the positive Corn state and the other, the negative Corn condition.

News coverage of the Los Angeles earthquake in January of 1994 poignantly documented its quake victims-the rich who had lost their mansions, their land and everything but their lives. Close-up photos caught the anger, the disbelief and the need to blame someone or something, all written into their faces. A pervasive “why me?” attitude prevailed, along with a need for the positive Corn state. In contrast to these quake victims, some friends of mine lost their home, that they had built themselves, in a forest fire years ago. At the time, their son was only weeks old. “Well,” said my friend surveying the damage, “at least we won’t have to deal with that leaky roof any more!”

What is the difference between these two reactions to similar circumstances? Clearly, it’s the nature of their energy. In one case, we see an attitude that life is “out to get us.” In the other, the positive Corn state, we see the decision to put out the best possible energy to deal with circumstances as they are, reflecting a willingness to meet overwhelming odds with a spirit of inner joy.

The positive Corn state addresses both the quantity and the quality of energy. In other words, Corn may not inspire us to train for a marathon, but it will enhance the quality of the energy with which we face even small tasks. A good definition of Corn would be life-affirming. With this attitude, long put-off projects are welcomed, housework and routine chores become pleasant and even Monday mornings are not so bad after all. The positive Corn state encourages us to do old things in new ways.

Corn is also strengthening when new projects are undertaken, such as starting a new job or considering one; a new school year, a move or going off to college, for both parent and child; or getting promoted at work.

NEGATIVE INDICATIONS

Negative Corn traits depict a lack of energy, expressed through lethargy, sluggishness and-our worst enemy-unwillingness. This last quality is so detrimental to any flow of energy that we might well personify it as “the Unwillingness Monster.” Surely we have all stood face to face with this beast at one time or another! Inarticulate and slovenly, he boasts a one-word vocabulary-“No.” In an instant, he can sap our energy.

The word vitality stems from the Latin root, vita, meaning life. Life is synonymous with energy. The more vitality we have, the more enthusiasm we have for life.

Consider this scenario: It’s Friday night and you’re beat from an especially trying work week. Nothing looks more inviting than a mindless night of television, garnished with a microwave dinner and a soft drink. That’s all you have energy for anyway, and besides-you’ve earned it. Then the phone rings. It’s a friend you haven’t seen in years, inviting you to a concert featuring your favorite music group. Gosh, you hadn’t even heard that they were in town! Poof. The lethargy’s gone and you’re ready in minutes for a night out.

Ruling out physiological causes, what better proof is there that low energy is a state of mind? And do couch potatoes really enjoy being that way? “After only one drop of Corn,” wrote a mother of two young children, “I cleaned Katie’s room and said, ‘Let’s make this a place of joy.’ I was literally dancing while doing my housework. I do clean, but not with this good of an energy. It really changed me.”

The negative Corn state also manifests as procrastination. “Why do today what you can put off till tomorrow?” as the saying goes. How easy it is to find a thousand reasons to rationalize our lack of energy! Consider the classic example of the smoker trying to quit. “Why, giving up smoking’s the easiest thing in the world,” Mark Twain once said. “I’ve done it hundreds of times.”

THEME CHARACTERISTICS

(see explanation of Theme Flower Essences)

“Energy and joy go hand in hand,” is a saying that coins the essence of Corn. In this light, you will know Corn themes when you meet them because they are not subtle! Veritable storehouses of enthusiasm who sometimes seem to be running on fast-forward, their body language gives them away at a glance. Quick movements, animated gestures and facial expressions and a voice that is just a notch too loud-these signs disclose the Corn theme. These people are mentally quick with responses and creative in their verbal combacks. In their presence you will feel vivacious joy. You may be inspired to put out more energy in your own life-and good luck trying to keep up with them!

FAMOUS THEME PERSONALITIES

• Henry Ford
• Carol Burnett
• Lucille Ball
• Jay Leno
• The Roadrunner
• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Herbert Hoover
• The Wright Brothers
• Charles A. Lindbergh

Henry Ford (1863-1947) is our Corn theme who presented a moderately-priced automobile to the public about fifty years ahead of its time. With new ideas and a new efficiency, his innovative application of the assembly line’s mass production concept afforded many Michigan men what he called “a chance but no charity.” There were no handouts from this millionaire-just good honest wages for those who were willing to put out the energy.

Mr. Ford’s great zest for life inspired a friend to describe him as one who “glided into a room like a panther with a twinkle in his eyes.” A simple but energetic man who enjoyed dancing, friends and taffy-pulling parties, Mr. Ford is responsible for the industrial miracle known as Ford Motors. “Start where you stand!” was one of his famous mottos, so perfectly capturing the Corn themes’ indomitable vitality.

CONFESSIONS OF A CORN THEME: SONIA’S STORY

“Any personality quirks? Like that I’m addicted to coffee? Like that my fiance says I do everything backwards?

“I am presently unemployed. Due to changes at my old job at a book distributors, there was the possibility that it wouldn’t be that creative any more. So rather than having a job that was boring, I left. I just couldn’t bring myself to the thought of going in every day and doing some monotonous thing over and over, day after day, while other people were doing really fun, creative things all around me. It’s like, I just can’t do this.

“So I decided to get a temporary job. I don’t care what I do, I’ll just find something fun. I’m not real super-picky, but I do need a job that’s both heart-opening and mentally stimulating. I decided to move to a big city for awhile, to either get a job that pays a lot of money so that I wouldn’t have to be there very long-or I could get a job that would-n’t pay me a lot of money, but at least it would be something fun to do in the meantime until I find something better where my fiance lives. I’m happy to be unemployed, I don’t care!

“So I moved. Now I work for this company where I talk to clients all day long on the telephone. They call up and they say what they need for a caregiver, and I set up interviews. Yes, I like this job. It’s mentally challenging, and it’s a ‘heart thing’ because I’m dealing with people. People call up, they’re in crisis and I can help.

“Yes, I see myself as someone with energy. Vitality, no. I have a lot of energy, but I’m not particularly healthy, so I don’t see myself as having vitality. Mental vitality, yes. Physical vitality, no. I have stamina, but it’s not like I’m physically fit, so I don’t feel like I have vitality.

“I like corn. I love corn! I’ve always liked corn; it’s been one of my favorite vegetables. I love corn tortillas, corn chips, corn on the cob, cornbread-anything with corn in it. I’ve looked through that essence list, and corn always stood out.”

WRAPPING IT UP

The Greek word zea, from the botanical name for corn, stems from the Greek zao, meaning “I live.” Many North American Indian tribes considered corn a sacred plant and enacted the “corn dance ritual” to promote rain for their crops. Corn is a vegetable synonymous with life, even as Corn essence contains the quality of energy, without which life is impossible.

Do you remember the children’s story, The Little Engine That Could? The train’s affirmation, which he repeated again and again, was: “I think I can, I think I can!” So speaks Corn. This is the essence of will power, of decisions made and of joyful follow-through with plans. But most of all, Corn’s message is that, with mental vitality, we are “awake and ready,” to tackle anything set before us.

ESSENCE ENHANCERS

Go to new places for old routines-dining, shopping, entertainment.

Exercise regularly, join a health club, if necessary, for group support.

Build a brisk walk into your routine at the same time each day.

Take up a new hobby.

Try a new sport, either as a spectator, a player, or both.

Eliminate coffee, black tea and excessive sugar consumption from your diet.

VISUALIZATION

The snows of a long winter are melting late into springtime in the higher mountainous elevations. Icicles metamorphose into well-fed streams, racing over aged rocks and occasional felled trees. This day paints itself in bold greens that shout and whisper of the initiation into a new season.

Summer bursts forth from the womb of a well-nourished spring, the earth now warmed by a hotter sun. The dance of new life, choreographed by a knowing Mother Nature, has begun. All living things grasp the present tense of action verbs. “Race,” urges the river. “Fly!” cries the lark. “Flutter,” whispers the butterfly. And the nouns, not wanting to be left by the wayside, shout from the very clouds. “Energy,” says the breeze.

“Vitality,” sings the mountain stream. “Freedom!” cries the wind.

All the elements of nature commune in harmony. And in this moment, eternity awakens.