There has been a lot going on lately, on every level and plane of existence.  Sometimes it just seems like too much.  From a metaphysical standpoint, the recent solar eclipse provoked energy relating to integrating feminine and masculine energies.  This can be seen as something as simple as resting when you're tired, or continuing on with a task when your attention wanders .  It can be having your anger or sadness completely overtake you.  These kinds of things are about paying attention to yourself and your process, and acting accordingly instead of just reacting to outside stimuli. I was reading Corinne Helene again recently, and something she said  made sense to me at last.  I am not a bible reader, but we are all familiar to a greater or lesser extent with the stories it tells, one of which is about the fall of Sodom and Gomorrah.  This story is often used to instill fear in people, and to say that certain things are "bad".  But really, what is it about?  "...wholeness and salvation are possible...when masculine and feminine (characteristics/energies/qualities) stand together.  It was not so in Sodom and Gomorrah.  The feminine or love principle had been desecrated.  It is the fall of the emotional nature that is symbolized by the destruction of the two wicked cities. (italics mine)".

On some level, this is a paramount consideration in physical dysfunction.  In Jin Shin Jyutsu®, this principle can be seen in many of the energy points on the body, especially in the back around the shoulder blades.  We lose our internal balance, our internal knowing that support is there.  We lose the ability to breathe and take in sustenance.  Our feelings are not truly felt , our emotional nature is not regarded, and we lose direction.  Then, our backs hurt.  Pretty soon our feet are out of whack, we have pain.  Our little Sodom and Gomorrah knees and shoulders can't stand up to their tasks any more.   Not because they are "bad", but because they are cut off from sustenance and awareness.  Our busy-ness and stress filled schedules take us away from a calm center where we can reflect and regroup.

Energy and plant medicine can really, truly, help us in our progress through the many things we face every day.  They can help you pause and reflect and regroup.  Many herbs can help you build up a reserve of internal energies so that you don't burn out when you've got too much to do; nor do you keep pushing yourself relentlessly, either.  I invite you to try these helpers in your own life! Thanks for reading.

Kelley Rico is a trained herbalist and aromatherapist, and a Certified Flower Essence and Jin Shin Jyutsu® Practitioner.