Artichoke Heart

Embody forgiveness 

by accepting what is

Not pushin, nor strainin.

By letting things live.

Loosening the hold

The rigid, defined

Embracing the whole

We touch the divine.

This month's flower is Artichoke, AKA Cynara carduncu. Many know Artichoke as a decadent aphrodisiac, one of the few foods we are invited to eat with our hearts.  The intimate exchange that it invites through ingesting it's leaves suggests breaking rigid boundaries to me. It invites me to touch, to feel.  As a tea, Artichoke relieves the stomach and the liver.  The liver is where anger is stored.  So even on this level as an herb it aides it dispelling toxic elements and emotions from this power-filled organ. It is high in antioxidants and also lowers blood pressure.  

Amazing how one plant can support us!

The flower essence (sun infused water based Soulutions which support conscious daily living.) supports true forgiveness.  This is not the "Okay, I forgive you"  while you are still fuming, not the "Forget you, I'm moving on".  Artichoke essence invites one to simply feel the emotions stirred up by betrayal, disappointment, etc.  It invites us to feel what we feel and slowly as it feel right, allowing yourself to soften.  Perhaps even compassion and understanding will come, but don't force it. 

I feel this is such sweet medicine in these times.  When we are rushing and seeking to complete things as quickly as possible, to prove something to ourselves or others, to "do the right thing"  This essence supports one in truly forgiving ourselves and each other.  This level of understanding and willingness to set clear boundaries for ourselves is essential to truly transforming and healing ourselves and our relationships.

So invite this beautiful flower into your life this month in whatever way feels good for you.