Calcarea Carbonica:
a guided meditation
The two main characteristics of the homeopathic remedy Calcarea Carbonic are a strong need for safety and security and a slow plodding nature. On this page, we’ll take an in-depth look at Calcarea as a constitutional type, and then we’ll do a guided meditation inspired by the remedy.
Calcarea Carbonica
as a homeopathic remedy
The Homeopathic Materia Medica, William Boericke, M.D. lays out the physical features of Calcarea Carbonica. Boericke, however, uses a lot of archaic medical terms.
For example, I found the words scrofulous, rachitic, and leuco-phlegmatic temperament in one paragraph. So, instead of quoting him directly, I rewrote his entry on Calcerea in a condensed and more readable form. If you'd prefer to read the original text, it’s available here.
“Calcerea’s chief action is centered in the vegetative sphere, impaired nutrition being the keynote of its action. The glands, skin, and bones are the main organs affected. There is increased perspiration. Swelling of the glands. Early-stage tuberculosis. It covers the tickling cough, fleeting chest pains, nausea, acidity, and dislike of fat. Gets out of breath easily. A jaded state, mental or physical, due to overwork. Abscesses in deep muscles. Pituitary and thyroid problems. They take on colds easily, with increased mucous secretions. In appearance, Calcarea tend to be a little plump and flabby, have a pale skin and chalky look, and have great sensitivity to cold. Mind: Apprehensive; worse towards evening; fears loss of reason, misfortune, contagious diseases. Forgetful, confused, low-spirited. Anxiety with palpitation. Obstinacy. Averse to work or exertion.”
In Homeopathic Psychology, Philip Bailey says that the keynote of Calcarea is inertia.
“Calcarea is prepared from the oyster shell, and its origins tell us much about the psychology of the type. The oyster is one of the less dynamic creatures of the sea. It prefers to stay safely inside its shell, clinging to a rock for security. Inside its shell, it is soft and amorphous, and its activities revolve around assimilating food and digesting it ... the Calcarea individual is slow, solid, down to earth, plodding.”
“Calcarea is content to stay at home and watch television, preferably with someone to cuddle, and a good supply of high-calorie nibbles ... For Calcarea, security means the familiar. Change is threatening to her, and is avoided by simply staying put. Hence, Calcarea may stay in the same job for twenty years despite having the ability to take on something more demanding. She may remain in the town of her birth for her whole life, venturing further afield only for holidays... and always glad to get back home.”
Calcarea 10-minute guided meditation
How to do this meditation
Meditation generally requires a quiet, private space and deep concentration. You can do this meditation on the train, at a restaurant, or anywhere. All you need is your phone and about 10 minutes of uninterrupted time.
To start, take one or two deep breaths, and when you are ready, look at this page on your device, read a paragraph or two, look at the accompanying pictures, and imagine yourself in the situation. You can do this with your eyes open or closed. When you are done, move on to the next paragraph and repeat the process until you reach the end of the page.
Let's begin
Imagine yourself sitting on your comfortable sofa, feeling safe and secure. Outside, the wind begins to blow, gradually increasing in intensity until it becomes a powerful tornado. The tornado rips the roof off your house, followed by the walls, and everything you own is carried away. All that remains is the sofa you are sitting on. Your warmth is blown away. Your security is gone. All you have is yourself. But for some reason, you are not concerned.
Suddenly, the tornado lifts you up into the sky, and you soar through the air. Strong winds blow your hair into your face. Powerful gusts tug at your clothes. You are lifted up high into the heavens. Hear the roar of the wind.
The tornado takes you over a forest. Look down at all the trees and the creatures of the woods. The scene reminds you of your own life and how hard you work.
The tornado carries you over the peaks of tall mountains. You cannot turn back now. As you pass over the highest peak, you sense an adventure has begun. Fundamental changes are about to happen in your life. Philip Baily said the keynote of Calcarea is inertia. Well, you can tell him you've overcome your inertia. You are flying.
The tornado blows you over the ocean. Far below, you notice ships sailing on a long journey. You wonder what cargo they are carrying and where they are heading. And, more importantly, where are you heading?
The winds are not as strong now. The roar is not as loud. You begin losing altitude. In the distance, you see a lush tropical island. The tornado gently sets you down on the island’s white sandy beach. Palm trees move gently in the breeze. Notice a bunch of oysters secured to a rock nearby. As the waves splash over them, you wonder about their simple, secure, and happy lives.
A group of Islanders come over to greet you. They welcome you with open arms. This is Oyster Island, and the natives are typical Calcereas: warm, friendly, and hospitable. Calcareas have a “generous heart for anyone who is accepted into their wider family. The stranger may be treated with some caution, but once he has demonstrated his good intentions, he is allowed into the oyster's shell to enjoy the homeliness and comfort of its interior and the pearl of love and loyalty that Calcarea extends to those she trusts.” ~ Philip Bailey ~ Homeopathic Psychology
After spending time with the Islanders, they point you to a long pier leading out to a hut on stilts. Say goodbye to the Islanders and thank them for their hospitality. They tell you that you are welcome to come back whenever you want to.
Walk along the pier until you reach the door of the hut. There is a sign above the door, and the words on the sign express the exact situation you thought made you feel insecure before the meditation. It might say, "make new friends," "travel agency," or "job applications." Take a deep breath and enter the hut. Inside, you will get to experience the exact situation that makes you feel insecure. Perhaps you need to change jobs but tense up at the thought of a job interview. Well, in the hut, you will find a stern businessman in a suit ready to interview you. Perhaps you want to travel but can't decide where to go. In the hut, you will meet a knowledgeable travel agent.
Experience the situation that has made you feel insecure. Live it fully, immerse yourself in it, and allow yourself to enjoy the experience. Just as oysters often hold pearls within, this new experience holds wisdom for you.
As you leave the hut, the warm and friendly person hands you a gift. It's a pearl of wisdom, a symbol of your newfound understanding and confidence. Look closely at this pearl, and you'll notice a message inscribed on it. The writing is small, so pay close attention, for it contains exactly what you need to know. Take a moment to absorb the message of the pearl, understanding that it holds the key to your growth and transformation in the face of insecurity.
When you are ready, slowly open your eyes and return to the present moment, carrying with you the wisdom and newfound confidence to face the challenges that once made you feel insecure.
I’m Dr. Rodger Douglas, DMH, a South African-born homeopath now based in Osaka, Japan. With a psychology degree from Nelson Mandela University and a diploma from the Hahnemann College of Heilkunst, I specialize in holistic care for fibromyalgia. I serve clients by phone or video across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond.