Sunflower Flower Essence

The Nature of Sunflower Flower Essence

There is something unmistakably confident about a sunflower. It rises on a strong, upright stem, sometimes towering above the person standing beside it. Its great golden flower turns toward the light. It makes no attempt to hide itself, yet neither does it seem to demand our attention. It simply stands there, bright, open and unmistakably itself.

Sunflower flower essence (Helianthus annuus) is associated with identity, self-esteem and a balanced sense of individuality. It is recommended for those who have difficulty occupying their proper place in the world, whether because they either make themselves too small or too large.

At one extreme is the person who stays in the background. They may underestimate themselves, defer continually to others or feel uncomfortable being noticed. Praise can be difficult to receive. They may be talented but privately believe that other people are somehow more important.

At the opposite extreme is the person who needs recognition. They may continually speak about their achievements, seek admiration or become uncomfortable when someone else receives attention. Outwardly they appear confident but underneath they are surprisingly dependent on other people's reactions.

Richard Katz, one of the founders of FES flower essences writes:

"The Sunflowers in our garden grow up to 12 feet tall... yet, with all its majestic grandeur, it is not exempt from the law of gravity. As the disk florets ripen, Sunflower heads bulge with hundreds of seeds, and the top-heavy weight becomes too much for the stalk to bear. In a gesture of surrender, the Sunflower bends with its weight into the bosom of the Earth... this helps us understand how it speaks as a flower essence to the human soul. The Sunflower essence... is helpful for those whose sense of self is weakly developed and cannot shine... the Sunflower balances the insecure ego that tries to be too grand... sunflower is the picture of the healthy, integrated individuality, with a vertical alignment of soul that is inwardly radiant and self-assured."

Meditating the feeling of Sunflower

Rather than trying to understand Sunflower only intellectually, spend several minutes experiencing it from your imagination.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes.

Imagine yourself standing in a large field of sunflowers. They rise around you golden, strong and peaceful. Above you is a warm sun. Feel its light falling gently across your face, shoulders and chest. There is nothing you need to accomplish to receive it. The sunlight does not ask whether you deserve it. It simply shines.

Feel your feet connected to the ground. Feel the warmth above you. The Earth below. The Sun above. And yourself between them.

Now quietly consider: What would it feel like to be completely myself without trying to impress anyone? Notice what happens in your body.

Then ask: Where in my life do I make myself smaller than I really am? Wait for the answer.

And finally ask: Where do I feel that I have to prove myself? Again, don't search intellectually for an answer. Allow a memory, sensation, person or situation to arise if it wishes to.