Thrive the Times (WTAF spray) A flower essence for deep diving and far-seeing
When I first crafted this spray it was deep into the 2020 pandemic. I wasn’t sure about going to the trouble of releasing it because I assumed its usefulness would be limited to just a few months. In fact it has aged all too well! Originally known as WTAF spray because . . . gestures widely. It is indicated for when we are at the end of our effing rope and Life keeps upping the ante. Supports us to dive even deeper to access our internal resources and reach ever higher to feel our connection to the big picture.
Wild Azalea flower essence is first in line in the Thrive the Times spray ready to support us in building our self acceptance and inner kindness. When outer circumstances are challenging it is especially important to create an inner world characterized by gentleness. Additionally, this essence encourages us to have the confidence to step forward and express our unique perspective and authentic gifts. We are in an all-hands-on-deck, kind of moment and we need you in all the ways that you bring yourself. And finally on that note Wild azalea helps us to sense into when it’s right for us to step up and act and when it’s right for us to rest.
Lehua is often the first plant to grow after lava flows and it fills in the Thrive the Times formula beautifully. It brings a quality of deep loyalty to yourself, to the land, to those you love and your lineage. It supports us to have fortitude despite grief, rupture and loss of trust and reunite what has been torn apart. It awakens our inner steadfastness during times of upheaval and calls us into deeper commitment when we feel unmoored or cut off from the stability we yearn for.
Kinche flower essence is next and it brings a quality of true mutuality. What I mean by this is that it helps us to be our whole self while allowing other people to be their whole selves as well. It does its best work when we want connection but fear being engulfed. It amplifies our capacity to hold onto ourself and self-soothe. Also for when we struggle to accept care or help, it can soften our fear of needing others. Or when we feel responsible for other people’s feelings it can help us anchor into responsibility for our own experience. Ultimately Kinche supports the repair of early patterns around attachment, allowing a broader experience of unconditionality towards our self and our life.
The final essence in Thrive the Times, Yellow Ginger Lily is a wonderful embodier after periods of stress, grief and deep depletion. Like where we are right now! It helps heal from burnout and chronic vigilance by returning warmth to the emotional and physical body. In so doing it enhances our ability to feel safe enough to open again to nourishment, care and beauty.
The essential oil blend in the Thrive the Times spray came about when I was trying to make deodorant that was also quieting for the nervous system. The four essential oils I chose are lavender, Myrtle, Clary Sage and lemongrass. The deodorant project was not to be but the oil blend called for new life. That’s how it came to be included in this spray.
It has a scent that is floral and herbal, but it’s also clean and lightly citrusy. The feel of it is like a subtle clearing of energy, an exhale and a soft return to center. Since I’ve already written about Lavender and Clary Sage and their extraordinary support for regulation, I want to turn toward the other allies in this blend.
Myrtle is light, slightly sweet, and softly camphorous. To me, it feels like an opener. An opener of the senses, of perception, and an opener to receive. When I work with Myrtle, I notice it helps wake me up to what truly matters most. And this, in and of itself, softens stress. Exactly what we need in the WTAF spray.
Next up is Lemongrass which feels like a clean sweep through my field. It clears, lightens, brightens and gently stimulates action. There is a subtle strengthening to it that helps to access internal fire. It brings the whole essential oil blend of Thrive the Times to a sunnier place.
After sitting with Thrive the Times (aka WTAF spray) daily for the last couple of weeks I can definitely say I have been helped by it. I felt quieter inside, expanded and moved to take right-sized action.
