Day 28: “Essence of the Grove”

Beth Blair

May 18, 2019

Original Painting: “Essence of the Grove,” Acrylic on Canvas, 24×30, 5/31/2016

This painting, “Essence of the Grove,” came to life during my studies of Celtic Reiki. At the time, I had already studied several energy modalities and traditions of Reiki.  I was still searching for the dialect that was mine. Celtic Reiki had a nice ring to it. I was seeking like minded people to talk about all things Reiki or Energy or Qi.  What I found in this experience, was that I was studying alone. I was expecting to find a dialog around the fire.  The image painted by this training, though online, was of a community gathering at the fire, to share. Crickets is all I heard! I was following the Energy in a solitary fashion.  I was excited and frustrated at the same time. What brought me comfort was remembering what Macrina Wiederkehr said on retreat once, “Monastic life is walking alone together.” I am not a monastic, and this resonates with how I do my work.

A grove is a small wood, orchard or collection of trees.  It is a community. Aspen trees are a network, connected by their roots.  Some say, they aren’t individual trees.  As I was studying Celtic Reiki, one of the treatments was to create a healing grove around the client or yourself.  This is done by use of various treatment essences. Each and everything have Energy, or Qi. Working with the Essence of something, like a Birch Tree, the practitioner connects with the Energy of the Birch and sees the entire Universe from the perspective of the Birch. From the Celtic tradition the Birch has various healing properties.  There is an Encyclopedia of Essences in Celtic Reiki. It is a lot to take in, study and remember. Very complex.

I am a simple girl, with many curls. It is all Chi to me!  And, I don’t have to complicate things or make them grand to connect. The essence of something is its intrinsic nature, its lifeblood. It is what determines the character of the object or person. What is ironic is I was learning these techniques of creating a grove, gathering essences together, and I was the solo student, studying alone. What I did learn, during this year of study, was how to connect to essence. To do this, it takes patience, presence and trust.

Take a moment now, take a few deep breaths, think about connecting to that place inside that is intrinsically you, your nature, heart and lifeblood.  What is it that you identify as Source? Connect with that and just breathe. This is the place of your essence. From this place, you can connect to the grove of your choosing. What is it that you need at this very moment? Energy? Calm? Motivation? Harmony? Peace? Inspiration? Whatever it is, call to mind what you think makes up the thing you need. Think of things that have those qualities and create your own healing grove. If you need Energy or motivation, horses running, energizer bunny spinning in a circle, the little engine that could…get the idea? Harmony or peace might be a gentle stream, a rose garden, and rolling field with the sun shining on it. You have it within you, your ESSENCE.

From the Qi Gong perspective what causes pain, illness, lack of motivation, etc. is stuck Chi. Another way to say it, blocked energy. Think of a clog in a drain. If you have ever snaked a drain and pulled that gunk out, it is nasty! Energy blocks can be just like that. Clear the block, energy moves, healing happens. Simple. Standing in a grove of trees, walking in the woods, or even meditating on a place like this can clear the clog! This painting, “Essence of the Grove,” meant something different to me when I created it.  I was trying to cram all that encyclopedia into my head and treatments. Now this painting reminds me to KISS…Keep it simple stupid! It is all Chi to me. My Essence comes from Source. My client’s Essence comes from Source too.  Just connecting in this simple idea clears the block. Shakespeare is coming into my head and I question, would a rose by any other name smell as sweet? Essence by any name, lifeblood, heart, nature, or even crux is the indispensable quality that is Energy. It’s all Chi to me from Source. And it needs to move, flow and breath! That is how healing happens…

Blessings and peace on your journey!

Beth is a seasoned and experienced bodywork, somatic coach and wellness professional. She is available to present on wellness, bodywork and somatic topics; or individual bodywork and coaching sessions.  Bring Beth to your area for workshops, speaking events or team building projects. Personal and business coaching are also services that Beth provides.  Consider coaching for individual or small groups/teams. Contact Beth for more information and rates.