How to sit with a flower essence

What is a plant sit?

If you’re looking for a way to connect deeply with nature, tuning into the essence of a plant might be the perfect place to start. A “plant sit” is a simple, yet powerful form of meditation with plant energy. This practice can be enlightening and healing. Flower essences work with the spiritual and emotional body. In many cases, flower essences cause energetic shifts in areas where people are stuck. They are incredible subtle, but often lead to great change.

What is a flower essence?

A flower essence is a vibrational remedy that is made with prayer, intention, and permission of the plant. A glass vessel is placed near a plant, often with flowers in it. The sun (or moon) energy present creates a signature of that plant in the water. Any plant material is removed and the resulting liquid is then preserved with alcohol. Flower essences do not contain chemical constituents from the plants, so they are very safe for everyone to use.

Basic outline of a plant sit

1. Take a few drops of essence: Start by placing a 1-3 drops of flower essence in your mouth.
2. Center yourself: Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and attune to the plant energy. Focus on the name and image of the plant you are working with. Notice the energy shifting within you.
3. Sit in silence: Find a comfortable sitting position. Some people find it helpful to feel a strong connection through both feet to the floor. Lying down can also be a good position. Continue to breathe deeply. Maintain this for as long as you would like, letting yourself be receptive to what comes to you.
4. Reflect and Journal: After sitting, spend five minutes journaling. Let whatever thoughts, feelings, or impressions come to you, without judgment.

What should I think about during my plant sit?

When sitting with a plant, a great intention to focus on is to be receptive. Imagine you’re meeting someone new. Introduce yourself internally to the plant, and extend an invitation for it to share anything it wants with you. Send gratefulness for it being there. Maybe try to think of past encounters you have had with the same or related species.

While you sit:

• Pay attention to sensations: Notice anything that arises within your body—a tingling, warmth, relaxation, or subtle shifts in mood. These sensations might reflect the plant’s energy or resonance.
• Listen and observe: Be aware of any thoughts, images, or emotions that seem to surface. They may seem unrelated at first, but these impressions could be a form of communication from the plant or an inner response reflecting what the plant is about for you.
• Ask for connection: You might even ask the plant if it has a way it would like you to connect more deeply or anything it would like you to do in exchange for its wisdom.
• Send gratitude: You can even image doing things for the plant in your mind, such as watering it, sheltering it, or giving it offerings.

What Can I Expect?

Every plant sit is unique, and everyone’s experience is different. Here’s a glimpse into some possibilities:

• Inner senses: You might “see” or “hear” things through your inner senses. This could mean images, colors, or symbols; words, sounds, or even music might arise. Some people hear messages spoken.
• Abstract or realistic impressions: The experience might be abstract, like a feeling or symbol, or it might be vivid, like watching a scene unfold or feeling you’re immersed in a dream.

The beauty of a plant sit is that there’s no right or wrong way to experience it. The plant’s essence will connect with you in whatever way resonates most with your energy and openness. Every time you sit with a plant your experience will grow upon the previous time and lead to a deeper understanding.

A plant sit is a chance to slow down, center yourself, and develop a relationship with a plant. By opening yourself to its presence, you invite the possibility of wisdom, insight, and healing that this unique practice can provide.

Please let me know what your experiences are if you practice this. Keep an eye out, every now and then I hold classes and group sessions on this subject!

If there are any plants you would like to connect with, you can also make your own flower essence! Instructions here.

I work with people on a one to one basis with plant energies for healing. If you are interested, I would love to book a session with you. (Email herbalist.lleland @ gmail to arrange.)

I have also have over 200 essences (!) that I’ve made over time if you’d like to purchase some to try on your own. Please get in touch: herbalist.lleland @ gmail and I will send you the list.