Flower essences come into being through partnership with Nature. We call this process co-creation because it takes whole hearted relationship to record the healing properties of plants into living water. This is a sacred act and yet a simple one.
The process is sacred, and yet it is our universal birthright to take part in this simple yet powerful ritual.
The first step in co-creation is to have a relationship with Nature, and most importantly with a particular ecosystem. Spend time outdoors in this space and get to know the seasonal changes that take place within it. What plants grow there? Spend time properly identifying the plants and trees through the use of appropriate field guides.
Begin conversation with such natural spaces by asking permission to enter. Quietly wait to be invited or warned away. Listen to your gut and respect the decision. You will get a yes almost every time, but there are occasional times when Nature will let you know that you should not enter a particular area. I once was warned not to enter a certain small field. I had already walked a distance to arrive there and I had a particular plant that I wished to visit so I stubbornly forged ahead anyway telling myself that I would go into this space quickly, ascertain how my plant friend was doing, and then quickly move out. Hopefully I would not be intruding too much. Once inside this small field I began to feel a strange sensation on my legs. Looking down I observed an army of ticks moving up my legs. I should have listened. There are consequences when you don't listen. I hastened home for a hot shower, uttering my apologies and picking tens of ticks off my pantlegs.
In your yard and garden, take time to walk around daily, observing all the plants both wild and cultivated. Talk to them and admire their beauty. Give compliments when due, promise help and follow through with that help by watering, pruning, weeding, fertilizing. Later, if you would like to co-create with any of these plants they are far more likely to grant permission to someone they know who has been providing for them.
It is very important to understand the life cycle of each plant that you interact with. When do they emerge from the ground and what do they look like as they rise and grow? When do they bloom? How do they make seeds and attract pollinators? How are the seeds spread? Are they annuals or perennials? Do they have a scent? What does your research tell you about how human beings have used this plant?
Eventually you will drop down into a deeper level of consciousness, as you do in meditation or prayer, and you will be able to converse with the plant spirit about the healing capabilities. Make sure to take notes while the information is fresh in your mind.