The Wonders of Echinacea:
Trauma Recovery and Embodiment

by Becki Cook, Bozeman, Montana

A s an herbalist, I have been working medicinally with Echinacea for 30 years. I have numerous plants growing in my garden. I consider echinacea one of my plant allies.

On April 25th of this year I had a traumatic mountain bike accident. As a skilled and confident biker, I simply lost my balance. Within minutes of landing on my right leg, I experienced an explosion in my right knee and felt the fracture of humanity. At the core, individually and collectively I knew it was time to finally rewire and rebuild the trauma I had been carrying since birth.

Weaving a lifetime of healing combined with two years of flower essence therapy, I am finding equilibrium as I stand strong within myself. My ally echinacea has been traveling with me since birth supporting me through my life's journey. I grieve for all the times she has selflessly given me courage and strength without my conscious thanks.

Last week when I was listening to Richard speak on behalf of Echinacea , I had a complete embodiment of her essence. I was awakened to her gifts. I started sipping on her essence in the morning in preparation for our circle with Ruth.

This was the first day I was going to walk after 8 weeks of crutches. I was so grateful for the freedom after such dependency and healing. I bravely decided to go downtown and purchase a new pair of shoes for my months of physical therapy and rebuilding.

I was by myself and in public for the first time in months and had the obstacle of crossing main street in our mountain town of Bozeman, Montana. I felt afraid and vulnerable, the same feeling I had experienced most of my life as I was pulled away from my birth mother as I inhaled and exhaled my first breath 52 years prior.  My core identity had experienced waves of resilience throughout my lifetime of healing, but I never had been able to root and incarnate fully into my body.

Fortunately for me, my ally Echinacea was present, and I opened to her grace.
With crutches and a brace, I took a deep breath and committed to my life and was determined to heal and cross the road. I slowly and cautiously stepped out and made my way across what felt like the Mojave Desert. I almost got hit by a car failing to yield to pedestrians. My crown was that of the echinacea flower with a beacon of strength and courage. I was safe and I was resilient.  I had taken the first step in claiming my life and my soul's purpose. I crossed the road and came home to myself after 52 years. I AM resilient and I am not my trauma.

It is so important to remember that our guides, angels and allies are always available. They constantly show up throughout our life to guide and love us along the way. The more present we become to the moments of our life, the more we are able to access their healing vibrations. I am forever thankful I was able to embody the true essence of echinacea on the monumental day I decided I was ready to stand strong and walk forward on my life's path. Echinacea , I love you.

About Becki Cook

I am a Flower Essence practitioner from Bozeman Montana. I am an herbalist of 30 years studying with Rosemary Gladstar and working for two herbal companies. I have advanced training from Desert Alchemy in Tucson, Arizona. I have been working with Alaskan Essences, Delta Gardens and Desert Alchemy essences in my practice. I am mentored by Ruth Toledo Altschuler, Judith Poelarends and David Dalton.