Writing my way through the A-to-Z blogging challenge, I’ve tasked myself with throwing open the cabinet of curiosities and wondrous things I call my brain and leading you on a tour of what actually resides in there – all through the lens of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words.
Landing today on the B shelf of my brain cabinet, let’s explore. B is for…
balsamical – (adj) soothing, restorative, balmy
Balsam is one of those delicious words that means many things. We tend to think of it as a particular plant or it’s associated scent – the balsam fir. But actually a number of plants are called balsam, including the family of the common garden flowers impatiens. Sweet-smelling oil or resin derived from various plants is known as balsam. We might also think about balsamic vinegar, or even the balsamic phase of the moon during its lunar cycle.
Yet underneath all these things lies the concept of restorative, soothing, balmy.
Historically, balsam plant materials have been used to sooth burns and wounds, and used as a pain-reliever. Balsamic vinegar, which doesn’t actually contain any balsam plant material, was actually taken nearly a thousand years ago as a tonic. The balsamic moon is nearing the ending phase of the moon’s lunation – when it is the merest of crescents heading into the dark. It’s considered a resting/sleeping time, at the end of a cycle when you are tired and need careful restoring in order to be refreshed for the next new beginnings.
I confess I’m always somewhat surprised that many people don’t have a strong sense of what is soothing to them. Particularly in these times when stress seems to ratcheting everyone into tight little balls of vibrating angst, it seems more important than ever to have a clear understanding of what can help. And although I think there are some generic balsamical remedies that suit most everyone, I firmly believe we should all be well versed in what assuages our particular needs.
Salt water is always a good fit for me; immersing myself in fragrance; vibrational energy work; and working with honey and beeswax are also right-fits for me.
It’s when we’re most tapped out, most over-extended, most hanging on by a thread that we need the most exquisite self-care. The soothing restorative, the literal and/or figurative balm that calms and unclenches, and then having worked its magic allows us to expand once again.
I often think about what Nietzche said:
“What is happening to me happens to all fruits that grow ripe. It is the honey in my veins that makes my blood thicker, and my soul quieter.”
I like to imagine our days, our lives, are meant to be lived as beautiful fruits ripening, and we need to pay attention to conditions that allow us to thrive. Just as we are each unique, our balsamical curatives are custom. As we are calmed and restored, may we always find exactly what we need to thrive.
What are your balsamic remedies? Do tell – you know I’d love to hear.
You got me thinking (I think for the first time) what my balsamic remedies might be. A walk, a swim, some ginger tea and yoga does help me. And tasty food. Not sure if these can be considered as remedies though.
(On a completely different note, your page shows an error like a big one at the top). I have visited your page before and thought the article was missing.)
I think those are perfect, and certainly fit my definition of soothing and restorative. Thanks so much stopping by, and I also really appreciate the heads up about the error message on my page. I’ve let my magician website fixer know about it and hopefully it will be fixed shortly.
Water is my balsamic relief. In it, on it, next to it, listening to it, a cool glass of water to drink. Water has always soothed and refreshed me. And flowers. A sweet, unfussy bouquet from the market, sitting on my table is a nice little pick me up every time I pass by.
As Namratha mention, this is the message at the top of the email when I open it up:
Warning: A non-numeric value encountered in /home/debor751/public_html/wp-content/themes/Builder/lib/builder-core/lib/layout-engine/modules/class-layout-module.php on line 499
Hope it’s an easy fix.
xoxo
Pattie
You are a water baby indeed Pattie! It’s wonderful how a simple bouquet can bring so much delight isn’t it? Gotta love those simple pleasures.
I’m hoping the error message is an easy fix, but I’m lucky in any case I have someone else skilled at dealing with such things to take care of it for me.
Petting my cat is definitely a stress reliever–hearing her purr and feeling her love. Walking is therapeutic for me. The smell of my Scentsy warmer. Sipping on my coffee. Routine, although not exciting, is calming to me.
Oh yeah- kitty therapy is the best Margaret. And it’s good you know yourself and what is most supportive. Many people don’t.
Is there a balsam wood? I think so, though I’m not sure. Mmmm, I’m wondering – a walk on the sea shore is definitely restorative. Or a walk anywhere. Good conversations are restorative with a few belly laughs amongst them.
I’ll look out balsam oil at the health shop .. maybe to rub on my temples? Thanks Deborah, interesting and lovely post 🙂
Well, there’s the wood of balsam fir trees, but perhaps you’re thinking of balsa wood which is something different – a lightweight floatable wood that’s been kiln dried and used for things such as model airplanes.
As with almost all essential oils you’ll want to dilute balsam EO before applying to your skin. Also, be mindful that you’re not purchasing Balsam of Peru essential oil by mistake. Although it is lovely smelling as well – quite a bit like vanilla it is skin sensitizing so you need to be careful. It’s always good to consult with someone knowledgeable about such things before purchasing and using.
I love your restorative choices Susan, and think good belly laughs would suit us all well.
Thank you!
Lavender always does it for me. I’m longing to have a garden of my own in which I can grow loads of it.
Oh yes Kathleen – I love lavender as well. I hope you get your garden some day and can grow all sorts of varieties. I have a little tin of buds and flowers of Desert Lavender sitting right here now, sent to me by a friend in New Mexico. I find myself frequently opening it for a sniff.
I thought it was balsa wood. For me, of course, is my crafting but there is also reading and the scent of vanilla. Lovely post.
Balsa wood is different that balsam fir. I like your balsamic remedies Janet. I confess I’ve been on a reading binge for some months now, but somehow I think April’s challenge will curtail that quite a bit.
Reading, writing, walking and nature – a bit of sky or sea, even a cricket chirping in a very urban setting or birdsong will do for me. And chocolate :of course, will cure almost all my ills 🙂 Jokes apart, it is so important to let go of the stress.
Loved the quote about honey in veins – spot on!
I’m a big fan of the miraculous powers of chocolate as well. 🙂 Releasing stress is such a significant aspect of self-care, and yet something so many people struggle with.
and lemon balm is a soothing herbal tea , grows madly and gladly without any supervision required
balm for me is catching up with light minded souls ( see you) and yes salt water the sand, wandering in the forest, nature is a big time balm, a restorative cup of tea , hugs with the grandies and family, reading, sitting quietly , tuning into breath, cooking , coming Present and practicing gratitude.
Such lovely balms Sandra. I’m fond of lemon balm as well, and smile at its persistence in making itself available for our notice. There is an unruly patch right by my back gate that I brush up against every time I use that exit. Nothing like a little bruising to release the scent, and it delights me to know I’m always marked as I leave the sanctity of my yard.
That’s a pretty cool amount of knowledge. Great post!
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Thanks and I appreciate you stopping by.
Balsam is just such a soothing word in itself – a salve for the soul. Interesting that it comes from the plant impatiens! Candles, meditation, the presence of pets, music, chamomile tea and books are my balsam.
All beautiful choices Kalpana – I feel a sense of serenity just thinking about them.
Hi Deborah – just dropping by as part of the a to z. I have enjoyed your post and learnt something new.
I’m delighted you dropped by. I love April and the challenge so much – there’s always so many interesting things to learn and connections to make. Happy A-to-Z ing.