
Connect with your Values
July 3, 2024
On Solitude and Silence
August 21, 2024A little Light on Chicory
"The best way to help oneself is to give to others" Dr Edward Bach
Chicory people need to be needed. Their love is selfish and possessive. Someone in the negative Chicory state is one who gives in order to receive something in return and their behaviour may become manipulative. They might demand duty, affection, attention, loyalty or recognition.
The Chicory type is someone who needs people to be dependent on them in order to feel loved and appreciated. If this is not forthcoming they may exaggerate suffering by creating an illness, for example, as a means to gain attention.
A deep emptiness is often the outcome when our hunger for appreciation is not met and when we are not getting the love and attention we feel we deserve.

Take a moment and reflect on your definition of giving, and the conditions that surround your generosity. Do you expect something in return? Do you secretly invoice? Does your giving depend on how grateful the receiver is? Become curious and compassionate towards your giving patterns.

The Bach flower Chicory
As a student of A Course in Miracles I recently had a light bulb moment during my study of Lesson 197, noticing how relevant was the day’s teaching on the positive qualities we associate with the Bach flower Chicory.
In this lesson we are told that gratitude is really an inside job. Our gratitude is fully justified because, as St Francis said, “It is in giving that we receive.” So when we extend love and give of ourselves in those small invisible tasks and acts of service, we are affirming our truth, our wholeness.
If the receiver of our gift is not grateful towards us we are reminded there is a layer of gratitude going on all the time that we cannot see “It does not matter if another thinks your gifts unworthy. In his mind there is a part that joins with yours in thanking you” Lesson 197 A Course in Miracles.
Chicory people have a lot of love to give and true generosity of spirit is to be encouraged. The law of resonance dictates that we attract the same as what we give out.
When we remember our connection to the divine source of love that sits at the centre of our being there is no need for us to manipulate others or interfere with the plan for their lives.
In its positive state Chicory gives love and support unconditionally with no thought of return, allowing the recipient freedom to grow and develop as his soul intends.
When we let go of all expectations and allow others space to be themselves, we connect to our own sense of self-worth and personal freedom too.
Pay attention to those times when you may be inclined to hold a grievance or when you are tempted to exclude anyone from your life because they have not met your expectations.
How does it feel to receive with no strings attached and no conditions on the giving?
The gift of selfless love is an opportunity to return to source and a reminder of who we are in truth.