Bach Flower Database

Botany: Impatiens glandulifera, Inpatiens roylei
Preparation: Sun Method
Represents: Patience

Impatiens corresponds to our ability to exercise patience--both with ourselves and with others. In the positive impatiens state, we are are able to sympathize with the struggles of those around and will patiently help them work through their particular problems. Positive impatiens personalities make good teachers, especially for those with special needs. Their patience and ability to empathize makes them wonderful advocates.

In the negative state, however, that sense of patience and empathy is lost. Souls in this condition often make rushed decisions and take over tasks that others are working on. Negative impatiens personalities should not be confused with "control freaks", however. They are not motivated by a need to control things; souls in this state have simply lost sight of their place in the natural order of things. They have forgotten that everyone has something to contribute and everyone is equally valuable in the eyes of God.

Imagine a young mother caring for her children. The older child is determined to tie his own shoes, by himself, before school that day while the younger one is trying in vain to put together a wooden puzzle. Our young mother, on the verge of being late for school, finally loses patience with the older child. "Oh, here. Just let me do it," she snaps as she hurriedly (and perhaps even a bit roughly, takes over the task of tying his shoes.

Later that afternoon, the younger child, who has been home all day, is still trying to put together the puzzle. In her frustration, she knocks the puzzle to the floor and the various pieces scatter.

Our young mother, deep in the negative impatiens state, picks up the mess, slams the puzzle down onto the table and snaps the pieces into place. "There!" she says, a bit too gruffly. In her heart, she knows she could have been more patient and wishes she had taken just a few seconds to offer help. But her own impatience caused her temper to flare, even though our young woman loves both her children with all her heart.

The Positive Impatiens State

The positive impatiens state brings with a deep understanding that talent comes in many forms and all souls have something to contribute to the world. Impatiens personalities know that intelligence can be measured in many ways and they nurture talent--no matter how hidden--in others.