Bach Flower Database

Botany: Larix decidua
Preparation: Boiling Method
Represents: Self-Confidence

Larch connects us with our sense of self-confidence. Positive larch personalities believe in themselves and this confidence inspires trust in others. Positive larch people are great at being second-in-command and often find themselves in the position of confidant or secret-keeper.

In a negative condition, however, larch souls begin to doubt themselves. They may pass up promotions for which they are amply qualified or stay in failing relationships out of a fear of being alone.

It is not at all uncommon to find a person in a negative larch condition plugging away at an entry-level job while less-qualified co-workers are routinely promoted around them. But unlike other personalities, who may be motivated by anger, disappointment or envy, negative larch personalities are simply inappropriately modest. Compounding the problem is the larch personality's tendency to focus too heavily on their own personal weaknesses.

Imagine a young woman working as an assistant principal at her neighborhood high school. For more than a decade she has held the position. At this point in her career, she is at least as qualified as the actual principal and may have more practical experience than her superior.

Suddenly, the principal resigns and our young woman is offered his job. After the briefest moment of celebration, our young woman soberly turns down the promotion.

Why would anyone turn down their dream job to work for a person who is less-educated and less-qualified that she is? Well, our young woman is in a negative larch state. She truly and deeply feels inferior to others so she always stops short of fully realizing her dreams.

The Positive Larch Personality

In the positive larch state, souls are able to use their sense of modesty to evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in a fair and objective way. They are not braggarts by any means; rather, they believe in themselves and respect their life's calling.