Smudging to Purify your Body, Mind, and your Life.

PURIFYING ONE'S SPACE

Today in class, I gave each of my students a pebble to hold in their hands. As we held onto our pebble, I asked them to think about the obstacles or distractions they may be facing and place them in the pebble. Obstacles such as fear (fear of failure, fear of change), misapprehension, feeling unworthy, and negative thoughts. The list is different for each and every one of us.Whether the obstacles are physical, social or environmental these obstacles prevent us from living the life we would like to live. 

We brought our hand, holding the pebble, close to our eyes and noticed that it looked bigger; much like the obstacles we may face, they become larger when we analyze them and put a value on them. Taking our hand away from our face we could  now see the true size of the pebble, of those obstacles you have placed on your path. So it is with our obstacles…. If we let them be our only focus we may never realize how small they are. 

We sat and meditated. Each let go of the obstacles and placed them in the pebble they held in their hand. Placing the pebble at the front of their mat, we began our practice, knowing that if a distraction or obstacle presented itself they could look to their pebble and let it go. 

Our practice ended with a calming Savasana. Each took their pebble (if they wanted it) with them as they left to continue their life’s journey. Looking back, I would have asked that each hold their pebble, again in their hand, and I would cleanse the pebble of the negative energy that was within it. When we come together again I will ask each to bring forth their pebble to be cleansed. An herb that is used to cleanse & purify is a wrapped clump of White Prairie Sage or White Sage. 

White Prairie Sage & White Sage was used by North American first nation’s to freshen, cleanse, & purify, especially when preparing for rituals and ceremonies. It was used to dispel negative influences such as: past traumas, bad experiences, or perhaps negative energy from others. Sage can be used to clear out the negative energy and as it does it changes the composition of the air. According to research, Sage has antimicrobial properties; which helps eliminate bacteria, viruses, and keep fungi at bay. As it cleanses one’s mood may be elevated, we may feel the stress in our minds and bodies lessen, and for some it is noted to have alleviated pain.

• You can also use Sage to cleanse a space that you’re moving into; whether it is a new home or a new office, it would be good to clear the previous owners energy and then as you “Smudge”  set your own intentions for the space. As you walk from space to space keep your intention in mind. I had not known much about using Sage to “Smudge” or cleanse until I attended a yoga retreat and the teacher used it to cleanse the room before we began. 
• You can
  also use Sage to cleanse your home after it has been closed off during the time of COVID. One might feel that the space holds negative emotions or that one feels the rooms have been affected by the closing off of rooms or windows.

How does one prepare to Cleanse? To begin, I would suggest that you search and then set an intention; be it for physical, social, spiritual or clearing negative energy. If you leave a door or window open during and after the cleansing it allows the smoke (negative energy and impurities) to escape.

I found two wonderful articles, “How to Sage Your Home,” and “11 Benefits of Burning Sage, How to Get Started, and More…” which do an excellent job of taking one through the process. I took each and pulled out what I thought would be most beneficial: 

Begin by lighting your Sage

1. Light at the end of a sage bundle with a match. Blow out quickly if it catches on fire.
2. The tips of the leaves should smolder slowly, releasing thick smoke. Direct this smoke around your body and space with one hand while holding the bundle in the other.
3. Allow the incense to linger on the areas of your body or surroundings you’d like to focus on. Using a fan or feather can also help direct the smoke, though this is optional.
4. Allow the ash to collect in a ceramic bowl or shell.

Smudge your home or living space

Start in one corner and push the energy toward the door, releasing the bad vibes. Pay attention to corners, near mirrors, high traffic areas, hallways and doorways In this instance, direct sage smoke over all surfaces and spaces in your home or living area. Be thorough. Then open the doors & windows and let the stuck energy out. Now create the new space and infuse it with positive energy and thoughts. Some use a favorite essential oil (in a diffuser) or incense. 

Smudge an object. (Our pebble that where we placed our negative thoughts)

Direct smoke around and over the object and let the Sage cleanse the object. You can also smudge over an object that you bought or got from somewhere or someone to cleanse it of any negative energy.

Note: There is very little research on smudging as a practice beyond the cultural practice of the ritual.

***Keep in mind: Burning sage is a sacred religious practice in some Native American cultures. Treat the ritual with respect.

                                                           Love to hear from you. Thanks: Debra 

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Resources: 

https://www.cb2.com/blog/how-to-sage-your-home/

https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-burning-sage#takeaway

https://powwow-power.com/smudging/

IT is so Good to be Back in this Place.

It is so good to be back in this place.

Let our thoughts blow in the wind. 

The smell as you enter the studio makes your mouth salivate; curious as to what is being prepared. As I walk in I am greeted by a dear yogi whom I have not seen in almost two years. We hugged and spoke of how wonderful it was to see each other and be able to practice together. 

      And, here I sit by my window (I have a favorite place in the studio that I like to place my mat), gazing out over the prairie, a slight breeze moving the field of flowers. 

I so love this space. It feels like I am returning home. It has been a long year and a half wondering when I might find myself returning.

     The mind flows and buzzes moving from thought to thought like the bees buzzing from flower to flower.  Quiet the mind-Calm the body-Be present. I am finding it much easier to settle and stay in the present moment. Is this because I am more comfortable in my practice? I think so-no expectations-not feeling like I am judging myself or comparing my practice to others in the room. 

     

     It's amazing when one just lets go and "feels" the body moving, "feels" the breath moving; giving myself permission to live in my body. Allowing each asana to rise organically from the space within me.