 Our home is supposed to be the space we feel safe in, calm and free. This is our shelter away from the external environment. Our home becomes a reflection of our character, interests, needs, personality, habits etc; but also of our emotional states and feelings. Therefore the energy in our home can also change depending on our mood, emotions as well as if we experience any sort of illness. Just as we have to cleanse ourselves physically, mentally & energetically, our home needs these too. Having people enter our home can also impact the energy in the environment. It does not necessarily have to be negative, but it is another energy entering in our space. Knowing this, then it is useful to cleanse the energy in it at least once a week. Also doing so during new moons and full moons can be a powerful practice. Here are some of the ways I have learned and practice which may also be useful for you: INCENSE STICKS These beautiful fragrant sticks can set up a lovely atmosphere in any environment. They are cost effective and if well made and authentic, the scent has the power to uplift the energy in your surroundings and clear away any unwanted vibes. Most of them are very strong, so try not to overdo it. For doing a cleanse, I would recommend Tulsi, Lavender, Rosemary, Sandalwood although I have been recently using Astaghanda which I find amazing. They are also easily accessible and many physical and online stores have quite a wide variety available. CRYSTALS They are not everybody’s choice, but if you love crystals and believe in their power to transform, to heal and to support your journey, then they can be used as a way to cleanse your space and channel in the energy you want. Each crystal has its own energy so it is useful to learn about them; although I think that we can also use our intuition and pick the crystals we are drawn to, not necessarily knowing too much. We somehow always tend to attract the ones we need the most. I have crystals in specific areas of my house. The type of crystal I choose is based on where it is in the house; for example in my bedroom I have specific crystals which are different from the ones in my kitchen or at the entrance of my house. But in general, for protection and clearing away stagnant or negative energy, we can use black onyx, selenite, moonstone, white agate and many others. And during the full moon night, we can charge them by leaving them outside under the moonlight. SAGE SMUDGING The sage smudging is well-known for many and it has been used for decades, as one of the most powerful plants for purification. It is also used sometimes by yoga teachers in classes. The sage is a beautiful plant that has cleansing properties and is a strong purifier hence it is one of the oldest ways to clear out any unwanted energy. These are many you can find online, but if you live somewhere where it grows, then consider yourself blessed. On Amorgos, we have plenty in the mountains so I have always used this. I admit, I am not a fan of the smell but I do appreciate the cleansing effect it has and the good energy it creates. Sage is known for cleansing bacteria so it is therefore useful to use it anytime you feel it is needed. A sage smudge is easy to make but you can also just use one piece of sage, burn the tip of it and use it in the areas you want to release any vibes. PALO SANTO Another traditional and ancient form of clearing energy is by burning Palo Santo otherwise known as the holy wood. This is a beautiful tree that grows in South American rainforests and it is known as an ancient practice Shamans use. Aside from the Palo Santo wood sticks that can be burned and used, there are also oils and incense sticks made with it. I have only used the sticks and to be honest, at first I couldn’t connect with the scent. The smell is so strong and sweet. But after learning more about the tree, the long process that it takes for these to be done without hurting nature, and giving myself some time to adjust with it, I began to love it. I use this often not only to clean my home, but to clean my energy and mind before and during my spiritual practices, be it Japa, Trataka, Dharana, Asana etc. SCENTED CANDLES Candles provide a wonderful atmosphere and set a calm mood. Aside from being decorative and beautiful, they also come in different fragrances which serve for specific purposes. You can find sage aroma candles; tea tree or mint, which can refresh the atmosphere;lemongrass which uplifts the energy or of course, lavender, for its calming and cleansing effects. They come at different price points and there is something for everyone. Personally, I always burn candles in my house. In the evenings, often I prefer having candles instead of the lights on. There is something so serene about this. CLEAN & DE-CLUTTERFinally, a great way to clear away any unwanted energy from your home is by simply giving it a good clean and getting rid of old things you no longer need or align with. Not only this can be therapeutic for your mind, but it is also a beautiful way to practice saucca, cleanliness. If you use non-toxic cleaning products it is even better, but this is totally up to you. I know these can be quite pricey or not easily accessible depending where you live, so whatever you have, as long as your intention is with joy, then this will be transferred throughout. Air your home often by having windows open and natural light come inside. Change your bed sheets, vacuum, mop, give your bathroom and kitchen a good scrub. Part ways with some items that have no use for you anymore and maybe even re-organise some things around. Play some nice music, relax, or dance while you do it and enjoy. This is your space to feel free and safe, treat it with respect.
0 Comments
 Life is full of ups and downs. The constant shift between the two polar energies of yin and yang, feminine and masculine, of up and down, light and dark, happiness and suffering etc are all part of the natural rhythm of life. In the yoga philosophy, Sri Patanjali defines yoga as “Yogah citta vritti nirodha” which can be translated as “controlling the modifications of the mind”. These modifications are the thoughts, emotions, impulses etc which create this rhythm between reaction and surrender. So by learning to witness the mind instead of being involved in it, we can find our centre. The space where equanimity/ balance is established. Whether something exciting comes or something painful rises, we remain in the centre, we don’t rise too high, or fall too low. There is internal awareness and balance, which is not influenced by any external factors. This of course requires a lifetime of practice. Asana, meditation, learning and so on. Another practical and useful way to implement some balance and inspiration in life is by using affirmations. They are powerful phrases that when done with belief and meaning, they have the power to reprogram our subconscious part of the mind. Yet again, this requires practice and patience. Practicing affirmations that we can relate or aspire to, can indeed begin to change the way we perceive life’s events. The law of the universe provides us the opportunity to be in constant connection with the infinite Divine essence of creation. When we work together, without resistance but with fluidity and being open, wonderful things can begin to take place. And life is an experience. We can do the best we can with what we have. And through this attitude, we can start to believe in our potential to create a life of meaning and peace. Here are 5 affirmations you can use (if they resonate with you) to give you more inspiration for life, self-belief and a sense of joy to transform your life in a way that best aligns with your purpose.  As long as there is breath, you are alive. You can make changes or create something new. You have the power to reinvent yourself and how you contribute to the world. The whole purpose of life is to experience it. This is why it is often said that “Life is a gift”. We have been given this life to use however we want.  When things get tough, or something doesn’t go our way, we can feel discouraged. Sometimes we can lose hope and become disconnected from this experience of life. We start to look at an unpleasant event as a catastrophe; a break-up as the end of love; a job loss as a challenge to our identity/status. We can lose ourselves fairly quickly, but guess what? You are never lost because the real you is always there, witnessing all that is happening. The mind might feel lost, but you are not. Everything is temporary, everything has a beginning and an end. This is the natural cycle of death and rebirth which we can also see clearly in nature during the changing seasons. Know that a bad day is only bad because you labelled it that way. And even if it does feel bad to you, tomorrow is a new day. If it comes, approach it with a new attitude. Learn to let go quickly and live more freely.  The only reality that exists is NOW, in this present moment. You can keep revisiting your past, or rush toward the future. But the truth is that one no longer exists and the other you don’t know if it will come. So be here and now. Whatever it is you keep planning to do with your life, now is the time. Don’t wait for the perfect moment; if you are inspired to do something meaningful, take this as an indication from the Universe that you are ready. Learn to be present in your life by focusing on what is happening right now.  Gratitude is one of the most important qualities to develop in life. There is always so much desire for more than we have, and yet if we do get it, then we want more. This is the vicious cycle of desire, or as it is called in yoga philosophy, Kama, selfish desire. Ego wants, yet ego is never satisfied. Wake up everyday and say thank you. Every morning, when you open your eyes, say thank you. Even if you cannot find anything to be grateful for in that moment, still give thanks. When there is gratitude, the heart space opens. And this is the portal of connection and unconditional love. When we operate from this space, everything is possible. Every experience teaches us something and every person we meet is somehow a teacher for us to learn from, sometimes in a positive way, and other times through difficult connections. Take the lessons, keep growing and evolving so that you can make the most of every experience.  Life can be playful and joyful if you decide to live it this way. You are the artist of your own life and even though you cannot control the external events, you can create the ones you do want to experience. Being open to the flow of life and making the decision to take responsibility for how you live can create a huge positive outcome.
We are all creative beings with the gift to explore and architect our life in a way that suits our path of purpose and dharma. Decide how yours will take shape and start to live that way.  Every start of a new month gives us the space to begin something new. Of course we don’t need to wait until this to do so, but it is a bonus when we align with the cycles of the year. This October is a little extra special numerology wise because it starts with very powerful numbers. This morning I could feel the expansive energy all around. It is feeling of creative expansion, lightness and ease, most importantly, the inspiration to enjoy and be grateful for this moment, right here and now. 01/10/22The number 1 is a symbol of freedom, confidence, action and new beginnings. 10 can be looked at as the end of a cycle and the beginning of a new one. 22 is known as a master angel number and it is said to bring good fortune. But to attract this, we must be in that energy field. So it is all about being present and making the most of where we are right now. We often rush towards the future, to something new, craving for what is to come but we rarely pause to let ourselves really be part of all that is in the moment. This month, try to realise that where you are now, is exactly where you are meant to be in this moment. Even if you are not experiencing something that you want, trust in Divine reason. I always believe in synchronicities and that whatever we have been given from life it is because we need to experience that. Maybe it is because we need to learn something (like patience, forgiveness, become stronger or more open etc); maybe it is to push us towards something new; maybe it is because it is something that we once wanted but forgot about it or realise it is not for our highest good after all. Whatever it is, try to find a reason (or more) to be grateful for what it is that you have and where you are now. The law of abundance only works if we are grateful for what we have. The more thankful we are, the more abundance comes because we are in that energy field and the Divine power of the Universe only works on vibration. When we are clear about this, then we experience contentment or as we know from Yoga Philosophy, Santosha. From this space, we can easily end cycles because we are in good spirit and joyful state. We are not bound by fear to let go, but open to acceptance and surrender. Decisions from desperation are usually made in fear, which creates even more of it. So whatever cycle is coming to an end, allow it. Find a way to open your heart, to forgive and to forget but from a space of acceptance and love; to be grateful for it even if it wasn’t so pleasant. The Universe only gives us what we can handle, so trust you are strong enough for it.  Finally, the best part of this October is inviting the energy of the new. A big change is not necessary in order to experience newness. Just by simply becoming more relaxed, trusting and adaptable to the flow of life, we can create brand new experiences for ourselves. Whatever it is your inner wisdom takes you towards, let it.
During this month, it is useful to practice meditation to cleanse the mind; pranayama and breathing exercises to expand the prana and relax the mind. To learn a new skill to help you the freedom that comes when you step out of your comfort zone. And focusing on hobbies that maybe you have not prioritised for some time. Focus on finding that spark of joy for your life; on eating nourishing and wholesome meals, on spending time with quality people who are supportive, loving and optimistic. Remember and affirm to yourself: ”I am the artist of my life and I can create the life I want to live. From this moment on, everything is possible”. |
Archives
May 2023
|
RSS Feed