Energy Clearing Practices
"Only to the extent that we expose ourselves over and over to annihilation can that which is indestructible in us be found."
Pema Chodron
In times of transition I often find myself feeling unstable and insecure, obsessing over the future and regretting decisions of the past. The more my mind munches on what may be and what could have been, the more anxious I become and like a tornado picking up speed..my own thoughts become the vehicle for the destruction of my inner and outer accomplishments. The fault lies not in the thoughts themselves but in my becoming so swept up in them that they should assume any control over any of my realities (internal or external). But how do I let go?
As alone as we might feel in our most challenging emotional states (sorrow, frustration, self-defeat), we must remind ourselves that these experiences are collective and fruitful. Anger, resentment and aversion are all natural human experiences and are often the most helpful in determining where it is that we need more love, attention and growth. Pema Chodron talks about befriending fear, and learning to sit with negative emotions so that we may listen and receive the messages they have for our own personal growth and self-healing. She, like many others, points out that in continuously running away from what we perceive as negative emotional experiences, we deny ourselves the opportunity for healing; in avoiding sadness, guilt and any negative emotion, we actually perpetuate these experiences in our lives. Pema has many videos on youtube and books, all of which I recommend, offering Buddhist practices that help cultivate a lasting inner experience of contentment. Practically, this is a process of transmutation/transformation in which we remove any emotional understanding of "negativity" and realize "negative" and "positive" are just emotional labels that prevent us from fully benefiting from a given experience.
When we remove the label of "negative" from an emotional experience, we open ourselves up to its benevolent message and may use this information for our own betterment. So how does one start removing emotional labels from their experience of their own feelings? It helps to clear and purify the energy in your body and immediate environments (home, work, etc.). Once we clear away old blockages, judgments and preconceptions, we have a clean emotional slate to work from. Coming from a place free of emotional baggage makes it a lot easier to be present with what ever we are experiencing in the moment. Below, I have listed some general cleansing practices that I use but there are so many more. Find one or a bunch that resonate with you and see what kind of difference it makes when it comes to transmuting your emotions.
Sage Burning
Sage burning, or smudging, is a traditional Native American practice that involves the burning of dried sage bundles to cleanse, clear and purify people and places. Many sage bundles are made with sweet grass and cedar as well. Sage burning is believed to remove negative thoughts, feelings, and entities that are attached to or associated with a person or place. We can burn sage to clear the energy of a room or a nagging bad mood. Sage burning is simple and can be performed by anyone indoors or outdoors. Sage bundles are easy to make or are easily attainable, commonly sold at health food stores, Native American gift shops or online.
To cleanse your body, dedicate about 10-15 minutes to the practice. Light a sage stick (aka "sage wand" or "sage bundle") and blow out the flame (like you would with incense). Wave the wand around your body, front and back, coating yourself in a blanket of smoke. You may do this sitting or standing or may ask someone else do this for you so that you can meditate while receiving the cleansing. You will inhale the smoke as you breathe naturally but the intention is not necessarily to smoke the sage. To cleanse a room, simply walk around with a lit sage stick and fill the room with the aroma to your satisfaction then extinguish the sage. You can always chant or pray while you do this.
Agnihotra - "The Healing Fire"
Agnihotra is an ancient Vedic practice performed for environmental and spiritual cleansing. This is a powerful fire ceremony that is used to transmute negative energy on physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Agnihotra is a science and requires a simple initiation (instruction by practitioner) but otherwise can be performed by anyone following the steps of the practice. Agnihotra embodies the element of fire and its quality of transformation. With regular practice, Agnihotra will transform not just the room in which its practiced, but the whole house and even the neighborhood. It will effect not just you as the practitioner, but everyone in your life...even if only by proximity. This ceremony is not just a practice of self-healing but a service of healing to others as well. If you are interested in Agnihotra, please email me for more information.
Archangels Michael and Raphael
To be honest, I don't know the origin of this practice but I offer it up for anyone who is open to working with the angels. It was introduced to me by my good friend, Reiki Master and Light Worker - Kayur 'Sunny' Patel to help me clear dark energy from my home. You can read this aloud as many times as you like, and ask the angels for help and protection from unwanted entities.
[Derived partially from The Soul Rescue Manual By Patrick & Melanie Rodriguez
And Advice from an experienced rescuer and healer]
"I ask for Archangel Raphael and Archangel Michael to be here for assistance. I ask Archangel Raphael and Michael to give Love and Healing to any earthbounds that are here. I call upon Archangel Michael to assist me in opening a portal to the Light. All are worthy and deserving of going to the Light. There is no Hell
(or); There is no judgment except that which you put on yourself. You may return here after you have checked in. This is not the end. If
there are any messages that need passed on, leave them with the Angels. I ask any loved ones that have passed before you and of the Light, to
meet you at the Light, and I ask that you go there now, as you cannot
stay here. Thank you."
"ArchAngel Michael, I ask that you remove any residual energy left in this space and from myself and all those present. Thank you."
Mani Mantra
Mantra refers to chanting, usually in Sanskrit. Mantras are like prayers or affirmations that we recite with the belief that the words we utter send out a particular energy we are seeking to manifest in our selves, our lives or the world. The 'Mani' mantra is a universal mantra that originated in India and is often associated with the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. It is one of the most widely used Buddhist mantras and is said to be one of the most powerful - containing all of the teachings of the Buddha in just six syllables. Many believe the mantra is so powerful a pure soul could recite it just once and clear lifetimes of karma. This mantra sends out love energy, exorcising negative energy and dispelling all forms of illness, disease, fear and aversion. It is a short and simple mantra that is easy to learn and does not require any sort of initiation to use it or reap its benefits. OM MANI PADME HUM (HUNG in Tibetan tradition) is the mantra of loving kindness and compassion. Simply chanting these words and reflecting on their meaning will invoke the benevolent energy of the mantra and help cultivate the Divine qualities of love and compassion in your self. You will begin to radiate this loving energy and attracting that energy back to you. Listening to the mantra is another way to absorb its positive energy. And you can acquire images of the mantra and put them around your house or work space. Simply looking at the mantra is said to have the same benefits as chanting it.
Gemstones
Certain natural stones are believed to have purification and protective properties when it comes to letting go and staying clear of negative energy. Quartz is probably the most widely known and popular crystal on the planet, it is considered the "all purpose healer" stone. It has many many properties including clarity and protection. It dispels and protects against negative energy. Sugilite alleviates negative/destructive emotions. Pyrite shields from negative energy and is a good stone for protection. Obsidian dispels negativity, and is a protective stone that helps us clearly see our flaws without judgment and recognize changes that need to be made. Malachite is a stone of transformation; it clears the way for us to attain our goals. Lepidolite assists in change and transition, offering hope and acceptance of what is. Chrysocolla purifies our environment and promotes strength and balance. Gemstones can be used as meditation stones, can be worn as jewelry and
can just be placed in your home, office, purse, car, or anywhere to invite in desired energy.
Salt Baths
Salt is purifying. Epsom salt is used all the time as a natural remedy to alleviate muscle pain and stiffness from menstrual cramps to overworked and tired muscles. It is also an effective laxative because of its detoxifying effects. We use salt water to cleanse our stones, so why not use salt water to cleanse our aura? A good Epsom soak or Sea salt bath will purge not just the body but also the mind and emotions of stress, tension and negativity. Salt baths create some "me time" in your day for you to unwind and practice much needed self-care. You can add essential oils, like lavender or rose, to your salt bath..or even tea bags like chamomile to increase the therapeutic effects. Click here to check out some of my pre-made soaks on etsy.
Rose Water
Rose water is used for warding off negativity and protection from dense energy and psychic attacks. This practice was introduced to me by a Shaman, but I do not know if it is a Shamanistic practice per se. Rose water can be sprayed around a room to clear the space, can be sprayed on your body like a body spray or perfume, and can be used in the bath to cleanse the body and the body's energy field (aura). It is one level up from sage burning when it comes to warding off unwanted entities. I wash every morning with Dr. Bronner's All One Hemp Rose Pure Castile Soap to clean not just the physical body but also the energy body so that I can start each day fresh and free.
Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
This is a very simple practice that you can learn on your own for free by googling "EFT" or "tapping" and watching instructional videos from facilitators. This specific program was developed by Gary Craig but it is based on the ancient Chinese meridian system and is a form of acupressure. The technique involves literally tapping on a sequence of designated points on the body while meditating on an emotional experience you are ready to release. It is known as this miraculous five minute fix for letting go of years and years of emotional baggage and in my experience, it really works! Check out this video by Gary Craig on EFT to learn more.
Like always, if you have any questions about any of these practices feel free to email me at nlcyogatherapy@gmail.com and I'd be happy to share any information I can with you. Always seek out that which resonates with you because your intuition is your best guide.
Thanks for reading, Namaste
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