One thing we can all agree on: 2020 has been especially tough and stressful. And 2021 presents new opportunities for us to grow, evolve and become even stronger.
To start the year, month or week on a fresh note, you might want to try this ancient wellness practice called smudging. It’s said to cleanse your aura and the energies of your surrounding space.
Wait, what do “aura” and “energies” mean?
Aura is understood as the electromagnetic energies that surround our body. It constantly interacts with and is affected by our moods, stress levels, surroundings and people we come in contact with. A weakened aura or energy can manifest into health problems and feelings of stress, anxiety, lethargy and the like.
And how does smudging help?
While there are many ways to do aura and energy cleansing, such as chanting mantras and positive affirmations or with the use of crystals, we are focusing on smudging in this article.
Smudging refers to the practice of burning herbal material, using smudge sticks made of sage or palo santo. These are burnt to produce smoke which is believed to purify negative energies and allow fresh, positive energies to enter and inhabit.
After smudging, you would likely feel more present, centred and grounded while the space around you feels lighter and cleaner. The personal experience, though, can vary from person to person. Research has also suggested that the smoke from smudging has antimicrobial properties, can improve mood and cognitive functions, and even ease insomnia.
To learn about smudging, we’ve tapped on the expertise of Serene Satya Charan, an interdisciplinary practitioner of healing arts ranging from astrology and sound baths to meditation and yoga.