CLEANSING WITH THE ELEMENTS
Megan Allen
I hope this blog finds you well and that you are enjoying the Spring or Fall depending on where you live around Mother Earth. Both are great times to cleanse and purify both the inner body and outer realms. I love the ritual of calling in the elements and directions and use this technique to support my daily ritual of writing in my gratitude journal, pulling cards and mindful walking in nature. All have helped pull me out of the lingering Winter blues.
I have some exciting news! I am offering my online monthly wellness workshops starting on Wednesday, June 10th with An Experiential Journey Through the Chakras.
CALLING IN THE EAST + THE ELEMENT OF AIR
OPEN YOUR WINDOWS and let that fresh air in daily.
BREATHWORK
Breath can be used to move energy and release trauma and pain and also to regulate the nervous system. Your breath rate controls your heart and brain state. Breathwork trains your body to feel safe so that it is not naturally switched into survival mode. Breathwork is an effective way to regulate the nervous system, manage stress and anxiety and come into the present moment.
The present moment is where life takes place. Often times if we are depressed we are living in the past trying to change things that have already occurred or are anxious and future tripping, living in the future. There are several types of breathwork you can practice- be mindful as some are invigorating like chest breathing and some are calming.
CALMING BREATH RITUAL
Also known as belly breathing or diaphragmatic breathing + involves breathing deeply into your lower dantien
Benefits include calming the nervous system, relieving tension and stress and strengthening the immune system.
I invite you to sit comfortably and place one hand on your chest and the other on your belly. Inhale slowly through your nose and feel your belly rise, expanding like a balloon, hold for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth through pursed lips as you draw your belly in towards your spine.
CALLING IN THE SOUTH + THE ELEMENT OF FIRE
SACRED SMUDGE
One of the benefits of the sacred fire is transformation. Smudging is a deeply significant spiritual practice used for purification and connection. While it is widely recognized across many First Nations in North America, the specific protocols and stories behind the medicines can vary between different communities.
A couple of my favorite sacred smudges to use are Sage and Palo Santo. They are great to use with meditation, prayer + energetic cleansing. White Sage traditionally grows abundantly in North America. Palo Santo, means holy wood or wood of the saints, is a mystical tree that grows in South America + has been used by native shamans for spiritual applications. Incense is also used for energetic cleansing.
CALLING IN THE WEST + THE ELEMENT OF WATER
LEMON WATER: Drink warm lemon water first thing in the morning to alkalize the body. Add your favorite salt like Himalayan pink sea salt or Celtic salt. It’s a good best practice to drink half your weight in ounces of water daily to keep yourself hydrated.
EPSOM SALT SOAK Take a soak in an epsom salt bath to remove toxins and promote deep relaxation.
CALLING IN THE NORTH + THE ELEMENT OF EARTH
GROUND Take your shoes off and ground into the ions of the Earth through the bottoms of your feet.
CLEAR YOUR PHYSICAL CLUTTER This is a great time to take stock of what you have in your physical space and ask:
- Does this bring me joy?
- Is it of purpose?
If not, it may be time to donate that item and bring joy to someone else.
I hope to see you at the Experiential Journey Through the Chakras workshop on the 28th Experiential Journey Through the Chakras workshop on June 10th where we will cleanse, clear and align each of these energy centers of the body.
With Love + Gratitude,
Megan