new sights and sounds around you that you were too busy to notice before .
• Chew slower . This is a health practice that aids in digestion and brings greater awareness to the flavors . Eating slower helps reduce overeating because you are feeling satiated before all the food has been consumed . Try to chew each bite of food at least 30 times before swallowing , or as close to that as you can get before the food totally dissolves . This helps the stomach digest the food by not only making the food smaller , but also by adding more of the natural digestive enzymes present in our saliva .
Breathe it out , and then think it through . Use this yoga breathing technique and the power of positive affirmations to support the body and mind . 3 second yoga breath with affirmation- Begin by sitting or lying down . Place one hand over your heart and one hand gently over the belly button . Breathe in through your nose , slow and full . Hold your full breath for three seconds , then release out through the mouth . You can say an affirmation out loud . Here are some examples of affirmations you can try :
“ I am using my breath to let go of anything that holds me back and no longer serves me .” “ My day is behind me , my peace is within me , my best is in front of me .” “ I have made my day the best it could be . I honor myself by honoring this day .” can keep us stuck in patterns that do not serve our highest good . By clearing our space with herbal smoke , we release these obstacles and create space for what we want to bring into our lives .
Sage The smoke that is created when burning this plant has more than aromatic benefit ; research has shown that sage smoke has a 99 % antibacterial , antiviral , and antifungal component . These benefits are long-lasting , and keep surfaces sanitized for up to a week after the sage smoke has settled . The smell of burning sage is calming to the nervous system as well . It leaves a slightly sweet , smoky scent on clothes , hair , and skin .
Palo Santo This wood comes from the high dry lands of South America . Related to Frankincense , it is part of the Pine family of trees . It has a high concentration of sweet scented oils in the wood . The name translates to “ holy wood ” and is used to relieve colds , fever , anxiety , and inflammation in many native cultures . The smoke created is a strong antibacterial source that has been used to treat sore throats and sinus infections when inhaled gently .
Space Clearing Ritual Once you have chosen your herb ( s ), which can be bundled , loose-leaf , or singlesticks , using a fire-proof bowl or container to catch any ashes , light the herbs . Always remember to burn these items when it is safe to do so by making sure that there is plenty of ventilation and that you have a safe means of putting out the embers . Both Sage and Palo Santo need to have a flame burn for 15-30 seconds . Then blow them out and use the smoke to clear the desired areas . If clearing a room , walk the perimeter and fan the smoke into other areas of the room . Once you have walked around the full perimeter of the room , repeat a mantra or saying 9times , such as om mani padme hum , or I release what no longer serves me , or whatever resonates for you . Then , close your eyes and imagine what events and people you want to have in that space . Imagine moments of joy , friendship and love . Take a few moments to paint the picture in your mind . Once you are done , the ritual is complete and you can extinguish your herbs using a bowl of sand or dirt .
If using the herbs to clear your own energy , after lighting the herbs and blowing them out to create smoke , move the herbs around your body to allow the smoke to cover you . Envision all negative energies clearing from your physical and energetic bodies . Complete the mantra ritual as above , and see yourself as light , whole , and safe . Extinguish the herbs as detailed earlier .
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Space Clearing : Burning Dried Herbs Herbs and plants have been burned for centuries by cultures from around the world to help prepare the mind and body for restorative healing . Sweetgrass is used in the Midwest , incense and is burned before entering temples all throughout Asia , and sage is burned by many native peoples in America . According to fengshui , a system based in Chinese Medicine fiveelement theory , burning sage or other herbs can clear space of negative energy and improve health . This negative energy
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Unwinding from your day is an important part of your self-care routine .
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LakeTalk February 2024 17