It’s pretty interesting how life can be such a rollercoaster sometimes. There are times when everything feels so wonderful and then other times when we feel overwhelm, anxiety, stress and exhaustion…even when everything is great. There are so many unpredictabilities that come with life, it is essential that we learn rituals and routines that can help us stay grounded.
I have a full toolkit of things that I turn to when I need some zen. One of them, that I found very beneficial, specifically yesterday when I was hands full with my little Roman, is Palo Santo. Picture this: toddler running around, hands full, folding clothes, music on, doing 79 things at once. Also starving and needing a bathroom break. It can sometimes feel impossible. Sometimes you just need a minute.
Yesterday, out of the corner of my eye, I spotted my little spiritual wood stick, my Palo Santo. I grabbed that baby, lit her up and was instantly transported to a spiritual sanctuary in my mind.
I highly recommend getting yourself some Palo Santo so you too can wave the wood wand and curate your own bliss.
BENEFITS OF BURNING PALO SANTO:
01 | Sensory stress relief
One of the reasons we experience life the way we do is due to the fact that our brain have the possibility of experiencing many realities at once. Just a hint of a certain smell can transport you to another time, a memory or a specific experience. That smell can illicit feelings, emotions, etc.
When burned, Palo Santo has notes of citrus and mint that evoke a state of internal calm. When inhaled, it moves directly through the brain’s olfactory system, where it helps to stimulate the body’s relaxation response to combat worry, anxiety, sleep disorders and depression.
I am obsessed with the smell, it instantly uplifts my vibe.
02 | Spiritual Cleansing
In South America (where the Palo Santo trees grow and fall), tradition has it that the clarifying smoke released from the holy wood emits negative ions that can uplift our mood and purify people and places from negative energy. Similar to washing your hands before a meal, burning palo santo will cleanse your aura before you preform ritual, meditation, prayer or other spiritual ceremonies.
03 | Holistic Healing
Palo santo is used to treat a wide variety of physical ailments including colds, flus, anxiety, depression, asthma, bronchitis, headaches, and emotional trauma.
04 | Vibrational cleansing and renewal for crystals
Just like we need a shower or a good wash of our hair every few days, our crystals also need an energetic cleansing regularly. There are several ways to charge and renew our crystals but Palo Santo smoke is a really beautiful way to vibrationally purify all of your crystals at home.
05 | Home Smudging
Burning your Palo Santo will cleanse the emotional and spiritual energy in your home. If someone comes to your home and it doesn’t feel good, burn Palo Santo to remove their stagnant energetic imprint. If there is tension, Palo Santo will dissolve that.
It is one of my favorite tools I use in my workshop, High Vibe Home. In Module 3 we discuss how to actually do home healing ceremonies as a form of purification. Whenever there is stress or tension at home, between family or loved ones, you must ensure that the energy in the home is cleared and no toxins are lingering. Learn more about creating a High Vibe Home here.
I burn palo santo as much as possible. Not only am I obsessed with the smell, these beautiful benefits are hard to beat.
Here’s how to use it:
Light the stick with a match set, I like to use wood on wood. The spiritual ritual of the wood burning is very grounding. Let the stick catch fire, and allow it to burn for about 20 seconds. Then, softly blow out the flame.
As you hold the stick, say and intention, prayer or a wish. Speak life to the flame.
Ask that the cleansing smoke of the Palo Santo will purify and cleanse you and your space.
Walk around the room and wave the stick in a clockwise motion to ensure the holy smoke aroma fills the room.
When you are finished, place your Palo Santo stick in an abalone shell or other fireproof bowl/dish. The burn will end on its own.
Have you ever used Palo Santo or cleansing rituals? Tell me in the comments below, I’d love to discuss.
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