What is an affirmation?
Affirmations are like little reminders you give ourselves that can help you shape your mindset, manifest your goals, and bring actions in a positive direction into your life. By consciously choosing positive words, phrases and sentences, you can create change in your life.
When combined with the ancient practice of smudging the effects can be even more profound. Smudge sticks made from sage and herbs or even palo santo are used to cleanse negative energy from spaces, objects, or even yourself. Pairing them with affirmations can deepen your spiritual practice and help you focus your intentions.
By repeating these affirmations into your subconscious, they eventually take over your old and perhaps negative thoughts. They can be anything from short phrases to longer sentences that focus on boosting self-esteem, goal achievement, happiness, or even physical health. The important thing is that you phrase it in a way that feels real and meaningful.
Examples of affirmations can be "I am a money magnet", "I am open to new opportunities", "I am brave and confident" and "I take care of myself, mind, body and spirit"
Combining affirmations with smudging
When used together, affirmations and smudging can amplify each other’s effects. Here’s how you can integrate them into your routine:
1. Set Your Intention
Before lighting your smudge stick, take a moment to set a clear intention. What do you hope to achieve with this practice? Do you want to release negative thoughts? Invite more peace into your life? Setting a clear intention helps focus your energy and guides the practice in the direction you want to go.
2. Smudge Your Space or Self
Light your smudge stick and allow the smoke to fill the area or gently waft it around your body. As you do this, speak your affirmations aloud or silently in your mind. For example, as you cleanse your space, say, “I release all negativity from this space. I invite in peace, love, and abundance.” If you’re smudging yourself, you might say, “I let go of all that no longer serves me. I am open to positive energy and new opportunities.”
3. Visualize Your Affirmations
As you speak your affirmations, visualize them coming to life. Imagine the energy of your words flowing into the smoke, spreading throughout your space or wrapping around you like a protective aura. Feel the positive energy take root within you, making room for your intentions to manifest.
4. Close with Gratitude
After completing the smudging and affirmation practice, close the ritual with a moment of gratitude. Thank the sage and herbs for their cleansing properties and express appreciation for the positive energy you’ve invited into your life.
When to Use Affirmations and Smudging Together
- Morning rituals: Start your day on a positive note by smudging your space or yourself and setting an intention with affirmations.
- Before meditation or yoga: Cleanse your space and mind with smudging to create a sacred environment for your practice. Use affirmations to guide your focus.
- During times of stress: When you’re feeling overwhelmed or anxious, take a few moments to smudge your surroundings and speak calming affirmations like “I am grounded and at peace.”
- New beginnings: Whether you’re starting a new job, moving into a new home, or beginning a new chapter in life, smudging combined with affirmations can help clear old energy and set a positive foundation for the future.