Category: Spirituality

Clarity of Intention

To effectively manifest your desires, you must first gain crystal-clear clarity about what you wish to bring into your life. The more specific and detailed your intention, the more focused your energy becomes. Vague intentions yield vague results, as they lack the direction needed for the universe to respond effectively. Take the time to delve deep into your desires. Ask yourself what you truly want, and then articulate it in precise detail. This clarity acts as a beacon, guiding your energy toward a specific goal, making the manifestation process more effective and efficient.

Belief and Positivity

Your beliefs have the power to shape your reality. Manifesting begins with cultivating an unshakable belief in the possibility of your desires coming true. Doubt and scepticism can sabotage the process. Instead, nurture an unwavering belief that what you desire is not only possible but attainable. Pair this belief with positivity. Negative thoughts and emotions create resistance, hindering the flow of energy necessary for manifestation. By maintaining a positive mindset and focusing on the potential for your desires to materialise, you create a fertile ground for manifestation to occur.

Affirmations

Create affirmations in the present tense that align with your intention. Repeat them daily to reprogram your subconscious mind with positive beliefs. For example, “I am abundant and attract opportunities effortlessly.”

Visualisation

Spend a few minutes each morning and night visualising your desired outcome. Feel the emotions associated with achieving it. Visualisation imprints your subconscious mind, making your intention more potent.

Scripting

Write a detailed script of your life as if your desires have already manifested. Describe your daily experiences, feelings, and interactions. This practice amplifies your belief in your manifestation.

Vision Boards

Vision boards are visual representations of your goals and dreams. They serve as powerful tools to make your intentions more tangible and specific. Creating a vision board allows you to focus your energy on what you want to manifest.

Utilising mood boards and affirmations became instrumental in materialising my vegan business endeavour, Plant Essence. Immersed in vibrant images of flourishing greenery and bolstered by affirmations of business success, not only did I successfully launch a thriving venture, but I also attracted kindred collaborators and customers who resonated deeply with my vision.

Furthermore, the transformative power of mood boards extended to fostering meaningful friendships and even manifesting dream getaways to enchanting destinations like Santorini and Bali. These visual representations and empowering affirmations served as constant, tangible reminders of my aspirations, and remarkably, the universe responded in kind.

Chanting has a rich and diverse history, originating from various spiritual traditions across the globe. From Vedic chants in Hinduism to Gregorian chants in Christianity, the practice of chanting has been used to invoke spiritual presence, heighten awareness, and cultivate inner peace. The repetition of sacred sounds or mantras is believed to create vibrational shifts that align the body, mind, and spirit, leading to a state of harmony and transcendence.

Chanting offers a multitude of benefits for our overall well-being, from physical and mental relaxation to spiritual awakening. Regular practice can help reduce stress, calm the mind, and enhance focus and concentration. Chanting also stimulates the release of endorphins, promoting feelings of joy and inner bliss. Moreover, it can deepen our connection to the divine, expand consciousness, and nurture a sense of interconnectedness with all beings.

Choosing the right mantra is a deeply personal and intuitive process. Consider selecting mantras that resonate with your intentions and spiritual path. Some widely embraced mantras include:

Om 

The universal sound of creation and consciousness, Om represents the essence of all that is. Chanting Om can help align the body, mind, and spirit, bringing about a sense of inner harmony and unity.

Aham Prema

This mantra embodies the vibration of divine love. By chanting Aham Prema, we invoke and cultivate unconditional love within ourselves and extend it to all beings.

Om Namah Shivaya 

This mantra is associated with Lord Shiva, representing the divine consciousness. Chanting Om Namah Shivaya can purify the mind, dissolve limitations, and awaken our inherent divine nature.

To fully experience the benefits of chanting, it is important to establish a regular practice. Create a sacred space in your home where you can chant without distractions. Dedicate a specific time each day to immerse yourself in the practice. Begin with a few minutes and gradually increase the duration as you feel comfortable. Consistency is key, so commit to your practice with reverence and devotion.

As you chant, find a comfortable seated position, close your eyes, and focus your attention on the sound and vibration of the mantra. Allow the repetition to become a meditative experience, surrendering to the rhythm and resonance. Feel the vibration permeate your entire being, harmonising your body, mind, and spirit.

Incorporating chanting into your daily routine can also enhance your practice. You may chant in the morning to set positive intentions for the day or in the evening to unwind and find inner peace before restful sleep. Experiment with different techniques, such as rhythmic chanting, melodic chanting, or call-and-response chanting, to discover what resonates with you.

An ancient Hawaiian spiritual practice, Ho’oponopono is a set of profound healing mantras that can shift your mindset from a fixed one of lack to a growth mindset built on love. Based on principles of interconnectedness and compassion, the practice holds a mirror up to ourselves and asks us to take and share responsibility no matter what has happened. 

Accepting responsibility is being honest with yourself about your fixed mindset. Whether consciously or not, you are responsible for your thoughts, actions and feelings. Instead of allowing limiting beliefs to take control, acknowledge them and take responsibility. From there, you can transform your mindset.

There are four simple steps to the Ho’oponopono method: Repentance, Forgiveness, Gratitude and Love. While Ho’oponopono is used to heal problems outside of yourself, it can be easier to start by choosing something you already know you have caused. This could be an addiction, a sullied relationship or negative behaviour patterns.

In my Ho’oponopono practice, I like to begin by smudging my space with sage and lighting a white candle. Then I visualise the person I want to forgive and let go and chant the mantra to them. Sometimes I also incorporate cord cutting as a physical manifestation of releasing what no longer serves my highest self. I find it helpful to follow guided meditations like this one to harness the full potential of this powerful healing mantra.

To begin your own Ho’oponopono ritual, bring to mind the issue or relationship you want to heal and build a deeper connection. Centre yourself, breathe deeply, visualise the person (or yourself) and imagine golden light filling your heart with compassion, gratitude and love. Imagine the golden light overflowing and pouring into the person in front of you as you repeat the mantra steps below.

Step One – Repentance

Once you identify what you need to heal, you must take responsibility by apologising. Say you are sorry and mean it. Really feel it in your heart that you are sorry. Feel remorse that something in your consciousness (whether aware or not) caused the issue you wish to heal. 

Step Two – Forgiveness 

Hold onto the remorse you now feel and ask for forgiveness. It doesn’t matter whether you ask yourself, a particular person or the universe, just ask to be forgiven. Repeat this until you feel it wholeheartedly.

Step Three – Gratitude 

Again, it doesn’t matter who you direct your thanks to, but be grateful. Say thank you to whatever it was that just forgave you. Repeat until you feel it. 

Step Four – Love 

Love is the most powerful force, so tap into it. Say “I love you” to anything you feel called to. Shower yourself in love, your home, your friends and family, the air you breathe and the challenges you face. Allow the love to pour in and out of you.

Meditation & Candle Gazing

Meditation serves as a powerful tool for connecting with the divine and promoting inner clarity. When combined with fasting, it can amplify the purification of both the body and mind, fostering a deeper connection to the higher realms. Guided meditations can be helpful for focusing your meditative practice on the blocked chakra.

Candle gazing is another form of meditation that can be particularly beneficial for the crown chakra. Create a tranquil space for your meditation practice, and in this sacred environment, light a candle to serve as a focal point. Fix your gaze upon the flame, observing its gentle flickering movements. As you immerse yourself in the mesmerising dance of light, allow your mind to settle into a state of calmness and receptivity. Open yourself to the divine wisdom and guidance that flows through the crown chakra, embracing the profound unity and interconnectedness of all things.

When the crown chakra is imbalanced or blocked, it can lead to a sense of disconnection from the divine and a lack of spiritual purpose. Mental symptoms may include confusion, apathy, and a limited understanding of life’s greater meaning. Emotionally, blockages can manifest as feelings of isolation and detachment from others and the universal energy that binds us. Physically, chronic headaches or migraines may occur as a result of the disharmony in the crown chakra.

These blockages can leave us feeling lost, without a sense of purpose, and disconnected from higher realms. We may struggle to find meaning in life, experience apathy towards spiritual pursuits, and feel emotionally detached. The confusion and lack of mental clarity can hinder decision-making, while chronic headaches serve as physical indicators of energetic disharmony. Recognising these signs and symptoms is crucial for our spiritual well-being. By addressing and balancing the crown chakra, we can restore our connection with the divine, gain mental clarity, and rediscover our higher purpose.

Crystals & Essential Oils

Crystals can serve as powerful allies in balancing the crown chakra. Selenite, clear quartz, apophyllite, snow quartz, rainbow moonstone, calcite, lodalite, and howlite are particularly beneficial. Place them on the crown chakra during meditation or wear them as jewellery to enhance the chakra’s energy flow and promote spiritual enlightenment. 

Utilise the aromatherapy benefits of essential oils like lavender, sandalwood, saffron, and frankincense. These scents can be used in diffusers or applied to pulse points to create a sacred atmosphere and elevate your spiritual experience. Smudge sticks, especially those made with lavender or sandalwood, can be burned to cleanse the energy and promote a sense of sacredness.

Yoga 

Incorporate specific yoga poses that activate and balance the crown chakra. Savasana, headstand, lotus pose, rabbit stand, crocodile pose, and tree pose are all beneficial for opening the crown chakra and fostering a deep sense of connection to the divine.

Amethyst, known for its soothing and calming properties, synergizes beautifully with the gentle energy of chamomile. Together, they form a potent combination to relieve stress and anxiety. To harness their healing powers, you can create crystal-infused herbal water. Simply place a cleansed amethyst crystal and dried chamomile flowers in a glass jar filled with purified water. Allow the crystal and herbs to infuse overnight, and the next day, drink the water to enjoy a tranquilising effect on your mind and body.

Combining the grounding energy of garnet with the rejuvenating essence of pine can inspire commitment and longevity. One way to utilise this combination is by creating crystal and herb sachets. Fill a small pouch with garnet crystals and dried pine needles, then tie it securely. Carry the sachet with you or place it under your pillow to harness their energy, promoting stability and endurance in your endeavours.

The vibrant energy of citrine combines harmoniously with the manifesting power of bay leaf. Together, they awaken the energy of manifestation within you. To utilise this combination, write down your intentions on a bay leaf and hold it alongside a cleansed citrine crystal. I like to burn the bay leaf, allowing its transformative energy to merge with the citrine’s potent vibrations. Carve out time to meditate during this and visualise your intentions coming to fruition as the smoke carries them out into the universe.

Moonstone, associated with intuition and feminine energy, pairs gracefully with the enchanting aroma of jasmine. This combination empowers and harnesses confidence. My favourite way to use this combination is through a crystal-infused herbal bath – start by placing a cleansed moonstone crystal in a muslin cloth or a mesh bag and tie it securely. In a warm bath, add dried jasmine flowers or jasmine essential oil to the water. Drop the moonstone-infused bag into the bath and allow it to steep while you soak. As you immerse yourself in the bath, visualise the moonstone’s energy intertwining with the jasmine, empowering you with confidence.

Located in the centre of the forehead, this chakra governs our intuition, insight, and spiritual awareness. In Sanskrit, the third eye chakra is known as the Ajna chakra which translates to “perceive” or “command”. Associated with the colour indigo, the third eye chakra is connected to our inner vision and higher consciousness. When this chakra is balanced, we experience clarity, intuition, and a deep sense of knowing.

Blockages in the third eye chakra can manifest in various signs and symptoms, indicating an imbalance in this energy centre. These include a lack of intuition and insight, difficulty visualising and imagining, closed-mindedness, an overactive mind, and a lack of clarity. This can cause excessive mental activity, creating confusion and a lack of clarity. When our third eye chakra is blocked, we can feel very close-minded and resistant to new experiences or ideas. Recognising these manifestations allows us to take steps towards healing and restoring the harmonious flow of this chakra, reuniting with our instinct and intuition.

Crystals, Herbs, & Smudging 

Crystals, smudge sticks, and herbs can be powerful allies in healing and restoring balance to the third eye chakra. Crystals such as amethyst, labradorite, fluorite, apatite, sodalite, and angelite are known for their ability to activate and harmonise this energy centre. Placing these crystals on or near the third eye area during meditation or wearing them as jewellery can help stimulate the chakra’s energy flow and enhance intuition. Remember to cleanse and recharge your crystals regularly and set intentions for their specific healing properties.

Burning sacred herbs such as lavender smudge sticks or palo santo wood clears stagnant energy. Allowing the potent smoke to envelop you and your surroundings to create a harmonious environment for healing. Herbal teas like blue lotus or mugwort can also support the restoration of balance in the third eye chakra. Blue lotus tea is known for its ability to enhance spiritual insight and stimulate your intuitive faculties. Mugwort tea has been used for centuries to promote lucid dreaming and facilitate access to the subconscious realms, allowing for a deeper connection to one’s inner vision.

Avoid Fluoride

Fluoride is commonly found in toothpaste, tap water, and certain processed foods. While fluoride is beneficial for dental health, excessive consumption can have negative effects on the third eye chakra. Fluoride is believed by some to calcify the pineal gland, which is closely associated with the third eye chakra. A calcified pineal gland can potentially hinder spiritual perception and intuition. To minimise fluoride intake, consider using fluoride-free toothpaste, drinking filtered water without fluoride, and being mindful of the fluoride content in the products you consume. Consuming natural remedies such as turmeric may also help combat the harmful effects of fluoride due to its potential detoxifying properties.

Plant-Based Diet

If there’s one thing anyone knows about me, it’s my passion for veganism and championing the plant-based lifestyle. I’ve written before about what I’ve learned since committing to veganism, and it has positively impacted many areas of my day-to-day life. Plant-based foods are often rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, nourishing the body and supporting clear energy flow. For balancing the third eye chakra, adopting a plant-based or vegan diet can promote overall energetic balance and well-being, as well as enhance your spiritual awareness. Check my vegan venture Plant Essence for plant-based meals and plans to kick-start your vegan journey.

Nestled in the centre of our neck, this chakra acts as a portal for authentic self-expression and effective communication. In Sanskrit, the throat chakra is called Vishuddha which translates to ‘pure’ or ‘purification’. It holds the power to harmonise our inner thoughts with the external world, allowing our truth to be heard.

The throat chakra resonates with the colour blue, symbolising the vastness of the sky and the boundless potential of our voice. When the throat chakra is balanced, we communicate with clarity, creativity, and compassion, having the space to freely express our truth. However, when this chakra becomes blocked, our voice may feel silenced, leading to difficulties in expressing ourselves and misunderstandings in our relationships, as well as stifling our creativity.

Recognising blockages in the throat chakra is a crucial step in the healing process. Pay attention to moments when you struggle to find the right words or when you feel hesitant to speak your truth. Physical symptoms like throat infections, tension in the neck and shoulders, or a chronic sore throat may also indicate an imbalance in this chakra.

Crystal Healing

Crystals carry powerful vibrations that can aid in chakra balancing. For the throat chakra, try working with Aquamarine, Lapis Lazuli, Amazonite, Sodalite, Blue Lace Agate, Angelite, or Blue Apatite. Hold the crystal close to your throat as you meditate or wear it as jewellery to harness its calming and harmonising energy.

Yoga Poses

As a trained yogi, I can attest to the restorative power different types of yoga have on both our physical and spiritual being. Engaging in specific yoga poses can help open and balance the throat chakra. Poses like Fish (Matsyasana), Fish Variation (Matsyasana Variation), and Plough  (Halasana) can gently stretch the neck and stimulate the throat region. As you move through these postures, imagine a river of soothing blue light flowing through your throat, releasing any stagnant energy.

Breathwork

I can never overstate the power of breathwork. Breath is particularly important to this chakra as the throat is a major component of the body’s respiratory system. Conscious breathing exercises like Lion’s Breath and Ujjayi Breath can invigorate the throat chakra. Lion’s Breath involves taking a deep inhale and exhaling forcefully while sticking out your tongue and opening your eyes wide. Ujjayi Breath, on the other hand, is a gentle constriction of the throat during both inhalation and exhalation, creating a soothing oceanic sound. These breath practices help clear any energetic obstacles, allowing your voice to flow freely.

Aromatherapy 

Aromatherapy can be a powerful tool in balancing the throat chakra, as the throat is intricately connected to the nose. Essential oils and incense work their magic by engaging our sense of smell. Eucalyptus, with its invigorating and clarifying properties, not only clears the airways but also promotes mental clarity. Sage, renowned for its purifying qualities, helps release energetic blockages that hinder self-expression. Diffuse these cleansing scents in your space or gently apply diluted oils to your throat area during meditation, and let their healing aroma embrace your soul.

Picture a garden filled with vibrant flowers, each petal holding a story. Our inner child is like that garden, a treasury of memories, emotions, and experiences from our childhood. Inner child healing is the act of acknowledging, understanding and nurturing this young, vulnerable aspect of ourselves. By exploring our past, we gain insights into the wounds that have shaped our beliefs, behaviours, and relationships. This sacred practice empowers us to heal those wounds, releasing patterns that no longer serve us, and reclaiming our authenticity.

Possessing a healing, loving and calming energy, the heart chakra connects the physical realm with the spiritual. It serves as our centre for unconditional love, compassion, empathy and joy – and working with it can often reveal deep and profound truths.

Hypnotherapy 

Led by the whispers of the subconscious, hypnotherapy takes us on a journey into our inner realms. We access memories and emotions that may be buried within through deep relaxation and focused attention. This transformative practice allows us to reframe past experiences, heal wounds, and foster a profound sense of self-acceptance. Guided meditations are a helpful way to practise hypnotherapy, and thanks to the wonders of the internet, you can even find videos specifically created for inner child healing.

Dancing, Singing, and Painting 

Expressive arts are like spells that enchant our inner child. These rituals awaken the childlike spirit, unleashing joy, creativity, and healing. Creativity is a uniquely human experience and has a powerful impact on our souls. I’ve written before about how movement helps awaken both the body and the mind, and dancing is a fun, child-like way to embrace movement. Dance with abandon, sing melodies that resonate within your being, and let the colours of your paintbrush dance across the canvas.

Shadow Work 

Just like the moon reflects light and darkness, our inner child carries joy and pain within it. Shadow work involves delving into the depths of our subconscious, embracing and integrating the aspects of ourselves that we’ve disowned or suppressed. Shining a light on our shadows brings healing and wholeness to our inner child.

Journaling

A magical tool to unlock the secrets within, journaling provides a safe space for our inner child to express itself. Through writing, we can release emotions, uncover hidden desires, and gain profound insights. Let the words flow like ink from a pen, allowing your inner child to speak its truth and find solace on the page.

The heart chakra sees us approach the halfway point on our journey through the seven chakras in my Chakra Chapters series. I’ve previously covered the Root Chakra, Sacral Chakra and Solar Plexus Chakra, so make sure to read those blogs, too. 

Known in Sanskrit as Anahata, which roughly translates to unhurt or unbeaten, the heart chakra sits in the centre of our chests and the chakra system. It acts as a bridge between the upper and lower energy centres. As you would expect, the heart chakra is all about giving and receiving love – and therefore plays a pivotal role in determining the relationships we have with ourselves and others.

Possessing a healing, loving and calming energy, the heart chakra connects the physical realm with the spiritual. It serves as our centre for unconditional love, compassion, empathy and joy – and working with it can often reveal deep and profound truths.

Cacao Ceremony & Chanting

I’ve talked about the heart-opening powers of cacao in a previous blog all about spiritual healing plants, but incorporating drinking cacao in a heart chakra ceremony takes it to a whole new level! Cacao offers a gentle high without any mind-altering effects and opens your heart allowing you to tap into a healing childlike energy. I set the scene with either rose, lavender or jasmine incense – all scents strongly associated with tapping into the love frequency. I then like to chant Yam, which is the mantra that vibrates with the energy of the heart chakra and brings about peace, compassion, joy, love and contentment for yourself and those around you. 

Yoga 

Movement is an incredible medicine – especially when looking to shift a blockage. When it comes to the heart chakra, practising backbends of any sort is a fantastic way to open up the front body. These yoga poses can be intense and put a strain on your lower back if you’re not adequately warmed up, so make sure to start slow with simple backbends like Cobra Pose, Cat/Cow Pose and Puppy Pose before embarking on more intense postures such as Camel Pose, Wheel Pose or Fish Pose. Remember that you don’t always have to go to the fullest expression of the asana, use blocks and bolsters to support you as needed to make sure you’re getting the full benefits rather than straining your way through. 

Crystal Healing 

I love using crystals when working to open my chakras. Crystals in the chakra’s associated colour of green are wonderfully beneficial, such as jade, emerald, green aventurine, malachite and moldavite. Pink crystals that vibrate with the love frequency are other great alternatives, such as rose quartz, rhodonite and rhodochrosite for cultivating self-compassion and joy. Thanks to its central location, you can easily work with crystals to heal your heart chakra by wearing them around your neck with jewellery or as a pendant. You can also hold the crystals while you meditate, keep them near your bed or use them in a Reiki session. 

Holotropic Breathwork

If you feel your heart chakra is particularly misaligned, then you can always look into holotropic breathwork as a practice to help release the blockage. While emotionally and physically intense, it can have a truly transformational effect. Holotropic breathwork is usually guided by a trained facilitator who will take you through a series of controlled breathing patterns to place you in a state of altered consciousness. Once in that state, you’ll find you can move beyond your body and ego to deeply connect with yourself. The deep connection and understanding will help heal your heart chakra. 

Since exploring further into spirituality and completing my training in sound healing, I’ve discovered how deeply transformative this wellness practice is! With its roots in many ancient cultures, such as the Egyptians, Greeks and Chinese, sound has been used for its therapeutic effects on the mind and body. 

One of the things I love most about this wellness practice is its ability to promote healing on many levels. Whether I’m experiencing physical discomfort, emotional distress, or spiritual disconnection, sound healing has the power to help me find relief and restore balance to my life. 

If you’re curious about learning more about this,it’s vital to understand that sound waves have the power to affect us on many levels, from our physical bodies to our emotional and spiritual wellbeing. To harness this power, I have used a variety of tools, including singing bowls, tuning forks, chimes, and gongs, to create a vibrational frequency that can promote relaxation, release tension, and restore balance to the body and mind.

Crystal healing is a wellness practice that works by using the unique energetic properties of crystals and gemstones to support all aspects of our wellbeing. When we use crystals for healing, we’re essentially tapping into the natural vibrational energy of the earth, which can help to restore balance and harmony within our own energy systems. 

The power of crystals isn’t a new discovery – they have been used for thousands of years for protection, health and emotional healing! During my studies, I learned that in India, Ayurvedic medicine has long recognised the healing properties of gems and minerals, and Native American tribes also have a rich history of using crystals in their healing ceremonies.

When working with crystals, I like to focus on setting intentions and using specific stones that resonate with my goals or needs. For example, I might use rose quartz to promote self-love, citrine to enhance creativity, or amethyst to support spiritual growth and connection.