Blog
Grounding and Shielding
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
As we move through our day we are prone to picking up other people's energetic "stuff". It is a great daily practice to learn to ground and shield yourself. This practice will help you stay focused, balanced and most importantly learn to shield yourself to avoid taking on the emotions or illness of another. This only takes a few minutes and has a huge impact on how you interact with the world around you.
So how do you do this?
GROUNDING EXERCISE:
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
As we move through our day we are prone to picking up other people's energetic "stuff". It is a great daily practice to learn to ground and shield yourself. This practice will help you stay focused, balanced and most importantly learn to shield yourself to avoid taking on the emotions or illness of another. This only takes a few minutes and has a huge impact on how you interact with the world around you.
So how do you do this?
GROUNDING EXERCISE:
- Find a quiet space, outside, barefoot is the best but not always possible. If so find a quiet space indoors.
- Stand tall with your feet firmly planted, Arms at your side, palms facing out
- Start by giving gratitude
- Now imagine roots coming out the bottoms of your feet and tips of your fingers. Visualize these roots going deep into the earth
- Now ask that these roots take anything that no longer serves you (feel free to change the wording to what feels best)
- Scan your body from head to toe and feel any negativity, anxiety, sadness, anger, etc., being released from those roots into the earth. Most likely you feel like your feet “hit” the ground and you are firmly in your body.
- Now lift your arms up to the sky. Ask to be filled with love and light and all you need for this day (again- change wording as what feels best for you)
- Visualize a bright white light coming down through the top of your head and moving through your body. You will most likely feel a peaceful, calm sensation.
- When you feel you are finished with this technique, put your hands’ palms together, heart center.
- Visualize that light in the center of your body, going from head to toe in a straight line. Now visualize that light radiating out from your center, forming a “bubble” around you. You can make this bubble as big or small as you want. Set the intention that it remains there throughout the entire day.
- As you come across people or situations practice expanding or contracting the “bubble”. Set the knowing that this shield is protecting you from other people’s negativity, illness, and pain, but still allows the positive energies to come in, as well as your love and light to flow out.
- As you get more confident with this technique, try playing with your bubble; perhaps it’s filled with a colored light? Maybe it makes a noise when it expands or contracts?
- You can also use a “mirror shield” if someone around you is extremely negative. This mirror can reflect back to them what they are sending out. Please note you should note you should not always have a “mirror shield” up, use only in particularly difficult/negative situations when you feel you need extra protection.
Cleansing your Home
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
Your home should be your sanctuary, the place where you can totally unwind and relax. The energy in your home can vary greatly depending on many factors. If you are going through a difficult time in your life, the energy in your home can feel thick or stagnant. Sometimes we either live with or have less positive people visiting us and the energy in the home can feel chaotic. It’s nice to get into the practice of regularly cleansing your home. You can do this monthly around the full moon, weekly, or just as needed. There are many many ways to energetically cleanse a home. Here a few of my favorites:
Sage
I prefer to use loose sage instead of a smudge stick. If you only have a smudge stick you can break off pieces of sage to use. Be sure to place it in a fireproof container. Conch shells are commonly used for sageing. It’s a good practice to open at least one window or door for the negative energy to leave from.
Start in the doorway of your home and light the sage, letting it burn freely. Walk around your home and ask that anything negative or stagnant leave the house. You can call in your guides and angels to assist. It’s important to also ask that your home be filled with something positive- peace, love, harmony, etc. (You don’t want to leave an empty energetic space for the yuck you just cleared to come back.)
Walk around the entire home- don’t forget the outside too! If the sage is still burning, place it somewhere in the middle of the home until it fully burns out. Dispose of any remaining sage or ash away from the home. (an outside trash can is fine)
A great alternative is making your own sage spray. You can get sage essential oil and add it to a class spray bottle with distilled water. (Start with about 20-30 drops, add more if preferred) You can add some small crystals to this mix too. This is a great alternative for those sensitive to smoke or in places where you can’t burn things, such as your office, hotels, even hospital rooms!
Alcohol and Salt
This is one of my new favorites. The ingredients are cheap and this process clears a space FAST! All you need is rubbing alcohol and salt of your choice. You can use epsom, himalayan, kosher or regular table salt. This can get HOT so be sure to use a fireproof container, I like to use cast iron.
Pour some salt in the container and place it on a hot pad in the center of your home or the specific room you wish to clear. Pour some rubbing alcohol over it, set your intentions and let it burn! *Please note this can get VERY HOT, VERY FAST so it’s not advisable to hold or move it until it’s completely done.
When you light it, watch the flame. Sometimes it will get very large, other times it will dance around or turn blue. It might simmer down then ignite again. You can see the clearing take place! When you are finished, let it cool and dispose of any remaining salt outside of the home.
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
Your home should be your sanctuary, the place where you can totally unwind and relax. The energy in your home can vary greatly depending on many factors. If you are going through a difficult time in your life, the energy in your home can feel thick or stagnant. Sometimes we either live with or have less positive people visiting us and the energy in the home can feel chaotic. It’s nice to get into the practice of regularly cleansing your home. You can do this monthly around the full moon, weekly, or just as needed. There are many many ways to energetically cleanse a home. Here a few of my favorites:
Sage
I prefer to use loose sage instead of a smudge stick. If you only have a smudge stick you can break off pieces of sage to use. Be sure to place it in a fireproof container. Conch shells are commonly used for sageing. It’s a good practice to open at least one window or door for the negative energy to leave from.
Start in the doorway of your home and light the sage, letting it burn freely. Walk around your home and ask that anything negative or stagnant leave the house. You can call in your guides and angels to assist. It’s important to also ask that your home be filled with something positive- peace, love, harmony, etc. (You don’t want to leave an empty energetic space for the yuck you just cleared to come back.)
Walk around the entire home- don’t forget the outside too! If the sage is still burning, place it somewhere in the middle of the home until it fully burns out. Dispose of any remaining sage or ash away from the home. (an outside trash can is fine)
A great alternative is making your own sage spray. You can get sage essential oil and add it to a class spray bottle with distilled water. (Start with about 20-30 drops, add more if preferred) You can add some small crystals to this mix too. This is a great alternative for those sensitive to smoke or in places where you can’t burn things, such as your office, hotels, even hospital rooms!
Alcohol and Salt
This is one of my new favorites. The ingredients are cheap and this process clears a space FAST! All you need is rubbing alcohol and salt of your choice. You can use epsom, himalayan, kosher or regular table salt. This can get HOT so be sure to use a fireproof container, I like to use cast iron.
Pour some salt in the container and place it on a hot pad in the center of your home or the specific room you wish to clear. Pour some rubbing alcohol over it, set your intentions and let it burn! *Please note this can get VERY HOT, VERY FAST so it’s not advisable to hold or move it until it’s completely done.
When you light it, watch the flame. Sometimes it will get very large, other times it will dance around or turn blue. It might simmer down then ignite again. You can see the clearing take place! When you are finished, let it cool and dispose of any remaining salt outside of the home.
Connecting with your "Team"
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
For many, the Reiki journey starts with a connection to the angels. You may start to see repeating numbers such as “1111”, you may notice feathers or coins, or other objects in random places. For many this is the beginning of their “awakening”. It can be confusing and overwhelming at times, but this is a great chance to connect with your team of guides and angels.
Our angels must honor our free will as humans, therefore they will not likely step in to help unless you ask. Working with your angels is a magical and loving experience that will change the way you see the world. To begin, you can just start talking to them. Aloud or in your head- they can hear you. You may want to start by connecting to an Archangel you know about. Perhaps Archangel Michael or Raphael. Or perhaps you would like to connect to your own person guardian angels. Introduce yourself, ask for signs that they are near. If you see repeating numbers look them up! There are lots of websites with wonderful interpretations. Doreen Virtue also has a great pocket sized book called “Angel Numbers 101”.
Start calling in your angels with you meditate or before you go to sleep. We are better able to connect with our angels when our minds are clear. You can ask your angels to come to you in your dreams and deliver any messages they have for you. I had an amazing dream when I first started my journey of awakening. I was just learning to connect with the angels and had always been very drawn to Archangel Michael. One night I dreamt I was in a store that had a lovely angel plaque. I really wanted to buy it but knew it was a silly purchase. A friend who was with me in the store encouraged me to get it, saying I deserved a little treat. So I bought it. I handed the cashier my money and she returned the full amount of the item plus more as my change. Baffled I looked next to me to show my friend, but instead saw Archangel Michael! He said to me “I will always take care of you”.
I woke feeling so happy and filled with joy. It was one of those dreams that ‘felt real”. It’s been 7 years since that dream and I’m happy to say that Michael has always taken care of me. I trust fully in it and I urge you to as well.
Depending on your gifts and what you open up to, you may start to see, hear or feel your angels. The angels mean you absolutely no harm, they are here to protect you. It can start to feel overwhelming or scary for some when their angels come through in more intense ways. If it feels this way, simply ask them to slow it down a bit. The angels love you and want only the best for you.
As you progress down your Reiki journey you will most likely meet new guides and angels. Some may also leave because they were only meant to be with you for a short duration. It is also a good practice to start calling in your angels while you are doing a Reiki session. They can greater assist you with your Reiki, as well as protect you
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
For many, the Reiki journey starts with a connection to the angels. You may start to see repeating numbers such as “1111”, you may notice feathers or coins, or other objects in random places. For many this is the beginning of their “awakening”. It can be confusing and overwhelming at times, but this is a great chance to connect with your team of guides and angels.
Our angels must honor our free will as humans, therefore they will not likely step in to help unless you ask. Working with your angels is a magical and loving experience that will change the way you see the world. To begin, you can just start talking to them. Aloud or in your head- they can hear you. You may want to start by connecting to an Archangel you know about. Perhaps Archangel Michael or Raphael. Or perhaps you would like to connect to your own person guardian angels. Introduce yourself, ask for signs that they are near. If you see repeating numbers look them up! There are lots of websites with wonderful interpretations. Doreen Virtue also has a great pocket sized book called “Angel Numbers 101”.
Start calling in your angels with you meditate or before you go to sleep. We are better able to connect with our angels when our minds are clear. You can ask your angels to come to you in your dreams and deliver any messages they have for you. I had an amazing dream when I first started my journey of awakening. I was just learning to connect with the angels and had always been very drawn to Archangel Michael. One night I dreamt I was in a store that had a lovely angel plaque. I really wanted to buy it but knew it was a silly purchase. A friend who was with me in the store encouraged me to get it, saying I deserved a little treat. So I bought it. I handed the cashier my money and she returned the full amount of the item plus more as my change. Baffled I looked next to me to show my friend, but instead saw Archangel Michael! He said to me “I will always take care of you”.
I woke feeling so happy and filled with joy. It was one of those dreams that ‘felt real”. It’s been 7 years since that dream and I’m happy to say that Michael has always taken care of me. I trust fully in it and I urge you to as well.
Depending on your gifts and what you open up to, you may start to see, hear or feel your angels. The angels mean you absolutely no harm, they are here to protect you. It can start to feel overwhelming or scary for some when their angels come through in more intense ways. If it feels this way, simply ask them to slow it down a bit. The angels love you and want only the best for you.
As you progress down your Reiki journey you will most likely meet new guides and angels. Some may also leave because they were only meant to be with you for a short duration. It is also a good practice to start calling in your angels while you are doing a Reiki session. They can greater assist you with your Reiki, as well as protect you
You've got some pretty rocks- now what?
By Kelly Greene M.Ed
Besides being beautiful, crystals have amazing healing properties. Many people are drawn to crystals but have no idea what to do with them. Crystals can be placed on the body, carried in your pocket or purse, put near your bed and some can even be made into water elixirs! Here's just a few suggestions:
Anxiety: Rose quartz, selenite and leopidolite are my personal favorites. Having these near your chest (or where ever you feel the anxiety) is best. You can stick them in your bra or wear it as a necklace. There are many beautiful pendant options if you wish to wear jewelry. Many crystal shops also sell wire "cages" that you can put a crystal in to wear. Or if you're feeling crafty you can wire wrap a crystal on your own.
Emotional Release and Healing: Carnelian, smokey quartz and blue kyanite. These stones help you gently pull up and release emotions you are carrying that no longer serve you. Place these around your bed, meditate holding them in your left hand or put them directly on the sacral chakra ( located just under the belly button).
Grounding and Protection: Smokey quartz, selenite and black tourmaline. Placing these stone around your home help you feel more grounded and protected. You can make a little grid or "stack" of all three of these and place them in the doorway of individual rooms or by the front door of your home. If you're feeling overwhelmed or ungrounded, holding black tourmaline in your hand for just a minute helps you feel calmer and more present in your body. These are also great stones to have by computers and other electronics.
Cleansing your crystals: Your crystals work hard helping you so it's very important to regularly cleanse them. Some stones like black tourmaline and smokey quartz don't need to be cleansed but I do like to give mine a moon bath every once in a while. The rest should be cleansed at least every other month or more often depending on how frequently you're using them. There are several ways to cleanse crystals:
There really is no right or wrong way to use or cleanse your crystals. The most important thing is to TRUST YOUR INTUITION! If you would like to learn more about crystals I offer several different crystal classes. Contact me for more information.
Anxiety: Rose quartz, selenite and leopidolite are my personal favorites. Having these near your chest (or where ever you feel the anxiety) is best. You can stick them in your bra or wear it as a necklace. There are many beautiful pendant options if you wish to wear jewelry. Many crystal shops also sell wire "cages" that you can put a crystal in to wear. Or if you're feeling crafty you can wire wrap a crystal on your own.
Emotional Release and Healing: Carnelian, smokey quartz and blue kyanite. These stones help you gently pull up and release emotions you are carrying that no longer serve you. Place these around your bed, meditate holding them in your left hand or put them directly on the sacral chakra ( located just under the belly button).
Grounding and Protection: Smokey quartz, selenite and black tourmaline. Placing these stone around your home help you feel more grounded and protected. You can make a little grid or "stack" of all three of these and place them in the doorway of individual rooms or by the front door of your home. If you're feeling overwhelmed or ungrounded, holding black tourmaline in your hand for just a minute helps you feel calmer and more present in your body. These are also great stones to have by computers and other electronics.
Cleansing your crystals: Your crystals work hard helping you so it's very important to regularly cleanse them. Some stones like black tourmaline and smokey quartz don't need to be cleansed but I do like to give mine a moon bath every once in a while. The rest should be cleansed at least every other month or more often depending on how frequently you're using them. There are several ways to cleanse crystals:
- Full Moon: Place your stones outside or on a windowsill overnight or even for a few hours.
- Sage: Burn some sage and wave the smoke around your crystals, setting the intention to clear them.
- Selenite: Yes I've mentioned this stone a lot, but it's one of my absolute favorites! Selenite comes in long bars and you can lay your crystals on it to clear them. I use this to cleanse my crystals in between sessions.
- Water: This is a great option but can only be used with certain crystals. A general rule of thumb is any crystal that is black in color or has a flaky consistency that grows in long rods ( such as kyanite) should not get wet.
- Sunshine: The sun has powerful energy that can cleanse crystals but you also have to mindful of what part of the world you live in. Here in Arizona the sun can bleach out the color of a crystal quite quickly.
- Sand: If you live near the ocean this is another great option. I have a bottle of sand I brought home from San Diego that I use to cleanse my crystals sometimes. Just put the sand in a bowl and let your crystals sit in it for a few hours.
There really is no right or wrong way to use or cleanse your crystals. The most important thing is to TRUST YOUR INTUITION! If you would like to learn more about crystals I offer several different crystal classes. Contact me for more information.