As we go about our day, over the course of weeks, months and years we accumulate different types of energy. We might refer to this as positive or negative energy, over time we might call refer to it as wisdom or trauma.
Through the experiences we have, the people we surround ourselves with and the perspective we bring to different situations our aura forms. The energy we’ve accumulated forms the filter through which we interact with the world.
Energy clearing is important because we might not want to carry everything we’ve experienced indefinitely. We might want to clear away some of the heavier, negative stuff so we can feel lighter and more focused.
In this post I want to outline different ways you can begin clearing your energy with practical tools and exercises you can use daily.
How to get rid of ‘negative energy’
When we clear our energy the main goal is to release negativity. Negative energy or lower vibrational energy could be seen as anything that brings us away from our soul (true self): judgment, shame, fear, anger etc.
Negative energy is energy that brings us away from love, connection, peace etc.
When discussing negative energy I like to use the analogy of taking a bath and how we clean ourselves physically. We want to wash ourselves everyday to get rid of any dirt, excess oils, impurities, because it keeps us healthy and happy.
However we don’t want to over-wash ourselves; taking away our natural oils, or stripping ourselves of all impurities/germs/dirt. We need some exposure to these things in order to maintain a healthy balance. The same applies to non-physical impurities: negative energy.
We can’t get rid of all negative energy from our bodies or our aura, and we don’t want to be obsessively clearing our energy constantly. When our aura is strengthened we develop nautral immunity towards certain negative energies – we build resilience.
What we want to do is get rid of any excess negative energy, that is weighing us down and preventing us from operating at our best. Don’t get into the mindset of unconsciously seeking out and eliminating ‘negative energy’ everywhere you go.
Signs you need an energy clearing
- It’s difficult to let go of the past
- You find it difficult to manage your emotions
- You experience brain fog or confusion
- You feel a lack of direction in your life
- You just feel off
Clearing your energy is like taking a good hot shower, you feel refreshed and revitalized afterwards. All of that excess junk has been washed away and you can think clearly.
12 ways to cleanse your energy
When creating an energy clearing practice it helps to consider all levels of consciousness: physical, mental, spiritual and emotional – make sure you have rituals for each.
You can also consider how you are incorporating all four elements into your daily routine. Have something that connects you to the earth, wind, fire and air.
1. Sound healing
When I think of energy cleansing the first thing that comes to mind is music! This is one of the most universal energy cleansing tools used throughout all cultures and times. When we are feeling down, when we want to feel motivated, many of us turn to sound/music.
Listening to binaural beats in particular Solfeggio frequencies, can be helpful in moving energy. This is because each sound has a specific frequency, which can help open up different aspects of our being.
Six main Solfeggio frequencies:
- UT – 396 Hz – Releasing Fear & Fear.
- RE – 417 Hz – Welcoming change.
- MI – 528 Hz – Transformation & Miracles (DNA Repair)
- FA – 639 Hz – Deeper connections.
- SOL – 741 Hz – Awakening Intuition/the third eye.
- LA – 852 Hz – Opening our spiritual connection.
As you listen to these frequencies pay close attention to what emotional material or sensations arise in the body – these are coming up to be cleared.
You can also try listening to the music of your choice, drumming, singing, whatever uplifts your spirit. Pay attention how certain music makes you feel and the intention you bring to it, that is what’s most important.
2. Mindful movement
When we listen to music or do a sound healing, it’s natural for movement to come alongside it in the form of yoga, dance or exercize. Movement is one of the easiest ways to move energy on a physical level.
When you are in a meditation it’s natural for your body to start moving in all kinds of ways. Allow yourself to flow without judgement or trying to following a strict rhythm. Our bodies will move us in exactly the right ways to shake off excess energy.
3. Visualization
The final addition to sound and movement is visualization (although many of the practices on this list can be combined). I think sound healing, movement and visualization are an intuitive combination.
- Get into a seated meditation position
- Take a few moments to breathe deeply and center your attention
- Take a deep breath in
- Visualize a white ball of energy at your crown chakra
- As you slowly exhale, visualize this ball flowing down your entire body
- Visualize all of the dense, negative energy flooding out
- Take a deep breath in and out
- Visualize your body filling up with the color green or purple
- Visualize the edges of your aura sealing up afterwards
4. Journaling
Journaling allows us to see our energy in a physical form in front of us, but it’s effectiveness will depend on what type of journaling we do.
Journaling can be a way to recount annoyances from the day (and that has its place) which can amplify those negative emotions we feel, or just add more weight to an experience. Journaling can also be used to set intentions, resolve conflicts and build something new.
Get your journal open in front of you and just let the words flow out. Don’t second guess or try to structure things, just allow different associations to come up of their own accord.
Through this exercize you might recount the events of the day/prominent emotions, but you’ll also find another voice coming through – the higher self. Over time you can look back on these entries, find common threads and notice if any recurring messages are coming through.
5. Meditation
Meditation is another way that we can see our energy in front of us, this time in the context of a quiet moment with our eyes closed and focus on the breath.
The key with meditation is make things as simple as possible. If you can only meditate for five minutes start with that and stick with it. When a thought arises allow it to pass without judgement.
6. Smudging
Smudging is a time-tested energy clearing ritual that involves using smoke to clear a space of stagnant energy. The most common herbs to smudge include white sage, palo santo, cedar amongst others.
I recommend doing some research before buying a large quantity of herb to smudge, check to see if it is sustainable to grow and if it is safe to burn. I do not personally recommend buying large quantities of white sage or relying on that for your smudging rituals.
Find herbs that are grown locally, by independent businesses, or even that you can grow yourself. Get more intentional with what types of herbs you use according to the specific purpose of your energy clearing.
Good alternatives to research:
- Lavender
- Mugwort
- Garden sage or green sage
- Wormwood
- Holy basil
- Lemon balm
It makes no sense to use herbs which are over-harvested or unsustainable to remove negative energy from your space, only to cause unintended damage elsewhere. Be mindful of trying to replicate the perfect smudging aesthetic with mass-produced kits/bundles, focus on intention.
Incorporate herbs into teas or use oils if smoke is likely to irritate your lungs or you aren’t too keen on the smell. if you prefer, mix your herbs of choice in a large bowl, with some salt and hot water to release the scent and oils without burning.
7. Pranayama (breathwork)
The energy that we carry affects our breathing patterns, and our breathing patterns affect our energy – this is a one to one relationship.
If we live in anxiety-inducing environments where we always have to seek out danger in order to keep ourselves safe, if our work is stressful and all-consuming, our breathing can become shallow and short to accommodate this.
Breathwork allows us to shift form the fight or flight nervous system into the parasympathetic nervous system, which is one of peace and safety.
If you have existing respiratory issues, are pregnant or are otherwise cautious to begin breathwork, consult a medical professional before proceeding.
4-7-8 Breathing
- Get into a comfortable seated position
- Place the tip of your tongue behind your top front teeth
- Empty your lungs
- Breathe in for 4 seconds through the nose
- Hold your breath for 7 seconds
- Exhale through the mouth for 8 seconds making a “whoosh” sound
Breathwork provides us with both a physical and energetic detox. With practice deeper fuller breaths become habitual, and we can remain calmer in tense situations because we have easier access to the peace built in this state.
Through practicing breathwork we can learn to breathe deeply from the stomach rather than shortly from the chest.
8. Spend time in nature
When we are in nature we are surrounded by the four elements, which each have a unique healing property. Water can help wash away impurities, the sun can help enlighten and burn up old energy, the wind can carry away stagnant energy, the earth can transmute heavy energy.
I like to find one spot in nature that I can easily come back to time and time again, even a specific plant or tree. Get accustomed to the natural flow of things in this space, try to tune into each individual movement and sound around you.
The goal of life is to make your heartbeat match the beat of the universe, to match your nature with Nature.
Joseph Campbell
Nature can also be a great grounding tool.
9. Water cleansing
Along with spending time in nature, we can specifically use water to cleanse our energy. This can be as simple as mentally reciting an uplifting affirmation as you wash your hands or fill up a water bottle throughout the day, or can be more involved like a bath ritual.
You can clear your energy with water through submerging yourself in any natural body of water, such as a lake or stream. Alternatively, add a cup or two of Epsom salt and the herbs of your choice to a warm bath and soak. As you are taking a shower, visualize old energy flowing out of your body and down the drain.
Further reading: 4 ways to cleanse your energy with water
10. Clear your physical space
A lot can be done to shift our energy through non-physical methods such as visualizations, affirmations or a shift in mindset. However our physical environment plays a big role in our energy too!
When our spaces are filled with clutter, are disorganized or messy we are likely to feel that way internally too. Objects can become saturated with specific energies, both positive and negative.
Take a few deep breaths from the stomach, clear your mind and tap into a sense of peace. Stand in a room that you wish to clear and notice how it differs from how you feeling now, what needs to be shifted in this space according to this?
Open the windows, add an extra light if necassary, get rid of old possessions (especially ones that hold a negative memory) clear the floor and sides, and add items that create a more uplifting atmosphere. Don’t forget to clear your physical space after you do a deep meditation or energy work session.
11. Cord cutting
Along with clearing your physical space, you want to be clearing your energetic attachments too. With each relationship we have an energetic cord is formed, the deeper the connection the tighter and more intricately wound this cord becomes.
We can do all the energetic cleansing in the world but if we continue the same unhealthy dynamics in our relationships, all of that old stuff can come flooding back in.
Further Reading: Releasing energy cords
12. Sleep
This might seem like an odd addition to the list, but sleep is one of the best ways to clear our energy and one that we do every night anyway.
Of course sleep can become a kind of avoidance strategy, if we are sleeping our days away trying to evade our problems. However a good sleep schedule is invaluable in our energetic health. During sleep we are not only resting on a physical level but also clearing dense energy through our dreams.
Energy healing & shadow work
The exercizes above mostly represent short-term energy clearing practices, that can also be paired together and create a routine that has lasting impact.
The key to deep energetic healing isn’t to be constantly getting rid of negative energy (although there will be times where a deep clean is required) but to become more centered in ourselves and resilient to different types of energy.
When we refer to negative energy we might be referring to truly malicious form of energy, that precede harmful actions. Other times, we use negative energy to refer to energy that simply makes us uncomfortable but isn’t necessarily ‘bad’.
Negative energy is a part of life (at least in this time and space). We might not be able to erase negativity but we can shift how we approach it, how we interact with it and how much we absorb.
Negative energy acts as the counterbalance to positive energy. Wisdom can come from the depths of pain. A new life can be breathed from old wounds. The dark defines the light and vice versa.
This is where shadow work is so important. Shadow work is an acknowledgement of the negative as well as the unconscious. In order to be lightworkers we also have to be shadow workers. This is to say, that with awareness of the negative we can cultivate deep authentic positivity.
When we are aware of our shadow (our darkness) we are less likely to be knocked off balance or to internalize other people’s shadows or negativity. We understand that everyone has a shadow, and that negative energy is also part of the whole.
We can stand centered within ourselves during a tense interaction without taking that on personally. We don’t need to be clearing our energy as often or always expelling ‘negative vibes’ because we have already neutralized them.
This was beauty and profound and much needed,
Thank You, Ashley
Thank you for the comment Ashly, it’s nice to see a familiar name on the blog!