IMPROMPTU STORY TIME
I worked inside federal prison for three solid years—and an arms-length away from four. That’s not at all how you saw this starting, was it? While I could go on and on about my old story, that’d be perpetuating several scenes not worth repeating, and because of that, I’m telling it less and less these days.
The story I tell now (the only one of importance) is the epic transformation between the past and present. It starts with how this very second is the culmination of many incremental changes. Changes that eventually led to an enviable “quantum leap.”
The latter (leap bit) makes me an authoritative host on transformation Tuesdays. Not only because trauma stories are massive selling points for human beings (there’s an answer for that, too), but because I see so many missing the point of how energy, attraction, manifestation, and the Laws of the Universe work.
So, I thought—let’s go back to the basics. What was it that I was sourcing during my initial quest for information? The days when I was listening to one-hundred and twenty grown men shout back and forth over honey buns and televised programs (a true American tragedy)—the times when I was consistently attempting to escape those present moments, avoid change, and stay in “stuck.”
what space clearing is and isn’t
Back before I knew much about ancient practices, space clearing, and the role of energy, my Google search terms looked like external validations for sucking at life: “Am I dying if…?” “How to quit your life,” “101 unique excuses to use when calling in sick,” “Is it a spiritual awakening or just alcohol poisoning?”
Now while WebMD always gave me a coffin of reasons to croak, looking for the more profound answers to these questions produced a results list that offered either hermetic-worthy obscurity or trendy junk organized by zodiac sign and written by tweens. A vague tale I’m still noticing in today’s searches for much of the same.
For example, when you input words like “cleansing energy,” most of the results that populate will be marred with terms like “negative,” “stuck,” or some other explanation that defines and justifies the disharmony in the world. I retired (a very long time ago), thinking that there’s some ladder we should all be climbing to the top of to scream about our self-imposed limitations and convince anyone who will listen of why we are where we are.
Energy: Good or bad?
There is no good or bad energy. There just is. Your perception of either is what determines the degree of what lands where. And at times, just like your physical body, a slight reset of the start button is all that’s needed for new creations to emerge and a smoother ride to commence.
With that being said, there are countless ways to refresh. The following list I’ve provided has everything to do with your intention. The power of your choice behind an action, thought, feeling, and even physical object, situation, or person is everything. It defines the dynamic between all cooperative and competing parts.
Since we are often focused on the physical world (when we think about manifested energy), this list includes the five naturally occurring elements and how to bring those in to help you reset, restore, and refresh. Cheers.
The elements
Earth
Colors that evoke the mood of earth include beige, taupe, dark gold, sand, and other shades of brown. I love to incorporate this as sand in a table arrangement (you can collect it or buy it from craft stores), crystals and geodes (to adorn your bookshelf or altar), pottery, flowers, and plants. Plants can also overlap with the element of wood (bonsai lovers, worry not).
Speaking of plants, the burning sage or incense would also fall under earth. Incense is made of naturally occurring husk powder, honey, oils, natural resins, bamboo, herbs, and spices. One of my favorite pieces on my altar is the rock I found during a walk-in in San Antonio, Texas, while visiting a friend.
It has microdots hand-painted to form the word “seek” in all caps. Each time I see it, I’m reminded of the many poets, philosophers, and spiritual teachers who’ve defined, explored, and offered countless avenues worth seeking the “all that is” out of life…just like the rest of us.
Wood
When incorporating wood, color is irrelevant. Here, it’s about the shape. Yes, the form is essential. Cylindrical shapes (think rain sticks or a piece of palo santo) elevate the space and get the energy flowing in a way that promotes neutrality. As many of you know, forms have sacred meanings and various cultural uses (i.e., Metatron’s cube).
I’ve always been under the impression that certain lines or angles guide the energy in ways dictated by the distinct pattern. So, any cylindrical shape or object with a point at the top and a grounded base allow equilibrium between “heaven” and “earth.”
Wood elements to think about incorporating, aside from the two mentioned previously, include:
- Trees (I like money trees, but any tree will work)
- Wood furniture or décor (sculpture is fine too)
- Picture frames
- Woody oils (like cedarwood, sandalwood, or Frankincense)
Experts in Feng Shui (I’m not one) state that wood elements are suitable for gallbladder and liver detoxification. As I have read in many studies, plants have also been shown to elevate mood in a workspace. So, incorporating any wood element in your home is probably well worth considering, especially if you’re part of the WFH club.
Metal
Metal is my favorite element to include. One, because I love the versatility of metallic tones, and two, I adore antique mirrors and finding any excuse to have more hanging around. Having a mirror placed strategically in a room gives your home a lighter, brighter, and loftier feel. Circular shapes serve well here, as do gray, silver, or metallic colors.
Think wind chimes, light fixtures, and the like. Now, if you live in a rental like me, your walls are likely already white. And while white is not technically a color, it is considered a metallic base due to its reflectivity. If you’re not in a rental (or have at least one white wall to check this box), think about including soft textures—furniture, blankets, or décor that comes in one of these shades.
If you’re a design enthusiast, you can even try your hand at temporary wallpaper. Temp paper has some gorgeous patterns. If you’re not used to hanging it, I’d suggest exercising your skills on a focal wall instead of an entire room. Get yourself a partner, too. It’s no small task!
I have several metal elements (a Tibetan brass incense burner) and a silver metal side table from India. This element isn’t hard to include, and since modern homes come with stainless steel appliances and white walls, you’re already halfway there.
Water
One word: fountains. I think I’m a bit biased in the water element since I have five natal planets in water placements and am a Pisces personality by all accounts and purposes (I’ve likely lost half of you there).
However, aside from the apparent cleansing factor and baptismal qualities of water, its nature alone induces a meditative trance. Placing a fountain on your patio, in your garden, or even your tabletop is an excellent way to keep your headspace clear and mood lifted during the workday.
If you’re one of those oddballs opposed to fountains for some reason, you can fill a bowl with water and place it on your altar. Or, put a mason jar out during the full moon and drink from it throughout the following week. Whatever floats your boat (pun intended).
Fire
This one is pretty easy. Fireplace? Candles? Even burning incense or palo santo would go here. Bright colors like gold, orange, or yellow would also substitute nicely. You might be asking, if colors aren’t incorporated, how often would I use this element? Well, that depends on your lifestyle.
A good rule of thumb—if you’re into moon rituals (or rituals in general), burning your intentions during the Full Moon or even once a month is sufficient. Just remember to keep it consistent, whatever you choose to do. Consistency doesn’t have to mean daily, either.
Final thoughts
A note on Air (ether): The air element wasn’t included here because it’s technically incorporated as the basis for each. Generally speaking, Air represents the spiritual planes, thought-form, and non-material. Since that’s an entirely different category related to this subject, I didn’t get into it here. However, if that’s something you’d like to see me post about in the future, please send me an email and let me know. I’ll be happy to talk about it!
So, do what you will with this shortly compiled list of harmonious qualifiers on energetic goodness and creative flow. This author knows from personal experience (and renewed perception) that they work pretty well at raising the overall state of you and your space. My highest intention is that they will serve you in similarly transformative ways. Onward and upward.
