Palo Santo for Mood Boosting: How to Use and Find Sustainable Sources
Have you been feeling a little down or overwhelmed lately? Perhaps you're looking for a way to ground yourself and uplift your mood, so you can start your day feeling more productive and focused. If that's the case, you might want to consider trying Palo Santo.
Palo Santo ("holy wood" in Spanish) is a fragrant wood from South America that has been used for centuries in spiritual rituals and for its cleansing properties. When burned, it releases a sweet, grounding aroma that can help clear negative energy and promote relaxation. And when you set an intention and focus on the smoke, it can help you clear your mind and connect with your inner self.
Here's how to use Palo Santo as part of your morning ritual:
1. Find a sustainable source of Palo Santo: Before you start using Palo Santo, it's important to find a supplier who uses ethical and responsible practices, and who supports reforestation efforts. Due to its popularity, the wild populations of Palo Santo trees have been over-harvested in some areas, threatening the species and the ecosystems they support. Look for suppliers who work directly with local communities and use only dead wood (not live trees) for their products. Some suppliers also offer certifications or transparency reports to show their commitment to sustainability.
2. Set an intention: Before you light the Palo Santo, take a moment to connect with its energy. Inhale and exhale, knowing that your angels are with you in this moment, and that you are surrounded by helpful guidance on the other side. Feel the peace and comfort that comes from the gentle guidance within your soul. You can also set a specific intention for your smudging ritual, such as "I release all negative energy and welcome positivity and abundance into my life."
3. Light the Palo Santo: Hold the Palo Santo stick at a 45-degree angle and light one end. Let it burn for 30 seconds to a minute, then blow out the flame. You should see a thin trail of smoke. You can also use a feather or your hand to fan the smoke around your body or space.
4. Enjoy the benefits: As the smoke fills the room, inhale deeply and let the aroma envelop you. You might feel a sense of calm and relaxation, or a renewed sense of energy and focus. You can also visualize the smoke carrying away any negative or stagnant energy, and replacing it with positive and uplifting vibes.
Remember that Palo Santo is not a magical cure-all, but rather a tool that can help you connect with your inner self and create a positive environment. You can use it as part of your daily meditation, yoga, or self-care routine, or whenever you feel the need to clear your mind and uplift your mood.
By using Palo Santo mindfully and finding sustainable sources, you can enjoy its benefits while also supporting the communities and ecosystems that depend on it.
Have you tried using Palo Santo before? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below!