BY STEPHANIE VALENTE
Let’s talk about Cedar. Whether you’re just beginning a dreamy, magical journey or you’re a seasoned mystic, cedar is an essential tool that you should put into your spiritual treasure box.
Cedar has largely therapeutic properties ranging from mental health to physical wellness in combating infections and menopause side effects.
For me, cedar is a big part in my mental and mindful well-being. I’ve also put this amazing little side kick into my writing practice to give me a clean and crisp mental space when working. Here are three reasons why sage is going to kick your life’s ass.
1. Clearing your energy. We live in a busy world and that’s has some oh-so-amazing ups and oh-so-shitty downs. If you’re mentally stressed from a busy workload, seasonal depression, or a rift in a friendship or relationship, then cedar can help clear the path. I like to burn it when I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and need some time to myself. For me, the act gives me a few moments to be with my thoughts and recognize that it’s okay to feel how I feel. It’s also a great way to take a few moments to set positive intentions for a new chapter in your life.
2. Being mindful in the moment. For the past few years, my main goal in life is to be more mindful in the little moments. Savoring tiny slivers of joy--walking down my favorite street, a great cup of coffee, seeing a cute dog on the street, reading an awesome poem, or listening to my favorite song--really make life more tangible. I try to be more observant in my daily life as a human and a writer. Burning cedar at night when I’m writing in a journal or reviewing some notes sets the tone of relieving my day in a positive, big light.
3. Committing to meditation or spiritual rituals. No matter what your practice is--agnostic, pagan, Christian, and so on--having a personal, spiritual ritual is priceless. I like to burn sage before and after meditating to set a framework around that time. In some ways, it symbolizes that it’s an untouchable part of my day. It can’t be swayed by negative or an overwhelmed schedule, or even boredom, or laziness. Not to mention, it’s a wonderful aromatherapy scent that helps me stay more centered and focused when I do meditate. Personally, I like to burn it to signify this is a private but personal moment and I’m taking care of myself.
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Stephanie Valente is an editor and writer. She’s still trying to figure out how she fell to Earth. She edits Yes, Poetry with her sister and her chapbook Hotel Ghost premiered at Bottlecap Press. She is currently working on a novel or a poetry collection on some kind of moon magic. She can be found by the old stars: stephanievalente.com