The Hearts and Bones Art Class

Oct.8 , 2001

Exercise #35 :

CLEARING YOUR SPACE TO THEN BE CREATIVE

Sage, Cedar, Sweetgrass are helper plants the native people of the Americas have been using for thousands and thousands of moons. They are burned during ceremonies to clear space, to change the energy, to invite in the indigenous spirits of this land and earth.

Ever time I go to my studio the first thing I do is to light a candle and burn some sage and/or incense. This help me shift gears. I feel more directed and protected. I feel less scattered, more grounded, more connected to my source. Ready for the next great adventure.

Get some sage at a local bookstore, healthfood store, or online. Crack the door or window, light the sage and walk around your studio moving the smoke around, imagining it's like a broom sweeping out all the corners. Move it around your body, your hands, your head, your heart. Put it out using alittle water.

The best thing about all this is it doesn't matter what you believe or what your "religion" is... all you have to do is try it out and see how it feels. All you have to do is be honest with yourself. Does it feel better to do it? Does your space/studio feel more connected, more safe? Is your belly softer and your eyes more clear? Does this bring you closer to joy, truth, and love? This is how you will know what works.