The above card is part of my transformational ritual card deck.
Cleansing breath is a breathing technique designed to clear both physical tension and mental or emotional blockages. It involves deep, intentional inhalations followed by forceful exhalations, with the goal of releasing stagnant energy, stress, and negativity. It is often used in meditation, yoga, and spiritual practices to refresh the mind and body, promote relaxation, and foster a sense of renewal.
Cleansing Breath Ritual:
Set up your space:
Choose a calm and quiet space where you won’t be disturbed.
Light a candle, burn incense, or use a smudge stick (sage, palo santo) to cleanse the energy around you.
Optionally, diffuse essential oils that promote cleansing and renewal such as eucalyptus, lemongrass, or peppermint.
Ground yourself:
Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position or in a chair with your feet flat on the floor.
Close your eyes, place your hands on your knees or in your lap, and take a few moments to center your mind.
Set an intention for your cleansing breath, such as releasing stress, clearing negative energy, or refreshing your spirit.
Begin the cleansing breath:
Inhale deeply through your nose: Take a slow, deep breath in, expanding your belly, ribs, and chest. Imagine pure, cleansing energy entering your body.
Hold the breath for 3-5 seconds: During this hold, visualize the breath collecting any stagnant or negative energy, ready to be released.
Exhale forcefully through your mouth: Let out a loud, open-mouthed exhale as though you’re blowing out tension, stress, or any negative emotions. Imagine these leaving your body in the form of dark smoke.
Repeat this process for 5-7 cycles, each time deepening the inhalation, holding, and fully releasing with the exhalation.
Integrate movement (optional):
As you exhale, you can intensify the release by gently shaking out your hands or body, helping to physically release any remaining tension or stagnant energy.
You can also visualize roots growing from your feet into the earth, grounding you and carrying away any negative energy.
Close the ritual:
After completing the breath cycles, sit quietly with your eyes closed. Return to a natural breath and take a moment to observe how you feel—lighter, clearer, and more grounded.
If you’re preparing for a spiritual practice (e.g., drawing cards, meditating, or journaling), begin that process now with a renewed sense of clarity.
As you close the ritual, thank yourself and any spiritual guides for supporting the cleansing process.
Essential Oils for Cleansing Breath Ritual:
To enhance this ritual, you can incorporate the following essential oils, which promote cleansing and rejuvenation:
Eucalyptus: Known for its purifying qualities, eucalyptus can clear the mind and open the airways, making it perfect for deep, cleansing breaths.
Peppermint: Stimulates the mind and helps refresh both the body and spirit, promoting clarity.
Lemongrass: A cleansing and refreshing oil, lemongrass helps clear negative energy and bring in positivity.
Rosemary: Energizing and purifying, rosemary can help sharpen the mind and cleanse the air.
You can diffuse these oils, apply a diluted blend to your wrists or chest, or inhale directly from the bottle before beginning your cleansing breath.
Benefits of Cleansing Breath:
Releases physical tension: The forceful exhalation helps to physically release tension from the body, especially in the shoulders, neck, and chest.
Clears mental fog: Cleansing breaths refresh the mind, helping to improve clarity, focus, and decision-making.
Purifies energy: This practice can clear stagnant or negative energy, leaving you feeling lighter and more balanced.
Enhances relaxation: The deep, intentional breaths activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and stress relief.
Improves lung capacity: Regular practice of cleansing breath enhances lung function and breathing efficiency.
This simple yet effective ritual can become part of your daily routine or spiritual practice to help you reset, release, and invite fresh energy into your life.