In this clip I will show you how to make your own herb smudge incense at home with a few herbs you may have growing on your kitchen window sill or in your garden. The process itself is quite simple. It will involve identifying certain herbs within your garden, growing wild (although look for them somewhere there won't be pesticides used) or you could purchase some at a farmers market, garden centre or supermarket and then use their wonderful properties to fill your home with their earthy aromas. Only use what you have a positive identification for - try using a plant ID app and also researching online to be sure. Whilst white sage smudge sticks have a history in Native American ceremony, the burning of herbs is something that has happened in many cultures over time. Take this opportunity to enjoy the crafting aspect but also to bring a moment of ceremony into your home, perhaps marking it upon lighting, and let the herbs do their work. Remember to open windows and inside doors to let the smoke circulate. Never leave a lit flame unattended and check it is out properly if leaving your home.
Whilst using this nature activity to inspire, know you are helping you and your family's wellbeing like this:
1) Get Active - you will need to source your herbs - this may mean spending time initially in a garden centre and then out in your garden planting them (herbs grow well in large pots for ease of future identification), or taking a walk to find them growing wild. Gardening is way to keep yourself healthy and fit and the opportunities to work in a garden never end.
2) Keep Learning - Look online and learn how to identify the plant species that you need - there will be many variations, you are looking for the garden versions that can and are also used in cooking. While you are there why not look up some dishes that you can add your herbs to as well if you are planting them.
3) Be Mindful- working with natural materials to craft with as a process is known to settle the mind as it requires a type of focus that can help shut other things out, giving your mind a 'break'. This activity also allows the opportunity to bring ceremony into your home, even if only for eg two minutes a week, take the time to notice the flame as it lights, the smells, watch the mesmerising smoke dissapate. Watch, listen, smell and breathe.
4) Practice Kindness- Everyones outcomes will differ greatly - respond with kindness and respect. Responding enthusiastically will always boost your child's confidence and make you feel good too once you see how much confidence they will then have and how many more of them they would like to make.
5) Think Community - Remember to share the moment of ceremony with your family too, let them experience the joys of what they have made on all levels. If you made a batch of them, then why not gift one to a friend. Post your beautiful outcomes and share any tips in the comments below.
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