Breathe, Stretch, Align: A Look at Energy and Intuitive Culture in 2019

Men lie, women lie, our energy couldn’t lie even if we wanted it to.

Our energy has the power to shape how we view life, our mental state, how we handle life’s challenges, and even the people we attract. I’d argue protecting and nourishing your energy should be THEE most significant item on your priority list. And let’s be honest— we live in a world/country where it’s frowned upon to not be working your ass off, especially as a black woman. Word, to us getting multiple degrees, holding down multiple jobs and roles and still looking for the next thing to conquer. And yet, as we’ve climbed our way into being the most educated group in the US population, one must wonder: at what expense?

I believe we’re no good to anyone else if we do not first pour into ourselves. So through that logic, setting aside time to be selfish is actually benefiting everyone around you. Only when your mind, body and spirit are aligned are you able to be your best self and live your best life.

But I digress. If you’re like me you have a set of people you follow on social media (that magical vehicle that keeps us all connected) that are “go-to” accounts. Lately, I found myself making daily visits to Instagram and Twitter accounts of healers, teachers, yoga practitioners and just generally, people who are in tune with their higher selves. These are people who in one way or another teach us (the less knowledgeable) about how to tap into our higher selves and feed our souls. And I’ve noticed, an increasing amount of black women are joining the wave.

Now, if you’re brand new to this, this all may sounds a little cray. And believe me, I get it. I used to believe these things were for “hippie” personalities. And in a way, it is. It’s an alternative way of life that will inevitably pull you away from the secular world into the spiritual one. So, read on if you’re not afraid to be a little “weird.” There are many aspects to understanding intuitive culture so this article will serve as a basic break down of the fundamental building blocks.

Intuition

The Oxford dictionary nails this one: the ability to understand something immediately, without the need for conscious reasoning. You’ve likely been encouraged to trust your intuition — it’s rarely wrong. And the same applies when tapping into or balancing our higher consciousness. Our intuitions are like built in GPS system gently nudging us when something is good, and especially when it’s not.

The Universe

Often used interchangeably or in the same vein as intuition, many spiritual people believe in it’s ability to guide, send gifts, things or people and in the power of being in alignment with what it wants from us. It is also believe that the placement of planets, and where they are in their cyclic paths can effect the energy we feel. Ever heard the term “mercury is in retrograde?” Yeah, sis it’s a real thing. And it’s often connect to our birth-dates which brings me to my next point.

Astrology

We’ve all done it—look up your horoscope and you’ve either been amazed at how accurate it is or just thrown the whole horoscope out. Either way according to believers, the date, time, season, moon and sun under which you were born all matter and all play a role in your personality and energetic tendencies. To learn where you stand in each category you’ll want to chart out: your sun sign (there are twelve), your ruling element, your ruling planet, your solar season which is basically follow our own seasonal system, and any other less dominant signs that fall within your birth chart. An example of this would be: Leo’s are ruled by fire (their element) and their dominant planet is the sun which relates back to their (often) fiery and passionate personalities.

Chakras

Stemming from Buddhist religion and history, Chakras are believed to be 7 energy vortexes or spiritual energy centers located on different points down the spine. Each chakra is a different color and represents a different portion of our spiritual and physical foundation. The goal is to keep each open and active. If you find that one is “blocked” you can open each one through meditation, yoga, or chanting.

Crystals

Often used as tools of healing you can literally find the crystal of your choice small enough to carry everywhere. They’re also great as both house decor and can cleanse your spaces. These have been en vogue as of late so you could likely find them at your local home furnishing stores. Below is a chart on each and the energy they bring:

And that concludes the first part of the basics. The study of spiritual and energy wellness is almost never ending. But if you’re at the beginning of this journey, like myself, don’t worry Sis— I got you with the breakdowns. Look out for part two within the next two weeks!