The Calming Ritual.
- Samantha Lois Chen
- Aug 15, 2025
- 2 min read
A few days ago, I wandered into a small incense shop in Ubud and came home with two treasures — Nag Champa and sandalwood sticks. The moment I lit one, the air filled with a warm, grounding aroma. I noticed it burned quickly, flaking as it went — which made me wonder about its quality. Sometimes, fast-burning incense can mean it contains less natural binder or more filler, but the deeper essence of incense is more than just its burn time.
The Spiritual Note of Incense
Incense has been used for thousands of years in temples, sacred spaces, and homes. Across cultures — from Buddhist meditation halls to Hindu pujas and Japanese tea ceremonies — incense smoke is believed to carry prayers, purify the air, and cleanse stagnant energy.
Sandalwood: Known for its grounding, meditative qualities, sandalwood calms the mind and deepens spiritual connection.
Nag Champa: A blend of champaca flower and sandalwood, often used in spiritual practice to create a serene, devotional atmosphere.
Why Burn Incense?
When we light incense with intention, it becomes more than just a fragrance — it’s a ritual of presence.
It marks the start of meditation or yoga.
It signals the mind to slow down.
It helps release the day’s heaviness, inviting in lightness and clarity.
A Simple Purifying Ritual
Set Your Intention – Before lighting, hold the incense stick between your palms and silently set an intention — for peace, clarity, love, or healing.
Light and Allow – Let the flame catch, then gently blow it out so only the smoke remains.
Move with the Smoke – Wave it gently around the space or yourself, imagining it carrying away heaviness, tension, and stagnant energy.
Sit in Stillness – Allow the scent to anchor you in the present.
A Note on Safety
While natural incense made from pure woods, herbs, and resins can be safe in moderation, it’s best to burn incense in a well-ventilated space. If you’re sensitive to smoke, try burning for short periods or use resin incense with charcoal outdoors.
When the last curl of smoke fades, you’re left with a quieter room — and a quieter heart.
That’s the beauty of incense: it reminds us that even the smallest rituals can shift the energy within and around us.
Comments