7 Steps to Cleanse Your Space for Peace and Positive Energy

Creating a calm, positive home can be a simple ritual that blends wisdom from Zen Buddhism, Indian Vāstu Shastra, Chinese Feng Shui, and Shamanic traditions. All of these traditions recognize that our homes mirror our inner state – by caring for our space, we invite harmony into our lives. Here are seven easy, actionable steps to cleanse and refresh the energy in your space, in a way that’s both practical and spiritually meaningful. Each step is short, friendly, and honors the depth of the tradition it comes from.

Declutter and Tidy Up

"Energy flows where attention goes."
Clutter blocks energy. Begin by removing anything broken, unused, or that holds negative memories. Organize with intention. Let your space breathe. In Zen philosophy, doing everyday chores mindfully (like cleaning) is considered a form of spiritual practice​. In Feng Shui, clearing clutter is the first step to let positive energy (qi) flow freely. This simple act of tidying not only makes your home look neat, but also instantly clears out blocked energy.

Use Sound for Vibrational Clearing

Sound can help break up any lingering heavy energy in your space. In spiritual traditions from India to China, bells and gongs are used in temples to cleanse the air and mark a fresh, positive start. You can walk through each room ringing the bell (don’t forget the corners!), or simply sit in the center of your home and let the soothing sound wash over the space. Feel the subtle shift as the sound waves carry away tension and invite calm. Sound breaks up dense energy patterns.

Ring a bell, play a singing bowl, or chant OM in each room. Sound clears and activates the energy field. Even clapping in corners lets the vibrations reach the hidden spaces where stagnant energy hides.

Used in temples, Zen centers, and shamanic ceremonies worldwide.

Place Crystals Mindfully

Set out a couple of crystals in key spots to amplify the good energy. Clear quartz, amethyst, or black tourmaline are popular choices – crystals are commonly believed to absorb negative energy and radiate positive vibes. (For example, some Feng Shui practitioners hang a clear crystal in a window to disperse good qi throughout a room.) Choose a stone that you feel drawn to, and place it with intention: on a windowsill, a coffee table, or near the entrance – anywhere it can quietly do its work. Each time you notice your crystal, you’ll remember the peaceful intention you set for your space, and it will serve as a little beacon of calm energy.

Use clear quartz, black tourmaline, or amethyst in key locations.

Crystals are used in Feng Shui and Vāstu to protect, ground, and amplify intentions.

Embrace Seasonal Refresh

Plan to regularly cleanse and refresh your home’s energy, ideally in tune with the seasons. Many cultures mark seasonal changes or the New Year with a deep cleaning and energy reset. For example, Chinese families thoroughly clean their homes before Lunar New Year to sweep away the bad luck of the previous year​. In India, homes are tidied and purified before Diwali to remove negativity and welcome the blessings of Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity)​

You can follow this wisdom by performing a significant space-clearing ritual every spring or simply by performing a mini refresh at the start of each season (think of an autumn cleanse to shed the old or a winter cleanse for coziness). Attuning your cleaning ritual to seasonal cycles helps you stay connected to nature’s rhythm and keeps the energy in your home feeling fresh, balanced, and full of life.

Do a complete cleansing ritual with each seasonal change or moon phase.

Seasonal and lunar transitions hold natural power for renewal, recognized in Chinese, Indian, and indigenous traditions.

Cleanse with Sacred Smoke

Smudging with white sage, palo santo, cedar, or frankincense clears stagnant energy. Open windows and walk clockwise around the space, gently wafting the smoke into corners, behind doors, and around electronics.

Intentional alternative: If smoke isn’t possible, use essential oil sprays made with purifying blends (sage, rosemary, lemon, etc.).

Smoke cleansing is used in Shamanic and Vāstu traditions to clear stagnant energy and bless the space.

Invite Nature Indoors –

Open up your space to nature’s healing touches. Pull back the curtains or crack open a window to let in natural light and fresh air – both Vāstu Shastra and Feng Shui teach that sunlight and airflow bring vital life force into a home, refreshing the energy. You might also place a small houseplant or a vase of fresh flowers in the room as a living source of positive vibes. In shamanic wisdom, natural elements carry spirit and healing power, so bringing in a bit of greenery, a bowl of water, or even a dish of sea salt can help ground the space. These simple nature touches make your home feel alive, balanced, and connected to the earth.

Open windows, place houseplants, or create a small water or stone element.

All traditions agree—nature brings healing. Sunlight and fresh air invite vitality. Plants balance Earth energy.

Set a Clear Intention –

Take a moment to give your space a purpose with your personal intention. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and softly state what you want to invite into the room – it could be peace, love, creativity, protection, or any vibe you need. In many rituals, from Zen meditation to shamanic ceremonies, speaking your intention (or prayer) out loud is believed to guide the energy that fills a space. You might say something simple like, “May this home be filled with calm and joy,” or any positive affirmation that resonates with you. By voicing this wish, you infuse your home with your heartfelt energy and invite supportive forces (however you imagine them) to help maintain that atmosphere.

Speak or write a personal blessing or affirmation for your space.

Spoken intentions are a core ritual tool in all spiritual paths. They direct energy and invite aligned frequencies.

Cleansing your space is more than just a spiritual practice—it’s a self-care ritual for your soul and home. The more often you do it, the more attuned you become to the subtle language of energy. Trust your instincts, keep it simple, and let your home become a sanctuary.

— A Seeking Yogini