Performed the traditional Mexican spiritual cleansing ritual, La Limpia, on my recently acquired dwelling, resulting in a spiritually refreshing impact.
Reworking the La Limpia cleaning method article:
The La Limpia cleaning technique distinguishes itself from competitors as it offers physical, emotional, and spiritual cleanup, creating a distinctive experience from traditional cleaning techniques I've encountered. Ready to give it a shot in my new abode, considering the past residents' rocky cohabitation, this fresh start demanded extra protection!
I consulted two cleaning pros to learn about this less common technique and how, when done thoughtfully, it can foster self-awareness, respect for cultural roots, and a tidier, calmer dwelling. This intentional cleaning method will undoubtedly join our cleaning library.
So what is La Limpia all about?
La Limpia is an ancestral practice of cleaning spaces, as Lorena Cuadra, a cleaning expert from Pinalen, Cloralen, and Ensueno Laundry and AIEn manager, explains. Primarily utilizing Hispanic Indigenous traditions and rituals, it aims to cleanse the energy within a room, eradicate negative energies, and restore spiritual equilibrium. Modern elements and practices from other cultures can occasionally be incorporated.
Feeling intrigued by the spiritual cleanse factor, I jumped at the chance to try it out, drawn to the promise of addressing the deeper, emotional aspects of my new home following 14 years in my previous one.
Scott Schrader, CottageCare's cleaning expert, chimes in, "La Limpia uses natural plants and smoke, like sage or copal, to dispel negative energies and invigorate the surroundings. When combined with intentional physical cleaning and decluttering, we create a serene, calming environment that encourages reflection and relaxation."
Pros and Cons
According to Lorena, the advantages of La Limpia are numerous. It promotes feelings of groundedness and emotional awareness, complementing mindful techniques that help maintain cleanliness.
She continues, "La Limpia helps clear away emotional baggage in addition to physical dirt and residue. Cleaning transforms into a meditation exercise or act of intention. These practices preserve and pay homage to Indigenous and Mexican spiritual traditions, especially resonating with those of Mexican heritage."
On the downside, time and intent are essential for La Limpia, posing a challenge for those with busy schedules. If burning herbs or incense irritates you, make sure to maintain adequate ventilation by keeping windows open. Some folks might experience exhaustion or emotional vulnerability following a La Limpia session, particularly when dealing with deeply personal feelings. If you're serious about embracing this method, consider hiring a professional La Limpia practitioner, but do verify their credentials first to avoid fake healers offering shady or manipulative services online.
How to Carry Out a La Limpia Cleansing at Home
Incorporate the following rituals, picking which ones resonate with you or trying them all:
Herbal Smudging (Sahumerio)
Utilize a blend of herbs, flowers, and mineral resins (such as copal, palo santo, white sage, or a combination of plants like rosemary and bay leaves) to create a smoke bath for the space. Wave the smoke around the room, focusing on corners which often trap stagnant energy. You can also use incense, like Walmart's Genieco extra rich sage fragrance sticks, which are believed to restore your spirit.
Salt
Sprinkle salt in room corners, at the entrance door, around the bed, or on floors. Allow salt to sit for a day, then sweep or mop it away with clean water to eliminate bad energy.
Vinegar
Dilute vinegar in water and use it to mop the floors, paying attention to symbols of energy accumulation, such as spider webs or insects.
Candles
Light candles with specific intentions, such as love, abundance, or warding off negative spirits, which are commonly sought in La Limpia rituals. White candles are suggestive of purity and protection.
Eggs
Roll an egg across your body or through the space to attract negative energy. Then, pour the egg into a glass of water, examining the liquid for signs of bad energy. Afterward, flush the egg down the toilet to eliminate all unwanted energy.
Non-toxic Soy Wax Candle
A triple-winner pick for La Limpia is the non-toxic soy wax candle, infused with sage, white, and burns for around 45 hours.
Smoke-free Copal Reed Diffuser
The copal-infused reed diffuser comes with naturally sourced rattan reeds, a glass vessel, and essential oils that gently carry the Mayan Copal scent, ideal for spiritual cleansing during La Limpia rituals.
Infused with Herbs and Oils Artisanal Salt
While the efficacy of natural herbs in spiritual cleansing is subjective, this artisanal salt can't hurt to try. Hand-made in the U.S.A., it contains organic herbs, essential oils, and botanicals thought to cleanse spirits.
Who is La Limpia for?
La Limpia is for those who believe that spaces hold the energy of past inhabitants and who are open to exploring spiritual cleansing. If that sounds like you, this method could resonate deeply.
'Those who are curious about the spiritual realm or seek a deeper bond with the spaces they inhabit (while respecting and acknowledging cultural roots) will find La Limpia enriching,' suggests Lorena. 'It's also ideal for folks experiencing emotional turmoil or significant life transitions, as the practice can help ease the emotional load.'
'Adding compassionate, respectful rituals like La Limpia to your cleaning practice gives layers of meaning beyond the simple act of cleaning or self-care,' remarks Scott, highlighting the importance of considering spiritual and emotional dimensions within one's home.
My Experiment with La Limpia in My Home
As a believer in certain spiritual aspects, I was eager to experiment with this technique. Recent moves left me curious about lingering energy in this home, given whispers of the previous tenants' tumultuous relationship.
After a thorough cleaning, I employed a saining stick, a gift I received, made from mugwort which shares similar cleansing properties as those mentioned in the herbal smudging ritual. I started in my clutter-free basement, focusing on dark corners, then moved through the living, dining, and bedroom areas, with all doors and windows open throughout the process.
Although the spiritual benefits aren't always immediately visible, I approached the entire process with intention, witnessing an immediate sense of renewal in my revitalized living room and bedroom. Sleep has improved since then, as has my pet's comfort, leading me to wonder if the La Limpia method played a role.
Ultimately, whether La Limpia works for you is a personal experience that requires reflection and an open mind to determine its effectiveness. I've decided to incorporate some of the other methods Lorena mentioned, planning to perform these cleansings whenever I feel the need to.
I believe this method offered benefits, and it certainly didn't do any harm. I appreciated the mindfulness aspect and will definitely do it again.
Essentials to Assist with the Method
Pack of 3 White Sage Sticks
These highly-rated white sage sticks are known to remove negative energy, improve clarity, and aid in sleep, with each stick carefully crafted from organically-sourced and sustainably-grown sage.
Himalayan Pink Salt
Known for its high mineral content, Himalayan pink salt is believed to purify the environment and balance energy, making it an ideal choice for cleaning rituals.
Purifying Candle
With 4.7/5 stars, this purifying candle, featuring two wicks and a delicate floral moon design on a ceramic vessel, is solely phthalate-free, carcinogen-free, and paraben-free, perfect for La Limpia.
Meet the Experts
Lorena is a cleaning expert at Pinalen, Cloralen, and Ensueno Laundry, and the manager of AIEn, offering cleaning tips and expertise. Born and raised in Mexico City, Lorena now resides in Houston, TX, with ample experience in different cultural practices. She guides through the La Limpia method with respect and an understanding of its cultural roots.
Scott Schrader serves as the CMO at CottageCare, overseeing more than 41 locations nationwide. With extensive experience in various cleaning methods and practices, Scott provides insight into what works best and how to clean efficiently. He supports the CottageCare Rwanda Project, a long-term humanitarian initiative focused on community development and poverty relief.
There's no doubt that the La Limpia cleaning method is meaningful and unique, impacting my home in ways beyond simple physical cleaning. I plan to continue practicing the methods mentioned by Lorena.
La Limpia extends beyond traditional cleaning techniques, encompassing elements of fashion-and-beauty as natural herbs and incense are used for spiritual cleansing and aromatherapy. Concurrently, it intertwines with home-and-garden practices as salt, vinegar, candles, and essential oils are employed during the cleansing process. Furthermore, relationships are involved as La Limpia provides an opportunity for self-awareness, emotional healing, and honoring cultural roots.
Engaging in La Limpia can foster a calmer dwelling, enhancing factors related to the lifestyle, fashion-and-beauty, home-and-garden, and relationships sectors. It offers a holistic approach to cleaning, addressing not only physical dirt but also emotional baggage and energy cleansing.
