Water is essential. We all know we need to drink more of it. We all clean with it. We’re even made of mostly water. However, it’s a lesser known fact that water can be used to cleanse our bodily energy, as well.

Why is it that water has been used ceremoniously since the beginning of time? It’s very simple: without water, there is no life. This makes this precious resource worthy of our attention and time, not only from an ecological perspective, but also for our own healing. This doesn’t require any particular religion or spiritual thinking in order to take advantage of these purifying benefits.

These mini-rituals are easy and simple, and you don’t need anything particularly special. Keep a mindset of cleansing as you perform them:

1. Care for Your Drinking Water

Drinking enough water gives you life. When you’re low on fluids, you certainly notice as sluggishness, headaches, and achiness creeps in. Refresh your usual drinking source and put fresh lemon, lime, orange, basil, mint or cucumber in your water for a light flavoring. Be more appreciative of your water by using an eye-pleasing glass container that reflects the purity and simple beauty of the water, so that you feel uplifted with each sip.

2. Bless Your Water

It’s time for a little visualization. Imagine or sense the positive quality you wish to amplify in the water. Before you drink, feel gratitude for the water that is about to cleanse, heal and nourish all the cells in your body. Imbue it into your drink, or even your shower or bath water. The power of your thought is stronger than you might know, so really focus in on all the benefits you wish to have.

3. Cleanse Your Body Every Day

Even if you didn’t hit the yoga mat today, water can’t cleanse your energy unless you use it. Some of us absorb the energy of others very easily. Therefore, get purifying with your energy. One way to cleanse the days’ events is to have either a quick shower or salt water bath before bed. This will ensure better sleep, as well, a deeper and less dream energy-consuming slumber. It helps you be less restless, once the negative energy is gone.

4. Visualize Through Your Water

Visualization is a powerful tool, so if you’ve never used it, water is an easy, simple introduction. Begin by imagining or sensing any stressful situations flowing down the drain as you wash your hands. Release the tension or stress through your hands and let it float somewhere far away.

5. Yoga: Ocean Salutation

Do this cleansing yoga sequence near a body of water. It is designed as an affirmation, and you will feel the peace wash over you same as the water.

As its core, it has the same movements of a half sun salutation. Ready to start? Lifting your heart and reaching arms upward, affirm “I am Open to Receive!”

Exhale and fold forward into Uttanasana (standing forward pose), affirming “I trust myself.” Ground your hands on your legs or the floor and lift your spine toward the horizon into Ardha Uttanasana (half bend) affirming “I follow my dreams.”

Fold back into Uttanasana (standing forward pose), with the affirmation “I flow like water.”

Now back to upstretched arms, again affirming “I am Open to Receive.”