Set an intention.
This is something I would highly recommend doing right as you light your sage. Call upon your reason for needing to clean and clear your space. It can only help strengthen its healing vibes as well as your mindset.
 
Light your sage.
Using a lighter or candle flame, light the end of your sage bundle. Blow out the flame once the sage starts on fire. It will glow red and smoke. (I’m excited for you to try this the first time!)
Smudge.
Wave the hand holding the bundle over and around the areas of yourself and/or the room you are cleansing. Think again about your intention. If it’s something you’re comfortable doing, say your intention out loud.
Allow yourself to be open-minded and open-hearted to the healing effects of burning sage. I like to keep in mind that this ritual goes back thousands of years and has been practiced by medicine men and women long before me. Thinking of them helps me feel empowered.
Tip: Be sure to open a window–this is both to release the smoke as well as the negative energy you are dispelling from your space and self.
 
Take a few deep breaths.
As you wrap up your smudge session, close your eyes and take a few deep and intentional breaths in and out through your nose.
Place the smoldering sage in your shell or bowl, place your left hand on your heart and right hand on your belly. Feel your body shift and fill up as you breathe in and out.
This step is very important as it seals the healing you have initiated within yourself and home.

Extinguish your sage bundle safely.
Be sure to place a lit sage underwater once you are done smudging. If you only crush the fire out, it may still smolder and can be a fire hazard.