When I began tidying as my full-time job, I quickly learned how demanding the work could be. I started using tuning forks as a way to center myself – their sonic vibrations have a subtle healing power that helps me to reset.
Tuning forks are traditionally used to tune musical instruments – the sound they make is totally pure. I find listening to one comforting and reassuring. The sound also reminds me of my time as a shrine maiden – a part-time job I had from when I was 18 until I finished university. Dedicated shrine maidens would ring ceremonial bells at certain times throughout the day. The bells were intended to calm people’s minds, remove evil spirits or awaken the gods.
“Tuning forks are one of my favorite self-care tools. I use them before speaking to a large group of people, visiting a new space or whenever I need to clear the air.”
At the shrine, our job was to keep the space clean at all times; we followed the same ritual of cleansing every day to maintain a heightened sense of purification. Now, after I tidy a space, it feels like being in a purified shrine!
Tuning forks are one of my favorite self-care tools. I use them before speaking to a large group of people, visiting a new space or whenever I need to clear the air. Watch how to use one, above.
