I am delighted to introduce Sushma Sagar, founder of healing practice The Calmery as an Insider – a series that explores the innermost ideas and practices of inspiring individuals who embody a connection to their surroundings at home and in their work.
Sushma and I first connected through a mutual appreciation of a calming aesthetic to provide a safe haven for our souls to relax and heal. I was intrigued by the role that space played in Sushma’s work and her belief that space clearing is imperative for healing. This was manifest at ‘In the Neighbourhood’, an immersive experience at House of Grey during London Design Festival 2018, where The Calmery took up residency for the duration the event.
Here, I experienced a reiki session which was an incredibly powerful experience. It allowed me to walk away with a clear mind and lead me on a path to learn the basics of healing and take my Reiki 1 with Sushma, just a few weeks later.
I asked Sushma about her relationship to the energy of a space on a personal level and how it provides the underlying foundation for her work…
Describe who you are and what you do.
I am a Reiki Master and Shamanic Energy Medicine Practitioner. I founded a healing practice called The Calmery, which is based on Harley Street, London. I hold private sessions there and I teach in the UK and internationally.
What led you on your path?
An innate sense of knowing there was more to life than I was being shown. A natural inquisitiveness to things I could feel but couldn’t explain.
Where is home for you?
Victoria Park in London.
What does homecoming mean to you?
Returning to your true nature. Being your truest self. Feeling free.
What is the first thing you do when you return home?
Take my shoes off and wash my hands – energetic hygiene from travelling around in London.
How do you unwind in your home?
I like to lie down on my bed and self-heal in silence. This is a form of meditation for me and it keeps me tuned into myself. Other times, I may cook or start organising and tidying, this actually relaxes me!
Do you have a sacred space or favourite place in your home?
My living room looks out onto a park, there are trees and bird’s nests in view because I’m on a high floor. The entire room is sacred to me, because every corner has something healing or special within it, crystals, plants, books, candles, flowers, reminders of my spirit animal guides. So much healing has happened in the space, that it feels palpably wonderful, the bones of the room feel healed.
What makes a space sacred?
A pure intention and action combined. The energy of a space is fully determined by the energy of the person and what they do in it and what has happened in it.
How does your connection to space play a part in your work?
Before any kind of spiritual work can occur, the first step is to create a sacred and safe place in which to do the work. This means that you are protected and that the highest and purest healing can take place.
Think of it like hygiene, for example, in a restaurant, the chefs wouldn’t begin preparing food in a kitchen that wasn’t cleaned to start of with. I need my clients to feel safe and to relax so that they may be vunerable to whatever comes up and allow it to come through. The more sacred preparation I put into the space, the more powerful healing may occur. It also means I know I am not alone and I have support to do the right work and make the right decisions for the best of the person there.
What rituals do you carry out in your home or ‘sacred space’?
I put fresh flowers and light incense and candles. I’ll sage the room, use a bell and symbols. If I’m working, I will call in my lineage to join me in the room.
What are your home aspirations?
For less clutter, for everything to have a place in the house and for there to be lots of clever storage to house my things in a tidy organised fashion.
If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be?
Quite honestly, I am extremely happy where I live. However, if we were talking about second homes, then by the sea with very big windows, looking out into vast expanses of blue and changing skies would be the dream!
See below details of The Calmery’s offerings,
Explore The Calmery at thecalmery.com or follow on social media @thecalmery
