......an altar

Yogis,

Do you have an altar in your home? A space to place your most sacred objects?

When I began holding classes in my studio eleven years ago, I started a small altar on the floor in the front of the room. A corner spot that everyone sees, and which ends up at being at eye level as we move through chaturangas. 

First I hunted and found a medium sized wooden Buddha in a shop that I frequent in Rehoboth. I spread an earth colored pashmina scarf on the wood floor where Buddha was then placed along with a few larger rocks from my yard. A candle completed the space which was lit at the beginning of each class.

Over time a few other small objects made their way onto the alter. A metal heart, a Ganesha painting and at times a vase with herbs. All in all, it didn’t change much for many years. It was my first altar. It was simple.

Then I moved my statue of Lakshmi onto it……

Soon I felt that she was calling for more color (beauty that she is) so I layered a second more vibrant scarf on top. Before too long, a starfish from a beach walk and a tangerine stone from a crystals shop made their way in. A couple more candles, goddess cards, flowers and a lovely handmade smudge stick from a friend. Little by little without my awareness, my altar was transforming.

A few weeks ago, while putting my hand drum away I realized it should be in the studio, and what better place to become more connected with its rhythm than on the altar. This week feathers have appeared on my path while running. Each time I placed them in my bra and ran home with them, knowing they too should grace this sacred space.

All of this without much thought, until Monday morning class as I bowed down in a posture and Lakshmi caught my eye. I suddenly ‘see’ the altar with new eyes. It is beautiful! But of course! Lakshmi is the goddess of abundance and prosperity. Her presence drew beauty and bounty into the room.

Everyone can have an altar. You don’t have to be religious or a yoga teacher to create a special place in your home that causes your heart to smile each time you are near. You may have already created an informal one without realizing it.

It can be on your dresser, a nightstand or even a windowsill. It can be any size and can certainly have buddhas, malas and goddesses, but can just as easily be filled with seashells, photos or flowers. Anything that connects you more deeply to you. All that is important is that it is cared for and treated with kindness and respect.

If you already have one, look at it with new eyes today. If you don’t……look around and find a space. Place a couple of objects to begin and then see what life blows in. The energy of your altar will be a gift you receive each time you are in its presence.

 “Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again.’ — Joseph Campbell

.....would love to see pictures!

Grateful to Lakshmi,

SARAH