Does Your Altar Reflect Your True Self? By Erica Lanae

We are all aware of the images of yoga & meditation spaces, graced with Buddha statues, crystals & Mala beads. Although these items are beautiful & represent various forms of spirituality, are they representing "your" personal truths? Many of us were not born into eastern religion or spirituality, yet we do not completely connect with the conventional orthodox religions of our upbringing. I was made aware of this issue one afternoon.

As I was sitting in my meditation room (a converted laundry room), I looked over at my alter, & thought to myself " who's alter is this?" I literally felt a deep disconnect from this woman.

I didn't know her. As I stared at my crystals & sage & decorative candles & Buddha statue, I realized that yes, I did know about these things, yet the sight of them really did not feed my spirit. The only things that I was very happy to see & proud of, was my collection of essential oils. I realized that my essential oils actually reminded me of my younger self. A time when I would be in nature, smelling lilacs & trying to make perfumes from them. I then wondered what else can I add to this space, to honor my true self. The child who spent hours in nature, laying in the grass, eating tomatoes from my father's garden, collecting rocks & watching wildlife. I decided to go on a personal Eco-therapy walk, to revisit my bliss. I collected beautiful rocks & stones from my neighborhood. I sought after the richest color red autumn leaves & pinecones as well as a beautiful picture of a Monarch butterfly and placed them all on my alter. Then I looked at my alter, and knew I could now recognize myself in it, and the things that are spiritual to me.

So, what did I learn about how we can create an altar, meditation room or healing space that reflects our true self?

1.Think back to your childhood.

In childhood, we are our true selves. We are free. Our higher chakras are open & we are the closest to God. Try & remember the things that brought you joy & fun! Find a way to incorporate those things into your space.

2. Think of remembered times of happiness. What were you doing? What were the smells & sights that brought you happiness & laughter?

3. If you cannot connect to these suggestions, then what do you enjoy doing now?

What do you find yourself getting lost in?

My next items to add to my alter will be lilac blossoms & fresh, vine ripened tomatoes.

Just like I enjoyed as a little girl in my garden. What will you add to your altar? :-)

Peace & Blessings

Erica is a Board-Certified Holistic Practitioner & Certified Clinical Aromatherapist.

She Specializes in holistic self-care rituals for women & aroma-therapeutic products.

She is a Belly dance enthusiast who loves nature & wildlife.

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