Little Altars Everywhere
Have you ever noticed how peaceful it feels near a stream, in a church, maybe a certain room of your home, or even on a quaint street you may wander down?
There is no coincidence in my comparison to these different locations. Rocks piled randomly, yet perfectly, next to that stream. Candles glowing in contrast to the quiet polished wood church. Charming colors on the buildings of a street….
All are small details, purposely or accidentally created, that facilitate beauty and peace.
I recently returned from Santa Fe, New Mexico. The colors, smells, textures and views activated all of my senses at once. I found myself at peace and was surprised that every turn down the street brought a new vision of beauty.
While the city itself was gorgeous, it was the small efforts made by locals that made it special. The water pitcher painted blue on the porch. The pile of rocks stacked next to a front door. Incense burning in a simple piece of pottery. A lone candle burning on a windowsill at night.
I look around my own home now. Friends and family claim that my home feels quiet, serene and peaceful.
It’s simple really. Nothing extravagant. Not crowded with clutter, but simply intentionally decorated.
I make sure each room has what I call, the sacred point. The altar. Not a religious altar, but a altar of beauty upon which the whole room expands. Somewhere in that room, if you look carefully, there is an intentional placement of simple beauty.
This simple beauty is often made of natural material. A small pottery bowl filled with river rocks holds my bathroom soap. In the kitchen, a hand made wooden bowl next to the stove houses my eggs. In the office, heart shaped rocks found on hikes sit on my desk. In my bedroom a hand made quilt by my great grandmother mixes well with modern linens and new pillows the color of spring flowers.
Nothing here is especially expensive or ornate. Just simple intentional placements of color, texture and memories that make me happy. Why do others sense this in my home? I’m not sure. I believe it’s the intention. Each room is sacred to me. Whether I’m blasting disco music and dancing, or lighting incense to meditate; each room holds a quiet peacefulness.
In this crazy, exciting world we exist in, I believe we must create our own peace. Peace inside, and peace in our surroundings. Whether it’s a small spot in your garage or on your work bench, chimes hanging in your garden, something special on your desk, a beautiful crystal in your car, or a corner of your bathroom with something beautiful; start to create some peace and beauty for yourself today.
I remind myself that our lives are getting busier with each moment. We really do need to be proactive in creating some sacred space for ourselves and those we love. Start to look around your space and see what emotion arises. Do you really love that picture your friend painted for you? Do you love that statue your great aunt gifted you? Does your coffee pot make you feel good when you look at it first thing in the morning? Do you even want a drip coffee pot anymore? There are beautiful options out there with coffee pots that can make even your morning caffeine routine one of beauty.
Our homes are our refuge from the outside world. It’s an expression of our inner world.
Make it, and keep it sacred starting today!
All others, by me.
