(Note: this is an article created for Art at the Source in Sonoma County as a preview for open studios)
Are you looking for peace, quiet, tranquility and a deep sense of rest and connection during these chaotic times? A personal altar can transform both your life and living space by bringing in qualities that provide a respite, a sense of retreat, and deeper personal well-being.
Practitioner of energy medicine, writer and artist Linda Jensen grew up in Japan and Singapore. “Asian cultures are daily surrounded by noise, chaos, unsettled governments, overcrowding. And almost every home, however modest, sets aside a small space which contains an altar, a beautiful scroll, flower arrangement, or a memorial to a family member. Each day this space is tended to, incense burned, prayers said. And for those few minutes, time stops, stress releases and they connect to a deeper part of themselves.” Through extensive travel Linda maintains a deep connection to cultures who honor nature, the earth and practice a variety of forms of spirituality. Inspired by these cultures, she creates personal altars designed to bring into our lives qualities such as tranquility, guidance and protection, deep healing, spiritual connection.
“I find Tibet and Bali the most life-changing countries I have ever spent time in. They have a deep reverence for this earth and all of its inhabitants. In Bali, before you leave for a day trip, a small altar is created of woven bamboo, incense and fresh flowers and put on the hood of the car. Holy water is sprinkled on the road before you and blessings are invoked for your safe journey. The Tibetans wear their sacred pieces. Prayer beads are constantly moving in the hands; prayer wheel turning clockwise; mantras chanted, creating deep peace in spite of their tragic living conditions.”
To make your own altar, choose a small space on a tabletop, desk, shelf or floor. Define the space with a beautiful fabric, wooden stand, lacquered tray etc. Choose a quality you’d like to bring into your life and collect a few objects that represent this quality to you. For instance “Tranquility”. You might set out a miniature fountain floating a lotus flower, scatter around a few beautiful rocks, fragrant leaves of eucalyptus or cedar, and a candle. Spend a few minutes each day in this space meditating, praying, chanting or being in silence. Bring in the quality of “tranquility” with each breath. Breath tranquility out through your whole body.
An altar for “Guidance and Protection” might include a spiritual icon such as Kwan Yin, Mary, Buddha; a small temple bell or singing bowl, incense and a crystal of citrine or amethyst. Include a small journal and following a few minutes of prayer, chant or meditation, record your thoughts and feelings. Notice particularly where you feel more clarity or insight.
Inspiration for altars can be found in nature, music, travel, art. I have a small travel altar that I carry in a zippered pouch with a tiny silk embroidered cloth, a crystal, small Kwan Yin statue to bring the sacred into my space wherever I am. Use your own ideas to create a space with special meaning, infuse it with the qualities you would like to embrace, and know that space will always hold a special connection for you.
