This is another example of creating a holistic space at home. The space can be as little as you like and as you can see what was important to this reader was setting up an alter that felt special to her.
Honoring the Sacredness of Home
To me, my entire home is sacred—a space to be treated with reverence, loving kindness, and care. This belief led me to create a designated area in my home specifically for spiritual practice and reflection. Six years ago, during my yoga teacher training, my beloved yoga teacher assigned us the task of establishing a sacred space, an altar that would serve as a foundation for self-study and spiritual growth.
The Power of a Personal Altar
From the beginning, I understood that the altar was not just a physical space but an integral part of my holistic journey. We explored various ways to create and maintain an altar, each of us bringing our own vision to life. My altar has transformed over time, yet certain elements have remained constant. I have always honored the elements—water, earth, air, and fire—through my altar.
- Water: I keep water in a special container, often replacing it with fresh water. This serves as a reminder of my sacred center (Svadhishthana), which governs creativity, emotions, and all things flowing.
- Earth: I honor earth with the use of gemstones and organic materials I collect, symbolizing my grounded and whole nature (Manipura).
- Direction: My altar faces North, welcoming stability and unwavering devotion to my practice, self-reflection, and highest consciousness.
Spiritual Practice as a Holistic Journey
Spiritual practice can take many forms. For me, it often means placing my awareness or intention on the divine within me and my connection with the universe. Yoga, which in Sanskrit means “yoke” or “unity,” is the foundation of my practice. It is about uniting my being with the rest of the universe, embracing all aspects of life—not just the pleasant ones.
I often come to my altar during times of suffering, seeking solace and a reminder of my wholeness. It is here that I reconnect with the divine, finding the strength to carry on. My altar wraps me in safe, loving arms, providing a space for surrender and healing, a sanctuary where I can be fully present with myself in all my forms.
A Container for Self-Discovery and Integration
The significance of this sacred space lies in its intention—a container I have cultivated to meet my truest and highest self. It is where I set everything down, release the illusion of separateness, and reconnect with my whole, authentic being. I continue to return to this space, to surrender, to remember who I am—who I really am.
