Building an Altar

When you hear the world altar, what is the first thought that crosses your mind?
An altar is described by wikipedia as "...any structure upon which sacrifices or other offerings are offered for religious purposes."
Traditionally, an altar is a physical place of worship, usually decorated with candles, pictures, flowers, etc. However, an altar can also be a non-physical place inside one's own self. How does this work? And why would anyone want to have one? Let me explain:

Have you ever been in a time of crisis, or extreme stress, to where nothing seems to calm your nerves? Then, all of a sudden, you remember something someone has told you, perphaps a word of advice. Or, maybe you remember a calm, quiet place you've been to that has always brought you relief. AHHHH....suddenly the anxiety fades away. =)


An altar is a familiar place where you can surrender your guard, open your heart, and feel safe. You put your heart on an altar as the greatest sacrifice.
Ultimately, an altar is a place of refuge.

Interested? Here's the keys to building an altar:

Physical Altar:

• Find a secluded, special place that you can access daily, preferrably within your own home.
• Either use the ground, or a small table.
• Decorate your "altar" with pictures of loved ones, flowers, candles, incense, or anything of value to you , that brings comfort and familiarity.
• Energize/Empower the alter. This is the key. Visit this place daily, even if for only 5 minutes. You can quiet your mind here, read a book, eat a meal (with mindfulness of course), etc etc. Spend time in this spot and let it soak into you

Mental Altar:

• Take a couple minutes to clear your mind. Relax your body. Stop thinking about your busy day at work, your illnesses, and all of lifes business and problems.
• Brainstorm and start thinking about people, places, and events that have brought you happiness in life.
• Find a way to incorporate these into a "mental construct". It can be as simple as a pure golden sea or white light......or as complex as a beautiful festival with familiar faces, pretty scenary, and great temples designed to your liking. Whatever setting you are comfortable in.
• Take 5 minutes a day to visualize this same place, and let it generate feelings of love, peace, and happiness.

Now that you've built your altar, you must empower it daily. 5 minutes is sufficient. The more time you invest in it, the more powerful it becomes.

Here are some benefits to building an altar:

1. Stress Relief
2. Improved concentration and memory; clear-mindedness
   
3. Lower blood pressure, heart rate, and relief from minor physical symptoms
4. A more open, compassionate heart
5. A refuge from the distracting business of this world
6. More productivity thoughout the day
7. Renewed vitality to approach life's problems and difficulties

Good luck with your altar :)
and as always, I hope this benefits someone, in some way as much as it has helped my life.