Despite the title of this post, there are no rules when it comes to setting up a meditation space, sacred corner of your home, or spiritual altar. Mine is actually on the top shelf of a square standing lamp, which has three shelves (I keep yoga books on the bottom, sage and rudraksha that I gathered in Kauai in the middle, and my altar at the top). Sometimes I sit on a chair near the altar to meditate; other times, I take something from the altar with me to my yoga mat or elsewhere to sit.
My altar consists simply of items that are meaningful to me:
- a rock I found in the grass in a park in my old Queens neighborhood, that fits perfectly in my palm
- crystals that I bought in times of need
- a note from a good friend who said my spiritual journey inspired her
- a glittery gold paper crane my best friend gave me on my golden birthday
- a beautiful postcard I picked up at a yoga studio I practiced at in Sydney when I visited last year
- a Buddha statue I bought when I used to guide tours through a temple and the East Side of Oahu
- a piece of onyx I bought on a trip with my dad
etc.
The common theme is that these treasured objects are meaningful to me personally. I can pick each one up and use it to channel a certain energy or strength when needed. They are connected to the actual meaning of what they each represent (such as the Buddha), but also they have a personal significance for me, in my unique life.
3 simple steps for creating your own altar:
- Don’t rush. It’s more important to have truly meaningful objects than to get it done. You can begin with just one thing. Your altar will constantly change, and that’s ok. If something loses meaning or resonance for you, don’t feel bad taking it off your altar.
- Use your intuition. Don’t think “Well, now I need a crystal because I don’t have one yet and that’s what altars are supposed to have.” Maybe you don’t like crystals, and that’s ok. Maybe you add in a toy or a book or food, or something else unconventional. This is your space and your space alone; there is no judgement and no right or wrong.
- Choose a sacred space. Is my standing lamp from Walmart sacred? Of course not. My altar is only sacred because I treat it as such. I clean it regularly. No one else is allowed to touch it. I visit it when I need courage, strength, inspiration, etc. If you have a sheltered outdoor space that will not be interfered with, I highly recommend using that, but really, anywhere that you choose with intention will do.
Do you have a meditation altar? I’d love to hear your tips!
