centering your intentions around an altar

Last year, I had a very creatively fulfilling website project fall into my lap courtesy of Judy Sieber, my treasured friend and client (Emily Joubert Home & Garden if you’re new to the blog). Judy’s friend, Nikki, was in the process of re-doing her website to accommodate the needs of her growing spiritual community and enlisted my design help to create a brand new online space.

Nikki is an ordained interfaith minister and Spirit House is a place to explore spiritual practices including meditation, yoga, Buddhism, etc. If you are interested in checking out the Spirit House site (and my designs), please go to http://spirithouse.org/ – there is a thriving online community if you are intrigued enough to join the discussions!

For me, Spirit House is a place to explore my higher self and place in the world. Back in September, I participated in my first Sādhanā and found it so motivating and supportive, I’m back for another one.

[From Wikipedia] Sādhanā, literally “a means of accomplishing something”, is spiritual practice. It includes a variety of disciplines in Hindu, Sikh and Buddhist traditions that are followed in order to achieve various spiritual or ritual objectives.

Under the tutelage of our lovely teacher, Elise*, we are embarking on another 30-day commitment to a spiritual practice.  Again, we are choosing one of three focal points:

Vira Sādhanā: Warrior practice, energizing and challenging.

Bhakti Sādhanā: Devotional practice, centered around the heart.

Shanti Sādhanā: Peace-filled practice, self care.

The first time around, I chose Shanti because I had gotten a bit off track ignoring my own needs in service to others and my (philanthropic) ideals. Shanti was a good fit then and I highly recommend it for busy moms who need to strike a better balance between motherhood and personhood.

Each Sādhanā begins with creating a Sankalpa, a statement of intent that encapsulates the primary desire or need. The next step is to consider the purpose of the Sādhanā, and what may stand in your way (Samskaras). Then, you create an altar where you can place items for daily inspiration/reminding. Lastly, you investigate what seed mantras, asanas, readings or other activities can be integrated to support this current evolution.

Above is a peek at my altar for the Vira practice (the change to red hair might have been a not-so-subtle clue it was time to embrace my inner warrior!). In my mind, the fresh flower symoblizes beauty and creativity and reminds me to pause and reflect on the blessings of beautiful friendships and creative pursuits. The candle lights the way and lavender honey (from Bee Kind, no less) reminds me to ‘be kind’ as I fight the good fights. The photo of my family is an old favorite and is an eternal reminder that everything begins and ends with LOVE.

Peace to all of you!

*Elise’s website: http://eliselorimer.com/Main/Om.html