This post came at a perfect time for me. I hope it helps others feel they aren’t alone, as well.
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As previously stated, this series has been written as a complement to the original post by Alura Cein. In this entry, I would like to add my own experiences with some of the suggestions She gave in that post about keeping yourself in a good place during these times.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll feature one of the habits I’ve formed – new or recent – that’s based either on advice publicly available from Alura through Her blogs or information I’ve researched myself over the years that have encouraged and helped me stay motivated. Let’s start with what’s in the air. (Cue symbolic meanings.)
One of the suggestions was to play recordings of Bible verses or other sacred texts in place of watching television. There hasn’t been a television set in my living space for years, and even when there was, we didn’t have cable. We completely controlled our viewing experience by having a collection of films and shows on tape (and later DVD) and only watched them when we were truly in the mood.
We still hold true to this habit. Judging from other people I’ve known and observed, I would say we tend to be a little less irritable and a lot less stressed – particularly compared to those who regularly watch the news.
The atmosphere of the home is considerably different from that of others I’ve walked into, as well. Since we don’t have nearly as many electronics as most people, the energy tends to feel more natural and relaxed. The devices we do have are not turned on all day. Those that are on sit near salt lamps in rooms where the windows can be opened to change the air. When you change the air, you change the energy.
We also use a great deal of natural light during the day for as long as there’s daylight. Even when it’s getting dark outside, we simply supplement with candles. While we still use electricity, we’ve lessened our dependence on it in the evening. Instead, we enjoy more candlelight, which has a soothing effect on us before we go to bed. (This plus natural light seems to have improved my vision, too. I used to be very nearsighted but haven’t worn glasses in years.)
Another benefit I noticed is that when I lessen my use of the devices and limit media viewing time (social media included), it became increasingly easier to meditate. This is not solely due to having more time. It’s because I’m not taking in the programming that’s put through those outlets. This makes it easier to clear my mind. I can also keep up a fairly regular meditation schedule and focus more on my connection with God and the Heavens. The attitudes and opinions of others aren’t there in my subconscious and unconscious to interfere as much.
I made a playlist of sacred texts on youtube that is added to over time. I play it fairly regularly along with other “higher vibe” lists I’ve collected. The difference between the feeling in the air while playing these texts and other sounds is very evident to me. They have become part of my go-to strategy when I feel something’s off or my emotions are getting the better of me.
Playing the sounds has also proven to be a great way to shift focus after a long day at work – both for myself and my mother with whom I share my home. It’s easier to release the stress of the day when the atmosphere is lighter and more gentle.
Personally, I can back up Alura’s recommendation and encourage others to give it a try. What have you got to lose? Clean out the popular “music” (especially hip hop and rap), and start shifting your listening habits to genres that are healthy for you.
Avoid all music that focuses on sadness, hurt, heartache, and anger, as well. Don’t you think it’s suspicious that it’s being promoted far more than the positive stuff these days? Don’t you think it’s odd that people are gravitating to it so much that it outweighs everything else they listen to? Have you ever asked yourself where that “enjoyment” of sadness is coming from? Why do you think it’s “natural”? As Alura has said many times: these thoughts and feelings are coming from somewhere.
If you discount the effects of sound and the power of words, then I suggest you pick up a copy of Masaru Emoto’s bestselling book The Hidden Messages in Water. This is a very surface example of how potent they are. Keep this in mind when you speak, too – or believe a word’s effect changes just because you’ve decided it should mean something else or be taken a different way. More on that, later…
- E.W.
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How many different ways can you set up a physical altar? Only a thousand or so. Here are some examples to get your creative juices flowing. These are great for those who want to start out simple (highly recommended), as well as anyone who might lead a more on-the-go lifestyle. People who still have to be very closeted about their spirituality may find the helpful, too.
Altar in a Bag Repurpose a drawstring bag (the kind jewelry and other small items often come in) and choose a few articles that you’ll treat as sacred. The example above uses found items representing the four elements: earth (stone), air (paperclip), fire (acorn), and water (blue ribbon). When you take the items out and lay them on top, the bag becomes your altar cloth. Easy for travel and quick concealment.
Altar in a Tin. Small travel altars and shrines have been used for many years, but they became trendy when the New Age movement came on the scene. This is a photo of my original portable altar that I used years ago when my life was much more nomadic and chaotic. I briefly mentioned in it the example I gave in the previous post.
I simply procured a few items from nature that I was drawn to during my daily walks. I don’t know what I would’ve done if I hadn’t had this little treasure to help me refocus on my connection with God and the Heavens.
Shoe box Altar This became my favorite option for a long time. Shoe boxes are very handy storage tools, but they make great portable / concealable altars, too! You can decoupage them, leave them as-is and cover with a small cloth when in use, or simply use it unadorned as the altar base while you pray and meditate.
I do recommend using an altar cloth for this one, though. For one, I feel it’s more respectful to cover the base. And it’s good conceal any images or lettering the isn’t suitable to have around when focusing on Heaven. You don’t want to spend time blocking out permanent advertisement for a shoe company while trying to relax in your outward sacred space. Try a draping a plain scarf, shirt, skirt, pillow case, napkin, or any other piece of fabric over it. You could even keep that fabric inside the box with your other sacred objects.
Stationary box Altar Stationary boxes are often beautiful little containers that easily lend themselves to this type of project. Thin, small, and unobtrusive, you probably wouldn’t need to cover as much artwork or lettering – if any. If it’s a nature print like the one seen above, you could probably leave it alone.
Store your items in the box, then take them out when spending quality one-on-one time with Heaven and use the box as the altar base.
Altar in a Jar Repurpose an old glass jar and fill it with stones. If you live near the beach, you can add sand and place the stones on top, or hit up the craft store for some sand. Pick up some shells from the beach or craft store or some river rocks (earth and water combined). This could be an on-going project; you don’t have to get everything all at once.
Once you feel you have a nice base, get a tea light candle and place it on top. Make sure it can’t tip over and that the heat won’t damage anything in the jar. Light it during prayer, meditation, or whenever you want to spend quiet time alone.
This is a great way to have a little sacred space on your bedside table, and watching the flickering light of the flame on the ceiling might help you mediate yourself to sleep at night. Try it and find out! It’s healthier than a cellphone screen or electric light, and the tea light will burn for a shorter period of time. If you do fall asleep before blowing it out, you don’t have to worry about it burning for too long.
Bonus ideas:
- Make or purchase a terrarium. This not brings some nature inside the home but creates a great instant sacred space, too! Don’t just mist the plants and meditate with them, though. Actually study them. Read up on the proper way to care for them and keep them healthy. See if you can find any interesting trivia about the plants, their history, native habitat, mythology, medicinal properties, etc. This might even open the door to a new hobby or even a family activity. If you have family in the home, share what you learned with them. Don’t force them to be interested – just use it to change up the conversation.
- Use a houseplant or potted plant outdoors. Outdoor plants on balconies or patios help you get out of the house, even if it’s just for a little while. Caring for them and checking in on them can become part of your sacred time. We are supposed to care of all living things, after all. Again, learn as much as you can about the plants over time so you can improve your plant-rearing skills. Indoor plants can be just as good, and I have several of them myself. A few found stones picked up during a walk can be placed in the pot to make a visual altar space, harkening back to the ancient sacred sites.
- Keep a candle by your bed, preferably one in a jar. Use it as a focal point during prayer time. Having something to help quiet your mind can relieve stress, and there’s nothing more simple (or covert) than a candle flame. If possible, try playing some soothing spiritual music on a very low volume while praying, etc. If you have to use headphones to listen, then do so; but try to keep all electronics turned off and put away during sacred times such as this.
Alter any of these ideas to suit your needs. I used the elemental representations because it was the easiest thing for me to find and use at the time. However, your interests, connection, and needs may be completely different from mine.
Your physical altar or shrine is yours to create and change as you wish/need. It doesn’t and shouldn’t have to be ridged or stagnant. Let it come from your personality and love for Heaven. It’s not meant for anyone but you and Them. Have fun with it!
- E.W.
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We have already touched on the true sacred space. Let’s start there, because all things come from it. Some of the things I don’t allow in my sacred space are: alcohol, drugs, gateway substances, the majority of modern “music”, swearing, television, and the majority of modern films.
I try to keep a very close eye on what I take in, knowing that at some point it’s going to come back out. When the influences creep in, I have to work on getting them out again. Actively maintaining yourself is vitally important.
Some of what I let in instead includes the following: classical music, positive affirmations, recorded prayers to God and Heaven, documentaries, science and history info, Celtic music, Gregorian chants, frequent walks, natural studies, time with animals, vegan and vegetarian food (preferably vegan), clean water filtered at home, studies to improve/expand skills, as many books as I can get.
I will also note that I have never and will never use an electronic book of any kind. The longer you remain on the screen, the worse it is for your brain, overall health, and social skills. Also, more natural light is key. Over the years, I’ve transitioned to using daylight and candlelight far more than electric. My mood and stress levels seem to have improved as a result.
I regularly feature my current reads on my Instagram page. I will include a few of my favorites here in a future post, as well. This year, I’ve been reading far more non-fiction than fiction. Since I have a “Hobbies and Skills” section on S.D. already, I’ll showcase a few that tie-in to this topic and can help you become more self-sufficient in these worsening times.
This post is a complementary addition to Alura Cein’s recent entry sharing what She does on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis – along with affordable things you can do yourself if you’re unable to get the more serious help right now.
Now, let’s talk about some of the specifics. Get ready for lists, links, and challenges!
- E.W.
Superlative Deviation: Life With Meaning, Life With Joy 