The essence of making time for a spiritual practice, an honoring of our Source, requires that we create space in our thoughts, in our beings, to be connected to something greater than ourselves. So, an altar is really a place of beauty, with reminders of where we want to focus our attention. You may have symbols specific to your spiritual practice. If not, use your intuition. Anyone can have an altar. Think of it as a physical representation of an intention you have.

There are many reasons to create an altar. Here are just a few to get you started:

When I work with someone experiencing a loss, they often make an altar to honor the person or experience they are grieving. Each year, on her birthday, I make an altar to honor my mother-in-law. I remember her with daffodils, the flowers I gave her each birthday. I add a favorite picture of her and some candles. Each time I pass this altar, or pause there, I smile as I recall things about her and what she loved. It is like spending the day with her.

Create an altar in your bedroom to honor your couple's relationship and the connection you intend with each other. Place cards you have given each other there. Light candles and burn incense to clear away the mundane and make space to be loving.

Make a space in your cubicle or by your desk at work to help refresh your thoughts and give your eyes a place for rest and beauty. Bring things that remind you of who you are and what you value.

Design an altar to honor yourself, to love your whole being and treat yourself with respect. This might include photos of yourself as a child, colors and objects with special meaning just for you. This is especially meaningful when you are learning to be less self critical.

Getting Started:

• Set an intention for your altar
• Clear a space and claim or create a surface
• Cover the surface with a beautiful cloth or special sheet of handmade paper
• Add candles, objects, photos, a poem in a frame
• Create a place to sit or stand
• Make time to initiate the space with a ceremony of your choosing, a prayer, lighting a candle, burning a sacred herb or incense, ringing a bell.
• Keep your altar well tended and free of dust and rearrange as it pleases you

When "David" was little, his parents sometimes had adult conversations at the table. He would begin using his worst table manners, spill things and cause a lot of distraction. At a family meeting, his mom brought up the possibility that he was feeling left out of the conversation at meal time. David instantly agreed. Together they brainstormed ideas for things he could do or say when this happened. After hearing all the suggestions, David decided he would announce " I am feeling left out!" when this happened. His parents agreed to acknowledge this and let him know if they needed any more time to cover their discussion, could include him in it, or ask him for a topic everyone could discuss. David loved making this announcement and getting the response he wanted- being included. His table manners improved dramatically, with out even having been mentioned.

Attention seeking behaviors are often unconscious, but they have a purpose! As a parent, teacher or boss you can recognize this behavior if you feel irritated, annoyed or worried. You might feel like you are shooing flies. The behavior continues but doesn't escalate.

Some good ways to deal with "undue attention" are:

• Be sure and make regular dates for "special time" with your child.
• Offer two reasonable choices as alternatives to the inappropriate behavior.
• Take action, don't continue to engage by doing a lot of talking and explaining.
• Remember to avoid humiliation and pointing out mistakes.

If you are intrigued by divination and collage or just committed to personal growth, this workshop is for you!
The power of this process will blow you away. Just beginning to think about making your cards will initiate profound changes in the way you view your life experiences. Making these cards and sharing them is truly a blessing.

Michael Ortiz Hill, author, teacher and healer, developed the "amor fati" deck (translation: To love one's fate). This workshop adapts his teaching into an experiential workshop that will get you well on your way to making and using your personal deck. Follow up support will also be available in the form of individual appointments or group gatherings.

Experience 7 information packed hours for $90*
DATE: Saturday, November 4, 2006
TIME: 10AM to 5PM
LOCATION: Santa Rosa, CA
*Sliding Scale Available Upon Request

I have supported women on their unique journeys to create a spiritual path that they can resonate with. I offer individual support and consultation for those on an unfolding spiritual path. Presentations, groups, workshops and ritual making are all available to those who feel curious or called to honor the feminine in their lives.

I now offer phone sessions by appointment. Sessions are available Monday through Thursday. I accept MasterCard and Visa as well as checks and Paypal. Geography need no longer limit your access to working with me!

All Articles Copyrighted by Laurie Stolmaker, MA, MFT 2005-2006
You are welcome to reprint articles in their entirety, as long as you also include this copyright notice.