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Dear Chi Yoga Friends

I am writing to you with an invitation

the intention is to create a space where we can be in silence to connect  with the Sacred, where to Connect to Creation  and to be One with the Oneness

I am inviting you to set up a soul station, a sacred space, an altar in your home, a space where you can feel anchored, where you can express Gratitude and be in Silence with yourself Connected to Existence

“ An altar serves as a visual focus of your spiritual intentions, affirmations, prayers, and energy
It also serves as a place to go and be quiet, re-calibrate your mind, and re-ground your energy. An altar can be right where you are
In an open field, in your parked car, or in a private place in your home
The key is to create a space that’s sacred and consecrated”

(Schan Robinson)

There are certain steps that you are encouraged to follow while setting up your altar in your home

1. Choose a place that resonates with you

When looking for a place, ask yourself the following questions:

Does this place feel good?
* Do I have privacy here?
* Is this place quiet?
* How is the energy feeling here?
* Can I create an altar here without disrupting or inconveniencing anyone else?

2. Cleanse the Space for Your Altar

To energetically cleanse the space, you could use

*sound (singing, clapping your hands, using a singing bowl or a drum)

*scent ( burning incense or a smudge stick)

*light (lighting a candle or opening the windows and letting the sunshine in),

*visualization, or even a simple dust and sweep of the room

3. Bring objects that are meaningful to you

There are no right or wrong items to choose when Spirit has spoken to you.

I suggest that you do choose to present at your  altar at least one item that represents the elements

Earth

Earth represents being secure, grounded, centered, and carries feminine energy (as in Mother Earth), and can be represented by crystals, stones, plants, fresh flowers, and herbs

Water

The water element encourages resilience, non-attachment, and empathy, represents cleansing, healing,  and cultivating our intuition. It is traditionally represented by a vase or bowl of water, but you might also consider using a simple essential oil or rosewater mist

Fire

Kindle your confidence, creativity, and drive with the fire element. Fire  represents creative energy, strength, and transformation

You might light a candle or represent it symbolically with the “flameless” variety if you can’t have an open flame. Since fire is also used for purification, many ancient practices involve its invocation.

Air

The air element brings clear communication, self-expression, and curiosity. You may find this surprising, but when incense is burned on an altar, it’s not actually for the smell. Instead, the smoke provides a visual reminder of the presence of this more subtle element
For Air one might use natural incense, white sage, feathers, a bird image, or even a writing instrument; for air represents knowledge, wisdom, and masculine energy.

Space

Vedic’s fifth element doesn’t have a good translation, but we call it space, ether, or “Akash.” which in the Taoist tradition is Metal

The container for all the other elements, space is the source of stillness, freedom, wisdom, and potential. Because it’s perceived through sound, on a classic yoga altar it’s represented by a bell. That’s why this element lives in the throat area, which includes both the throat that makes sound and the ears that receive it.

Through intention and practice, what is simply a collection of beautiful objects can become a sacred space. Remember that there are really no rules, and whatever your intuition guides you to place on your altar can have incredible potency. The most important thing is to develop a ritual around your altar, whether that means meditating in front of it in the mornings, gazing at it during your asana practice, or spending a few quiet moments in daily devotion.

4. Arrange your altar

Once you have found your sacred space, cleansed it, and got an idea of what objects to include, you’ll need to arrange your altar.

The way we arrange the sacred space is an outward expression of our intentions, inner and most intimate feelings, emotions, thoughts, and beliefs, so we mindful when doing so.

If you wish, you can put also an image of yourself (full body, from head to toes) so you can honor your life, your body, your gifts and talents, and manifest your appreciation and gratitude for the sacred being you are

Photographs of your teachers, guru, children, or relatives also helps to bring you into a state of oneness with those who inspire you and have helped you come to the current moment. By adding these photos to your shrine, you are celebrating your mentors, teachers, and the people in your life that have challenged you and made you who you are today.

5. Bless Your Altar

Blessing your altar is saying a prayer, setting an intention, or chanting a  sound, a song, a mantra, or an affirmation over the altar. You choose what your intuition speaks for you to do

6. Bless Yourself

You, consecrated and made holy, are also an altar, a shrine, a sanctuary Each morning I bless myself as a ritual to bless the functions of my being, to express Gratitude for my existence, my consciousness, my health, my wealth, my creativity, my prosperity and abundance, to connect to the smooth and free flow of my blood and Chi in me and around me, knowing that i am One with Oneness

7. Maintain your altar (by LonerWolf)

Keeping your altar clean from cobwebs, dust, and other residue is important: it shows respect for your practice. After all, it is supposed to be your sacred space. Do this as regularly as you feel necessary.

Finally, remember that your altar doesn’t always need to stay the same! You are free to change it, adjust it, add to it, or take away from it whenever you choose. As your inner work develops, you might find that certain items on your altar are no longer relevant or necessary. In the same manner, you might begin to feel as though something is “lacking” from your altar and so will need to adjust it likewise.

As always, allow your altar to be a physical place in which you can sit quietly, reflect, be still, commune with Spirit, thank your guides, show gratitude, and whatever other deep needs you have. Your sacred space is yours to build, alter, nourish and cherish every day. It is one of the most precious gifts you can give to yourself!

Remember, your altar is your spiritual workplace; your physical space of power. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to create an altar that is significant to you – look around your own home, in the natural world around you, or in a local thrift store to find special and meaningful objects. And finally, take care of it, nurture it, and spend regular time with it. Your altar is completely yours to shape, build, and transform!

I hope you find this practice useful....looking forward to hearing your experiences

With Love & Gratitude

Sandra