We are the center of our life experiences…
In the sense that we “are” the observers of our general states of mind, body, and beyond, the action makers, takers, and choosers, and the recipients of all of the effects to our causes.
With this being said, we all have the potential to alchemize our life experiences, with the deepest of work being done seated at the altar within…
“What is an Altar?”
If we look up the word “altar” online, we are often met with a wide array of ambiguous explanations defining its sole purpose, amidst a sea of diverse interpretations derived from equally diverse and varying belief systems, all of which point to slightly different symbolic meanings and beliefs about what an “altar” is essentially “meant” to be used for.
Below, I give a breakdown of what I use an altar for and what an altar is to me, with this simply being my own subjective beliefs portrayed in a symbolic sense, not a literal one.
A Designated Sacred Space…
I personally and loosely consider an altar to be defined as: “A designated sacred space that is set with intentionality and is utilized for the betterment of oneself.“
In a literal sense, a physical altar can be defined as a “table” or “flat-topped block“, which is then followed by its purpose, which is figuratively and loosely defined and influenced by various subjective interpretations and projections based on varying belief systems.
But this is what an altar is to me, and this is therefore the context that I will be referring to moving forward!
“What is the ‘Altar Within’?”
The “Altar Within” is what I consider to be the space within each of us as individuals where we find our connection to “source“, and where we are able to clearly receive answers to any questions that we have, for ourselves and from ourselves, as well as where we channel any intuitive messages and guidance.
The altar within is symbolic of an altar that we would find outside of ourselves, except for the fact that the altar within is something that we carry with us, all of the time, hence the inclusion of and emphasis on the additional word, “within“.
It serves a similar purpose in relation to a physical altar, in the sense that it is a sacred space that can be focused on with intentionality and utilized for the betterment of oneself… Except an external altar is good for extending this space into our external world and designating a space that we can interact with and conduct our physical work in that lies within this physical realm, bridging the gap between our internal and external.
“How Do We Tend to the Altar Within?”
To tend to our “altar within”, we must first understand what an “altar within” means to us personally.
To understand our altar within, we must first find our altar within, or to be more specific, create our altar within.
As I mentioned before, the meaning of what an “altar” is and is meant to be used for differs greatly depending on the belief systems of the individual, and therefore, the altar’s purpose is going to be subjective as well.
What the “altar within” means to us is going to be different for each of us, and this is where we look within for the answers.
This altar within is a space within each of us that we can tune into whenever we please, as long as we are aware that it exists and have clearly and intentionally designated it as a “center of personal development”.
This is kind of like the center of our whole experience, a place that we can re-turn to whenever we would like to receive answers, ask questions, ponder questions, center ourselves, reset, rest in clarity, and much more.
If you were in a noisy and disruptive classroom attempting to solve a math problem, sitting at the altar within would be like removing yourself from that room, and sitting in a quiet and isolated room that you have all to yourself, where you can then figure out the best route to take in solving the task at hand from a place of clarity and clear receptivity.
Tending to the altar within requires utilizing it consistently, patience, practice, invested attention, awareness, learning, vulnerability, repetition, revisiting this space, and so much more, which will ultimately vary depending on the individual who is doing the tending, although with this, I would also mention that this tending does happen naturally when we continue to rest at and revisit our altar within, accessing it in order to promote our evolution, and the betterment of ourselves as a whole!
If I were to go any deeper into this topic, this one post would end up being pages long, so here, I give you the gist of it and summarize the essence of this beautiful teaching to the best of my abilities, and from here, I pass the torch on to you, so that you may traverse inwards and discover what the “altar within” really means to you as a unique individual. ❤
“Why Should We Tend to the Altar Within?”
Sovereignty. Home Base. Neutrality.
Sovereignty.
When we tend to our altar within, we are accepting the truth that we do actually have most of the answers to our questions, and no longer have to constantly rely on seeking external guidance and insight. (All the time, sometimes it is okay to receive some insight from the perspective of another, and to ask questions to those who have had experiences that differ from our own! It is a balance!)
This is to trust ourselves, believe in ourselves, have confidence in ourselves, and to rest in our true sovereignty and personal power, accepting the fact that we are, more often times than not, capable of providing ourselves the guidance, answers, and love that we “seek”.
Home Base.
The altar within also has the potential to be a symbolic representation of a kind of “home base“ in our lives. A center-line to return to if we ever veer too far from our “path”, and a space that is always accessible to us if we would like to re-turn to a state of balance and clarity.
As I mentioned before, I consider the altar within to be a kind of center of our whole experience here, so for me personally, this always a space that I can return to if I would like a clear sense of direction, an energetic reset, or simply a reminder that everything is going to be okay, that I am safe, and that I can create whatever life I desire and dream of living from this beautiful and tender breeding ground for creation. In other words, my altar within is like my internal home.
Neutrality.
Similar to the altar within being a kind of center, I would also consider the altar within to be a space of in between, a bridge between both worlds, with it not just being “one or the other” but also both and neither simultaneously. For me, to rest in the altar within is also to respond from and rest in a place of neutrality.
Therefore, I also consider the altar within to be a unique and magnificent space of neutrality and non-dichotomy. This is why I believe that this is an amazing space to utilize and receive insight, clarity, and guidance from. The altar within is non-biased. It does not judge. It is not acting from a place of the past nor the future, it is simply providing unconditional love and guidance derived from the forever now, all that will ever be, all that ever was, and all that never was… Source.
As always, this is poured straight from my heart center, and here I share what has helped me in my own personal experiences, hence why I took the time and energy to create and produce this work of art and share it with all of you beautiful beings. May this be received in whatever walk of life you are treading at this moment, right now, which is always perfect, wherever you are… All my love and best wishes, hope this helps. ❤️
United Being 