The Purpose of an Altar | by Madisyn Taylor If you didn't grow up with an altar in your home, having an altar now may seem like an exotic and unattainable idea. Yet having an altar does not have to be complicated or difficult, nor does it need to be based on a religion or a set of ideas that don't seem to relate to you. An altar can be a simple, personal expression of what you want to focus on right now. You do not have to build anything or take up a lot of space. You do not have to buy anything new or follow a complex set of instructions to create your altar. All you have to do is have a general understanding of what an altar is and the willingness to allow yourself access to this wonderful, ancient tool of transformation. At its most essential, an altar is simply a raised structure that serves as a resting place for meaningful objects. It focuses the eye and provides a place for contemplation and, if so desired, ritual. All of these elements can be quite simple. One idea for a simple altar is a pot with a bulb planted in it, set on a box. This altar to growth can act as a reminder to you that all living things bloom in their time. A simple ritual might be to write down dreams you would like to see come to fruition on scraps of paper. You might place these scraps of paper in the box, or under the flowerpot, or in an envelope you prop against the pot. As the flower grows, so will your dreams. If you look around your home, you may find that you have already created altarlike arrangements without even really thinking about it; this is something we humans do quite naturally. A candle, a decorative box, and a vase of flowers are just a few of the common household objects that lend themselves naturally to the creation of an altar. Simply add intention and intuition, and you have created your first altar. Remember that it isn't necessarily about the objects you place at your altar--it is the time you spend with it daily, taking the time to be with it for your sacred time. | DailyOM Course Spotlight by Stefanie Turner There is much more to improving flexibility than holding long stretches, and the benefits that come with being more limber is amazing. Being flexible and able to move freely will not only enhance your quality of life, it also builds better posture and maximizes the benefits of any physical activity. While many people may do a few stretches before a run or try to touch their toes every now and then, they often overlook the importance and benefits of learning the correct stretching techniques to lengthen and strengthen muscles gradually, correctly, and safely. With this highly effective 14-day course anyone can become more flexible, regardless of their fitness level or ability. Top 10 DailyOM Courses 1. Unhinge Your Hips and Hamstrings 2. What Women Need to Know About Men 3. Shedding Your Menopausal Middle in 10 Days 4. Chakra Dance to Change Your Life 5. Beneficial Stretches for the Inflexible 6. How to Communicate Like a Buddhist 7. 8 Week Whole Body Makeover! 8. What to Eat Over 40 9. From Self-Destruction to Reconstruction 10. Pelvis Reset for Lower Back Pain
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