The Listening

Before I build an altar, I listen.

Sometimes I hear a desire I’ve been putting off.

Sometimes I realize I miss making things with my hands. Sometimes what wants my attention is as simple as needing a little quiet.

Where my attention goes, my energy follows. This is a moment to notice where it’s been going and ask where I’d like to give a little more of it.

Take a breath.

Settle wherever you are. You can write a few words, say them out loud, or sit with the questions.

There is no wrong way.

1. What keeps coming back to me lately?
An idea, a feeling, a desire, something I miss. Give yourself a moment to notice what comes up.

2. What wants my attention right now?
If one thing stands out, give it a word or a short phrase. If nothing comes, you can leave the question open and return to it another day.

3. How could I give it a place to live?
Choose one small thing you can see or touch. Write your word on a scrap of paper and tuck it by your mirror. If you miss making things, set a paintbrush beside your morning mug. Use something you already have.

This is where I begin with what I call the inner altar.

I listen for what matters to me, then give it a place in the world I move through every day.

What matters to you deserves a place to live.

Want to build on what you heard?

In my intro altar class, we’ll take a word, a feeling, or an intention that matters to you and use it to begin building an altar of your own. If you’d like to hear when the next class opens, you can leave your email below.