The weeks preparing for Easter are some of my favorite days of the year. I find thoughts of the risen Son very uplifting. To me it means the rising of love and light in my life; a time to set aside negative attitudes to be replaced by positive attitudes and caring actions.
I'm glad Easter is celebrated every year to give an annual look toward peace on earth - personal and worldwide. My wish for each is to be inspired by Easter - to feel the rising of love in your heart, then shown and enjoyed by loving others.
Preparing an altar for Easter meditation
If you have an altar set up for daily meditation this is an opportunity to freshen and clean everything. If the idea of a meditation altar is new for you here are some considerations to include -
Lay out a clean cloth over a table or even a carton turned upside down - whatever your budget will allow. One idea is to use a small step stool as your altar, as it is just a step off the ground in height and just about perfect to set a candle upon.
I like to use a new white decorated candle for Easter meditation.
Then you can surround your candle with a wreathe of fresh Spring flowers if available, or some beautiful silk flowers like orchids or lilies. If you are using silk or artificial flowers, clean them with some bursts of air from a hairdryer if they are dusty.
During your meditation light a few sticks of sandalwood incense or a floral scent if you prefer.
I also have a special crystal I lay on my altar that reminds me of the purity of my soul. And I like to have a rosary or mala - prayer beads - laying across the front of my altar to use when I feel like doing mantra repetitions.
I also keep a journal and pen laying alongside the altar to record inspirations. And I wouldn't be without a volume of poetry or uplifting writing alongside the journal.
My habit is to silently read a paragraph, page, or short chapter of inspired writing, or something about the lives of saints before closing my eyes and beginning silent meditation.
That completes my altar preparations for Easter meditation. My prayers and blessings are with everyone on this joyful holy occasion!
Article and photo credit Susan Kramer; pink lilies, Keukenhof Gardens, The Netherlands
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