Welcome to Monk & Mystic!
When I started studying spirituality, I learned the value of ritual and sacred practices. It helped me create a rhythm of connecting to my spirit, while giving me a way to express my intent and gratitude. Rituals help bring me into a mindset of releasing what I can’t control, which allows me to find stillness - and the knowing that settles into the spaciousness there.
Building altars became an art form of expressing what I saw as God’s consistent goodness in my life. I learned to build them intuitively - with whatever I felt called to incorporate. I reset them regularly as an embrace of impermanence. I allowed them to mark spots where I met with God in a way that left nothing between us. Places where I let myself unfold and expand. Most importantly, I made my rituals my own.
That’s what I desire to inspire in you. Permission to lean into sacred practices of your own. Actionable ways to experience inner spacious and an open posture so that you can strengthen the connection you have with your spirit -the place where we have permission to love bigger, and deeper than ever.
It’s true that I’m a collector, and that I bring home all sorts of stuff to adorn my sacred spaces. I often sell those items at some point, too, and I’d love for you to shop with me (I have a small space as dealer #28 at South Main Creative, in the SOMA district of downtown Little Rock). However, you don’t need to buy anything to build ritual and sacred practices. If you want to lean into the experience of building altars, then everyday items that you already own can be perfect - as well as going out into the world and gathering from nature. You can build little altars, or big elaborate ones. You can decide to do so outdoors, or in a special space where you can be alone. You can use them to recognize important teachers and allies, and family members - living or past.
I use this online space and Instagram to give you ideas and resources that can serve as a starting place. I’ll also share things to think about as you lean into the concept. My hope is that one way or another you claim a way to mark your days and seasons with an exploration of your spirit and your soul. I believe that it is a place that is deep, and good, and whole, and waiting to teach us what we need to know in order to step into love… and all the amazing things that happen when we reside in that space.
Beginning in June of 2024 I’m selling items that I think have potential to enhance your enjoyment of creating spaces that reflect your heart. I have a long history of selling stuff… but this is my first time to do it solo and I’ve decided to start with a small space at South Main Creative in the SOMA district of downtown Little Rock. I’m very excited to be a part of their community of dealers! I’ve shopped with them for many years and know that you will enjoy how their merchandise can compliment the items I bring in - so be sure to stroll through all of the booths when you stop by.
Things that I like to use in altar spaces:
candles
candle sticks and votive holders
mirrors (as a backdrop or like a tray)
figures, statues, and icons
fire-safe dishes and saucers
small and medium bowls
ash trays
boxes - for storage and/or as risers
garland
small rugs and mats
animal hides
crystals and other stones
driftwood
found feathers
flowers
shells and coral
essential oil blends
sage
palo santo
incense
incense burners
plants
prayer beads
matches - variety
quotes and prayers
index cards
journal
post-it notes
pens
picture frames
meditation cushion
small rug or mat to sit on
shawl
blanket
tissue box
lip balm
Bible and other texts
When choosing items for an altar space, I tend toward natural materials. It’s common practice to acknowledge the 4 elements - earth, air, fire, water. I’ve used flowers and other plant material, drift wood, stones, etc. for earth. Feathers are usually my go-to for air, but I also consider a mirror to be a representation of air (… I don’t know why, because I don’t recall anyone ever saying that to me). If you want to put wind chimes nearby, then that’s nice too. I always light a candle to represent my intention and that can double for fire - if you’re looking for flame-free ideas, you can use battery powered “candles,” but I would use hot peppers… or something along those lines too. For water, you can always have a water fountain, or even ocean sounds from a recording. Most often, I use driftwood that I found, or shells and coral pieces. You get the picture, I’m sure.
Our senses are something to take into account too. Sounds and smells can help bring you into the right state of mind quickly, if you use them consistently as you meditate or practice mindfulness and prayer. I have an ad-free playlist that I use, and I add to it often. Chimes and water features are good here too. If you’re aware of singing bowls, they work more specifically with your frequencies and are great to have nearby! As for smells, I burn incense, sage, and palo santo. Similarly to candles, pay attention to what’s in your incense. It’s better to burn good quality incense with excellent scent profiles, low-smoke burning, and all natural materials. I also enjoy essential oil blends.
