I’m so proud of my gardenias. After just two years in my backyard, under my well-meaning intentions (that are sometimes neglectful, sometimes plain confused), they’ve flowered into the grand finale of a gardenia fireworks show. My Spring backyard is showing gratitude for the one time I fed it and the eighteen times I half watered it this past year and I am (admittedly) more proud that I should be. I’m back there, spinning around in circles with my arm open singing about all the plants I haven’t killed yet.
This feels like the most luxurious part of Spring. The light turning to gold, pinks and periwinkles so late in the day I almost forget that this moment is too brief to take for granted. Each night as the sun starts to settle I set my tasks. First outside for the last dayโs inhale of the fading gardenias. Inside I turn on the lights on my bedside tables. I turn on a light next to the living room couch. I light an incense. I light a candle. I consider tea or wine. I draw the blinds. I take a deep inhale and listen to the sounds of the neighbors on the porch, or the walkers with their dogs and that’s it… I’m ready to call it night.
These moments… most moments are part routine and part ceremony.
The routine part is pretty clear. Things like: Put the keys in the bowl by the door and don’t you dare thoughtlessly put them somewhere else – you’ll be sorry. Other things like: Close the blinds, draw the curtain, feed the screaming cat. There’s always: Wash the dishes, don’t sit down, yet… wash the dishes then sit down… wash the dishes then sit down.
Moments of everyday ceremony are filled with a bit more grace and meditation, however fleeting they may be. That’s where these little altars, these little offerings, shine their light. I have little altars everywhere.
I do a lot of worshiping in my kitchen – mostly to the cutting board, to the stand mixer, or over the sink with a sponge in hand. There’s a lot to worship in this space – it’s function and magic and seemingly bottomless mountain of dirty dishes, amen. Recently I gathered up a little altar in this space. It’s a meditation – a visual reminder of current intentions, of past pleasures, and tokens from people who inspire me. Historically, home altars were often placed in or near the kitchen because the kitchen was the heart center of the home, and where all the heat came from. It only seems appropriate.
The invitation is for you to create a kitchen altar in your space. You don’t need much space – a windowsill or small plate next to the stove will do just fine. It’s very personal, but here are a few things you might consider adding:
Something green – I chose a clipping from my gardenia bush. Sometimes it’s a green I’ve foraged from one of my walks.
A picture of someone you love – I’ve got my little sister here. I can’t wait to see her soon.
Messages that resonate – for me that’s a coaster with the word YES and one from the spirit animal tarot cards in unicorn.
Tokens from people that inspire you – I’ve got art from lady artists I know, a cross from my mom, and a book of matches from my grandparents wedding.
Salt – because it’s beautiful and its value is high.
A candle – for warmth and change.
An incense – for clearing the mind.
Chocolate – a treat for after I do the dishes… because listen, I love a treat.
Arrange in a way that feels pleasing to you and take a moment with candle, incense, and intention whenever you can. We’re making sacred space in a sacred space. It’s a small action but the impact is deep.
Love to you!
xo Joy
42 Responses
Thanks to you I made a kitchen alter a couple years ago. I have meaningful thingsโฆa small pitcher with fresh rosemary sprits, a small bird, tall bottle of olive oil and coarse salt in a little wooden bowl my husband made, all on a wooden platter my husband also made. Itโs my favorite thing in my kitchen
I looooove this! Iโm very inspired to make one this evening. Peace to you!
Wow! That’s a great sharing I must have to say. And I agree with you that, a kitchen is the heart of the home. I love all of your ideas and I think you can add or arrange music system for more relaxation during your kitchen work.
love this!
Really this is a unique idea, especially green is exceptional for me.
I have followed your blog for a long time and this might be my favorite post ever. Thank you for this simplicity.
I unknowingly have an altar above my sink :) (Well, right now in this season of life it’s where my breastpump parts live after sterilizing, but I still have most of the elements of your altar idea around them.)
Also, did you know that “Little Altars Everywhere” is the name of a book? :)
I looooove this! I’m very inspired to make one this evening. Peace to you!
That is good idead
What a lovely post
I live in Kansas and had never seen a gardenia IRL until my husband and I road tripped to New Orleans for our first anniversary. They were my favorite part. I took, maybe… 50 photos of different gardenias because I just wanted to take them all home with me.
I think this is one of the best posts you’ve ever written. Just beautiful! Thank you.
What a beautifully written post! Our kitchen is currently under renovation – as in, tear out a wall and absolutely gut it renovation. But you’ve reminded me to be mindful and purposeful in my small moments – making them more ceremony than routine, as you said. Thank you for this reminder and this beautiful post!
I really liked your kitchen! So stylish! If possible, share more photos. I plan to renovate the kitchen, and would like to do something similar.
And thanks for the idea with the altar. It’s very stylish and original!
This is a lovely idea and lovely writing as you express it. So glad I took a minute to read it.
I love this SO much!!
Adore this. Already have something along the lines of an altar going, but I love some of the touches youโve added. Canโt wait to add to mine this weekend.
Now you need a kitchen god!
Joy, I love this post! Beautiful and True! ssdgm
I unknowingly built myself a window shelf alter when I moved into my new house (cut green sprigs, salt and memorabilia matchboxes included) – I love the idea of making it an intentional thing…going to go rearrange it now. Wishing you well down south! xo
What a good idea & a great way to make your kitchen a place you really love!
Kari
https://sweetteasweetie.com/aged-cheddar-sliders-with-pineapple-guacamole/
I think I subconsciously was starting to make an altar on my bar cartโa candle and a heart shaped dish containing significant objects: my late catโs collar name tag, my first sagaftra card (ugh I feel so LA but it was important to me) and my pins from various wine certifications. Iโm now inspired to add to the collection your ideas!
This was a lovely post! I didn’t even realize I was doing these things – rituals, alters – but they’re all throughout my day, and my tiny apartment!
Thank you!
I so love gardenias and their scent. The altar is a lovely idea.
so simple. so sweet. love.
i believe I’ve been unknowingly making altars all along. little pretty vignettes that i state at and think good thoughts…i made one for mom’s day. i have a small corked. little with some of my mom’s ashes…i had just bought a big, beautiful white urn and filled it with bright white viburnum and giant hot pink peonies, plopped mom down next to it, next to my jewelry box on my nightstand. i am now appreciating the patterns that the petals falling are making.
Thank you, Joy!
I do this with different things: my letterboard, succulent plants and a candle, I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one that does these things ;)
Joy, I’ve been doing this anyway on the kitchen island where I sit many times throughout the day, without knowing it was an altar :) Thank you for giving me permission to really dedicate a space there to mindfully find peace and happiness in my favorite room, the kitchen! Love your posts and one day want to visit your city, Lyn H.
Joy, this is a beautiful piece of writing. Your words are so calming and inspiring and so often just what I need in my day. Thanks for this.
This is a really unique idea! Thank you for my daily dose of inspiration!
Routines–I have a love-hate relationship with them, but mostly love, because with two small kids, I would go crazy without them.
Thanks for this beautiful idea. I am going to try and bring it into our house because sometimes when they are asleep there is a still a lot of post picking-up-things-off-the floor to do, and this feels like it would be such a calming thing to do.
Such a beautiful way to end a day. I love your little “alter” and plan to put some thought into bringing one to my kitchen today!
xo,
Karen
Excellent idea, I’m a routine lover myself, and with two screaming cats it’s clear they must breakfast before I do! I sort of use the altar concept already with garden flowers in old jars but love this focused, centered idea.
I love this idea, thank you!
Thank you! I love this and I will work with my kitchen today! Lots of inspiration.
That round cutting board is fantastic! Where did you get it?
Looks like it could be this: https://www.target.com/p/acacia-wood-round-footed-tray-hearth-hand-153-with-magnolia/-/A-52991625?preselect=52580644#lnk=sametab
This post was lovely in every way.
Love this post! I have my rituals also and my ways of remembering my mom, and an altar is a lovely way of keeping all those rituals at the ready! I Also do a lot of the same regarding my dishes, mixing, cooking, baking etc…itโs my therapy or meditation time. Thank you for your inspiration.
Thank you Joy!
That was the right post at the right time for me. I will replace all the Sympathy cards with an Altar! Something for new beginnings and lost love, something light and inspiring instead reminders of lost love.
Thanks again. <3