Serenity Altars: The Therapeutic Power of Nature and Earth Art in Recovery

On the long and often lonely, arduous journey of recovery, finding peace and meaning in the midst of chaos can be one of the most challenging yet essential tasks. For those of us who have battled addiction, the need to control every aspect of our lives often becomes an ingrained habit, one that eventually spirals out of control when addiction takes hold. As someone who has been clean and sober for 34 years, I’ve walked that path, and I know firsthand the importance of finding new ways to restore harmony and serenity. One such way is through the practice of creating Serenity Altars, inspired by the Morning Altars method developed by Day Schildkret, my teacher and mentor.

The Therapeutic Effects of Earth Art

Morning Altars is a nature-based practice that involves creating intricate, ephemeral mandalas using natural materials like leaves, flowers, stones, and twigs. These creations, which I personally call Serenity Altars, particularly when used in a recovery context, are more than just art; they are a form of active meditation and a tool for mindfulness. For those in recovery, particularly in the preliminary stages, where there is often a struggle to find control amidst the turbulence, this practice offers a grounding, therapeutic outlet.

The therapeutic (having to do with treating disease and helping healing take place) effects of creating Serenity Altars are rooted in the connection to nature and the present moment. Nature, in its purest form, offers us a space where we can let go of the wreckage of our past, our regret-laden shame and guilt, and silence future anxieties to focus solely on the here and now. This practice can be particularly beneficial for those who struggle with traditional forms of meditation. For many in recovery, sitting still with their thoughts can be overwhelming, and that’s where the hands-on, creative aspect of Serenity Altars comes into play.

The two other intended audiences for my Serenity Altars practice are PTSD treatment-resistant Veterans (I’m a Non-Combat Veteran) and the cancer community at large, particularly those in active treatment.

(I’m an active cancer support group facilitator and former oncology and hospice nurse).

The Seven Sacred Movements

The Morning Altars practice is guided by what Day Schildkret refers to as the 7-Steps of a Morning Altars practice. My own Serenity Altars method is rooted in what I refer to as the Seven Sacred Movements (similar but different). These movements not only guide the creation of the altars but also mirror the process of recovery and healing.

1. Wander and Wonder: This first movement invites you to explore your surroundings, whether in a park, forest or even your backyard. As you wander, you gather natural materials that catch your eye, never taking more than you need while allowing yourself to be fully present and curious about the world around you. In recovery, this is akin to exploring new possibilities and perspectives, opening yourself up to the healing power of nature.
2. Place and Play Preparation: Once you’ve gathered your materials, the next step is to find a space to create your altar. This is a mindful and intuitive process where you intentionally connect with the place that calls you. In the next step, after clearing, you will playfully arrange the materials in a way that feels right to you. In this movement, though, there is no right or wrong, only the joy of anticipation. For those in recovery, this step can symbolize the reclaiming of your space and life, free from the rigidity of addiction.
3. Clear and Create: Before you begin placing your materials, you clear the space where you will build your altar. This clearing is both literal and symbolic, representing the clearing of old habits and thoughts that no longer serve you. As you create your altar, you are actively building something new and beautiful, just as you are building a new life in recovery.
4. Gift and Gratitude: Once your altar is complete, you offer it as a gift to the world, to nature, or to someone you love. This step is about cultivating gratitude for the process and for the ability to create something meaningful. In recovery, gratitude is a powerful tool that helps shift focus from what was lost to what is being gained.
5. Release and Reflect: The altars created in this practice are ephemeral; they are not meant to last forever. In this movement, you release your attachment to creation, allowing it to return to the earth. This release mirrors the process of letting go in recovery—letting go of control, of the past, and of the need to hold onto what no longer serves you. Here, you will embrace Serenity…
6. Select and Share Soulfully: The images you select to share with those you intend to support will capture the memory of your experience. Service to others is just one of the many ways recovery unfolds… Sharing, whether it’s art or how the experience moved you, is a selfless act. Selfless service leads to serenity.
7. Bless and Begin Again: With the altar returned to the earth, you bless the space and yourself for the work done. This final movement reminds us that recovery is an ongoing process, and each day offers a new beginning. You bless the journey you’ve undertaken and prepare to begin anew, just as you would in your daily practice of recovery.

Photo credits Images from the Authors personal collection “Created by -TheEarthHeARTist.”

The Benefits of Serenity Altars in Recovery

Integrating Serenity Altars into a recovery program, especially one like the Conscious Recovery Curriculum, offers numerous benefits. Primarily, it provides a tactile and engaging way to practice mindfulness. For those who struggle with quieting their minds, the physical act of creating an altar can serve as a form of active meditation, allowing them to focus their energy and thoughts in a positive and constructive manner.

Moreover, this practice fosters a deep connection to nature, which has been shown to have significant mental health benefits, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. In recovery, where emotions can often be overwhelming, finding a peaceful and natural outlet can be incredibly healing.

Finally, Serenity Altars encourage creativity and self-expression, both of which are vital for those in recovery. Addiction often stifles creativity, trapping individuals in a cycle of repetitive behaviors. By engaging in this creative process, individuals can rediscover their sense of self and explore new ways to express their emotions and experiences.

Photo Credits “Created by Day Schildkret in collaboration with Bobby Kountz and the Lakewood Volunteer Team.”

Conclusion

In the initial stages of recovery, when control seems elusive and emotions run high, the practice of creating Serenity Altars offers a grounding and therapeutic outlet. Through the Seven Sacred Movements, individuals can find peace, meaning, and a new way to connect with the world around them. As someone who has walked this path, I believe deeply in the power of this practice to support all levels of recovery and healing.

Whether you are just beginning your journey or have been in recovery for years, I invite you to explore the practice of Serenity Altars. It is a beautiful way to honor your journey, connect with nature, and find serenity in the process of creation.

This article highlights the potential therapeutic benefits of Serenity Altars and how the practice can align with the recovery journey. It also emphasizes the connection to nature and the power of creativity as tools for healing.

Written with Gratitude in Collaboration with The Great Mystery. I acknowledge the lands I inhabit as the Ancestral Lands of The Southern Paiute Nation.

~TheEarthHeARTist

https://www.lakewoodcemetery.org/midsummer-memory-mandalas-community/