I suppose home alters and/or shrines have existed for centuries as symbols of spiritual realities. Here is my homemade one where I go to retreat each day. The wooden statue of Christ came from my mother -- the little chair from her mother -- the bronze incense holder was part of my parents living room for many years when I was a child - I eventually claimed it -- and the gong is Japanese. I've added a Contemplative Outreach logo of "patience waiting" (apt term for meditation) and a photo of the chapel at St. Benedict's Monastery, Snowmass CO.
