Sacred Altar Made By Hand Becomes Living Wisdom

Thursday, 10 July 2025 Written by Marcela Lobos Views: 13593

Living Wisdom Through Sacred Craft and Stillness

Many of our students have heard Alberto’s teaching story about the difference between information and wisdom.

When he was a recent PhD graduate, he was in a pilgrimage in the high mountains of the Andes with his indigenous mentor who challenged him firmly, “move your little doctor wings and heal somebody in India.” Alberto answered, “I can’t; I don’t know how to do that”. Without hesitation, his mentor said, “I can”.

In that moment something profound clicked for Alberto. He understood the difference between knowing that water is H2O and the wisdom of making it rain. From then on he committed himself to cultivate and to teach true wisdom—that which is lived, sacred and embodied, far from parroting clever insights or applying sterile techniques.

With this in mind is that I share a glimpse of how Alberto and I dance with the teachings we offer at Los Lobos Sanctuary and through the Four Winds online. Let me begin with a recent experience.

Not long ago, we relocated within the U.S. and, in our new place, we needed an altar. I began browsing online, searching for the right wooden piece, when Alberto surprised me with an unexpected exclamation, “I’ll make it”.

“What?” I asked, thinking that he was joking. I had seen him write over twenty books, but I had never seen him with a drill or a hammer—beyond the occasional nail on the wall.

But he was serious, and took on the challenge. Soon, wood timbers were drying out in our garage, and within weeks, scary power tools began arriving at our doorstep along with cans of wood stain in various tones.

Making this altar became his practice. With the first light of the day he would be out in the garage reciting prayers and mantras to infuse the wood and every part of the altar with his intentions.

After weeks of work, he brought the finished piece into our home. I could have never asked for a more perfect altar—not because of its form (which came out a little crooked), but because in every inch that he sanded and in every stroke of paint, there was so much presence and love.

“When I am gone, I’ll be in this altar” he whispered. I shed tears of love.

Embodied Wisdom Through Rest

From my side, I can share how I embody the path of non-doing and the wisdom of non-reactivity—by embracing deep rest as one of my most essential practices.

Rather than filling my schedule from dawn to dusk, I intentionally leave open spaces for what nourishes me. I wake up extra early to gift myself an hour or two of contemplation, journaling, sunbathing, and preparing a nourishing breakfast. My mornings are then dedicated to focused work—online meetings, client sessions, writing—yet I always carve out time for a few minutes of yoga or an outdoor walk to reconnect with my body and breath.

After lunch, I lay down to listen to a peaceful meditation, which gently resets me for a productive afternoon. Come evening, I choose to go to bed early, allowing for my full eight hours of sleep.

I’ve found that when I am well rested, I can offer my very best to life and to others. What might seem like idleness to some is, for me, the source of presence, vitality, and effectiveness.

That said, I hold it lightly. Especially when travelling, I adapt to what is possible and follow what brings most magic to my journey.

How about you? Where in your life do wisdom teachings become lived experience?

— Marcela Lobos

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