•  
A+ A A-

Sacred Altar Made By Hand Becomes Living Wisdom

Sacred Altar Made By Hand Becomes Living Wisdom

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

Credit

The Four Winds Society, founded by Dr. Alberto Villoldo, is a school blending ancient shamanic wisdom with modern medicine and psychology. Its website, thefourwinds.com, hosts the article "Unraveling the Colonial Spell,"

Alberto Villoldo PhD is a medical anthropologist who has spent the last 30 years investigating the healing practices of the shamans of the Amazon and the Andes. He is the founder and director of the Four Winds Society, and author of Shaman, Healer, Sage, Mending the Past and Healing the Future with Soul Retrieval, The Four Insights and Yoga, Power and Spirit. Alberto is founder of the world-renowned Four Winds Society and of the Light Body School. In his teachings and writings, he shares the experience of infinity and its ability to heal and transform us, to free us from the temporal chains that keep us fettered to illness, old age and disease.

© 2025 CrystalWind.ca & Author | All Rights Reserved | No reproduction without permission | Awakening Souls Since 2008.
#CrystalWind #SpiritualJourney


Pin It

Liked this article? Dive deeper into personal growth and wellness! Check out CrystalWind.ca for spiritual wisdom or explore AromaWorx.ca for natural well-being tips. Spread the positivity—share this with friends on their happiness journey!

Let’s Chat! Drop Your Thoughts Below! Scroll down to comment

©2008-2025 CrystalWind.ca. All rights reserved.
No reproduction without written permission.

Crystal Wind wisdom since 2008—Awaken Your Soul!
#CrystalWind #SpiritualJourney #Awakening #Enlightenment

Keep CrystalWind.ca free—your gift matters now!
Help us spread light today. Thank you, supporters!

Follow this blog

Featured Writers

Thank You for Visiting CrystalWind!

We’re honored to be part of your journey.

Share your thoughts at .

Let’s grow together!

The Crystal Wind Oracle App
Shatter Illusions – Gain Clarity Now!
Instant Access On:
Apple | Android | Amazon
New! 53-Card Deck for Deeper Wisdom

Imagine a world of inspiration and healing, free for all—made possible by YOU!
Donate Now—Ignite the Magic at CrystalWind.ca!

Support CrystalWind.ca Today!

Unlock Your Light: Join Lightworkers Worldwide on CrystalWind.ca!

 

Call For Writers

Call For Writers!

Follow Us!

Featured This Month

Page:

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Lammas by The Hedgewitch

Although in the heat of a Mid-western summer it might be difficult to discer... Read more

Sun in Leo

Sun in Leo

An Overview of Sun Sign Characteristics for Leo Read more

Larimar

Larimar

The Atlantis Stone - The Dolphin Stone Found exclusively in the Dominica... Read more

Lughnasadh (Lammas) - The Celtic Harvest Fes…

Lughnasadh (Lammas) - The Celtic Harvest Festival

The Celtic harvest festival on August 1st takes its name from the Irish god ... Read more

Ripe Berries Moon

Ripe Berries Moon

Sturgeon - Garnet and Iron - Raspberry - Red July 23 to August 22 Th... Read more

Cinnabar

Cinnabar

The Merchant's Stone Cinnabar is said to attract abundance, gently increasi... Read more

Birth Totem - Salmon

Birth Totem - Salmon

Birth Totem Salmon Read more

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

Lugh - Celtic God Of The Sun

The god Lugh was worshiped in Ireland as a deity of the sun. This connection... Read more

Lughnasadh Meditation

Lughnasadh Meditation

The Seventh Sabbat of the Wheel is Lughnasadh. Lughnasadh is celebrated on A... Read more

Lammas

Lammas

Lammas Ritual Celebrated August 1st. Lammas is also known as Lughnasadh, La... Read more

The Hazel Tree: August 5 - September 1

The Hazel Tree: August 5 - September 1

Celtic Symbol : The Rainbow Salmon Read more

The Season of Lammas

The Season of Lammas

The season of Lammas (also called Lughnasadh) begins on August 1st and conti... Read more

Leo

Leo

LEO July 23 - August 22 Read more

Red Raspberry

Red Raspberry

Reminds you to be grateful for all of life’s ups and downs. Read more

X

Right Click

No right click