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Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit through Nature, Art, and Ritual
“Morning altars” are colorful mandalas that combine nature, art, and meditation. Incorporating the natural world into the everyday encourages positive well-being, even with the simplest of the earth’s gifts, such as leaves, flowers, berries, feathers, and stones. These stunning pieces of art are a peaceful and creative avenue to express gratitude for nature, to practice mindfulness, and to add meaning to daily life. In this book, Day Schildkret guides readers through the creation of morning altars, a seven- step process that includes wondering and wandering, place meditation, clearing space, creating, gifting, walking away, and sharing his art with others.
Since his first morning altar, Schildkret has built hundreds more. His work has been warmly received on social media and he teaches workshops on altar building, all with the intention of sharing the positivity and beauty they have brought to his life.
Since his first morning altar, Schildkret has built hundreds more. His work has been warmly received on social media and he teaches workshops on altar building, all with the intention of sharing the positivity and beauty they have brought to his life.
240 pages, Hardcover
Published October 30, 2018
56 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Day Schildkret
4 books31 followersDay Schildkret is an earth artist, educator, and public speaker who teaches workshops internationally for communities, festivals, and corporations, as well as mentoring individuals in their creative life purpose. His work, which focuses on why creative living, beauty making, and impermanence are needed now more than ever, has been featured in Vice, Buzzfeed, Well + Good, Spirituality & Health, and elsewhere. He lives in California’s Bay Area.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 29, 2018
This book. The author/creator. His writing. The Earth Art. They are all absolutely stunning in a completely heart-melting way. I literally had the desire to hold this book when I saw it in person. Starting from the cover (which is textured) and then peering into the beautiful pages upon pages of bright, joyful, sorrowful, passionately moving artwork- it is quite an experience.
Day's language is eloquent, clear, fresh, thoughtful, poignant, provoking, and reassuring. He asks important questions, encourages self-reflection and value-driven action, and shares his personal stories in such a whole and inviting way. He also so importantly informs us and pays homage to all of the indigenous cultures of people who have used the practice of making earth art. He describes how to be mindful and respectful to the land and plants and flowers. He really breaks down the process so you can go out and build something yourself.
His work is just so sweetly held by this book and while reading it I felt so present, inspired to be creative, to take care, to get out into nature, and to do special and beautiful things for myself and others. I'm not kidding I had it on a plane and people were leaning over from all around to see what I was reading and asking questions. I believe it will appeal to a variety of people: visual, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, artistic, skeptical or simply looking for something exquisitely different and unique to make you ooo and aww. Absolutely get a copy, gift a copy- you will not regret it.
Thank you, Morning Altars!
Day's language is eloquent, clear, fresh, thoughtful, poignant, provoking, and reassuring. He asks important questions, encourages self-reflection and value-driven action, and shares his personal stories in such a whole and inviting way. He also so importantly informs us and pays homage to all of the indigenous cultures of people who have used the practice of making earth art. He describes how to be mindful and respectful to the land and plants and flowers. He really breaks down the process so you can go out and build something yourself.
His work is just so sweetly held by this book and while reading it I felt so present, inspired to be creative, to take care, to get out into nature, and to do special and beautiful things for myself and others. I'm not kidding I had it on a plane and people were leaning over from all around to see what I was reading and asking questions. I believe it will appeal to a variety of people: visual, intellectual, emotional, spiritual, artistic, skeptical or simply looking for something exquisitely different and unique to make you ooo and aww. Absolutely get a copy, gift a copy- you will not regret it.
Thank you, Morning Altars!
October 30, 2018
This book is not only beautifully visually--vibrant colors and shapes formed by pieces of nature-- flowers, seeds, leaves et al-- it desribes a beautiful process encouraging us to observe, slow down, really pay attention-- and to create. For me it has become a ritual to gather what I see around me when I walk in natural spaces and make my own "altar". In these very dark and troubled times, this book is an invitation to see the beauty that is simply around us.I recommend this book and also suggest it as a lovely gift to share
November 9, 2018
Yes, Morning Altars delivers colorful, thoughtful photographs of Day Schildkret’s geometric nature designs, but this book offers so much more than the stunning images and complementary essays that qualify it as a beautiful art book.
I awaited this book impatiently, knowing Day would produce a dazzling contribution to the photo essay genre, but I didn't expect this inability to put it down—or that it would interest my wife so much. The object just feels so good in hand, we both have trouble letting go. We have resorted to reading it together, which means this book is officially also good for your relationship.
The kindness and generosity in Day’s teacher/ writer voice keeps us both reading. I think we're all so hungry for this kind of guidance right now: how to slow down, how to appreciate, how to clear, how to create, how to love, how to give, how to share.
This book contains detailed instructions for building your own nature art ritual practice. What’s more, the guidelines Day lays out provide a useful and unique structure for any creative endeavor. I know I will return to it for years to come, not just as a resource for playing artistically in nature, but as a way to stimulate, inspire, and give shape to my writing process.
This book is a gift. Get one for yourself and a couple extra to give away.
*Please note: Often, my book reviews read a little more like love letters. I know that and post my thoughts among the other book reviews on Amazon and GoodReads anyway. Day is a friend and client. I had the pleasure of reading some of this book in draft form and involvement in the project in its final stages.*
I awaited this book impatiently, knowing Day would produce a dazzling contribution to the photo essay genre, but I didn't expect this inability to put it down—or that it would interest my wife so much. The object just feels so good in hand, we both have trouble letting go. We have resorted to reading it together, which means this book is officially also good for your relationship.
The kindness and generosity in Day’s teacher/ writer voice keeps us both reading. I think we're all so hungry for this kind of guidance right now: how to slow down, how to appreciate, how to clear, how to create, how to love, how to give, how to share.
This book contains detailed instructions for building your own nature art ritual practice. What’s more, the guidelines Day lays out provide a useful and unique structure for any creative endeavor. I know I will return to it for years to come, not just as a resource for playing artistically in nature, but as a way to stimulate, inspire, and give shape to my writing process.
This book is a gift. Get one for yourself and a couple extra to give away.
*Please note: Often, my book reviews read a little more like love letters. I know that and post my thoughts among the other book reviews on Amazon and GoodReads anyway. Day is a friend and client. I had the pleasure of reading some of this book in draft form and involvement in the project in its final stages.*
November 3, 2018
I read this book in two sittings, with a dopey smile plastered on my face. I didn't intend to, but the phenomenal photographs, straightforward instructions and heart-tugging stories held my attention fast. The textured cover alone calls me to turn the books pages each time I walk by it. This book would be a wonderful gift for a recipient of any age, whether they endeavor to create altars or not. But the desire to mindfully arrange nature in this way will inspire everyone who looks at Day's creations. And the wish to slow down, sow love, and respect the Earth will happen all on its own. Which, after all, is Day's real message. We need more morning altars ... so let's go wander.
October 31, 2018
Morning Altars: A 7-Step Practice to Nourish Your Spirit through Nature, Art, and Ritual
by Day Schildkret
This book is a gift to humanity: an exquisite feast for the senses and the spirit. Day Schildkret shares his life-long passion for creating impermanent nature art, gorgeous mandalas from natural materials. They are called “Morning Altars” because making them has become the author’s daily morning ritual of gratitude and intention. Holding the book in your hands you feel its magic, beginning with the richly embossed cover, stunning photos and enchanting design. But the magic continues as you delve into the 7 steps to creating these altars. This is no simple “how to” book, but an invitation into a transformative spiritual practice that can change your life. Each step is a multifaceted reflection on living with intention and beauty. Day’s writing is sumptuous and deep, drawing the reader to reconsider what it means to be a human BEING in relationship to the Earth. I have had the privilege of participating in two workshops with the author, and have experienced the book’s principles in action under Day’s full-hearted presence and masterful guidance. It made me hunger for a deeper dive into his philosophy, and “Morning Altars” satisfied that hunger. This book will set your feet a'wandering, and coax your soul out into its natural habitat to play like a wise earthling child again. The Earth is waiting to welcome you!
by Day Schildkret
This book is a gift to humanity: an exquisite feast for the senses and the spirit. Day Schildkret shares his life-long passion for creating impermanent nature art, gorgeous mandalas from natural materials. They are called “Morning Altars” because making them has become the author’s daily morning ritual of gratitude and intention. Holding the book in your hands you feel its magic, beginning with the richly embossed cover, stunning photos and enchanting design. But the magic continues as you delve into the 7 steps to creating these altars. This is no simple “how to” book, but an invitation into a transformative spiritual practice that can change your life. Each step is a multifaceted reflection on living with intention and beauty. Day’s writing is sumptuous and deep, drawing the reader to reconsider what it means to be a human BEING in relationship to the Earth. I have had the privilege of participating in two workshops with the author, and have experienced the book’s principles in action under Day’s full-hearted presence and masterful guidance. It made me hunger for a deeper dive into his philosophy, and “Morning Altars” satisfied that hunger. This book will set your feet a'wandering, and coax your soul out into its natural habitat to play like a wise earthling child again. The Earth is waiting to welcome you!
October 31, 2018
This book is about the writings and the altars. The altars are complimented by such wisdom and wonder about the world we live in. This is both a book that travels with me and a book that is on my coffee table. I feel the author is now a friend and teacher. While reading this book I have started new practices in my life. These practices are of beauty making connected with nature. I LOVE THIS BOOK, and plan to buy copies for all my friends and family!
November 1, 2018
A "practice and ritual that can connect you back to the pace of the Earth, channel your distractions, and offer a way to bring meaning, mindfulness, and beauty to your life and to life itself in a time when it is truly needed." - Day Schildkret
Day is one of my favorite artists and his new book is just wonderful. It's a beautiful compilation of his work + an inside look at his practice put together in a way that inspires and helps guide you to a deeper connection to the Earth & Art.
Day is one of my favorite artists and his new book is just wonderful. It's a beautiful compilation of his work + an inside look at his practice put together in a way that inspires and helps guide you to a deeper connection to the Earth & Art.
November 20, 2018
I was lucky enough to witness Day build his Morning Altar during Stratton Mountain Wanderlust and am overjoyed at the arrival of this book. It’s a great read, I could not stop writing down my favorite quotes and as a plus it is visually stunning and the texture cover adds to that feel. It has challenged me to be more grounded, slow down and focus on being present and to give the gift of attention to every moment, mindfully and gratefully. It’s inspired and encouraged me to get outside and look for more ways to appreciate each and every season and/or setting, to seek beauty and stillness everywhere, to be more open in every aspect of my life.
“Maybe that flower in your hand is also wondering about you too” - Day Schildkret
“Maybe that flower in your hand is also wondering about you too” - Day Schildkret
November 1, 2018
A "practice and ritual that can connect you back to the pace of the Earth, channel your distractions, and offer a way to bring meaning, mindfulness, and beauty to your life and to life itself in a time when it is truly needed." - Day Schildkret
Day is one of my favorite artists and his new book is just wonderful. It's a beautiful compilation of his work + an inside look at his practice put together in a way that inspires and helps guide you to a deeper connection to the Earth & Art.
Day is one of my favorite artists and his new book is just wonderful. It's a beautiful compilation of his work + an inside look at his practice put together in a way that inspires and helps guide you to a deeper connection to the Earth & Art.
March 9, 2019
What a beautifully inspiring book. Doing the practices set out in the book would be very beneficial but the simple act of reading it and looking at the beautiful photographs will move you to look differently at the world around you. There truly is so much we do not see.
December 30, 2018
Sooo beautiful. The mandalas that he lays out with leaves, flower petals, pods, seeds, feathers . . . very peaceful and meditative . . . and temporary. Love it for a coffee table book. As he started laying out his 7 steps, I found myself putting on the breaks. If you are retired and live near wilderness or amazing garden, then this hobby may be for you. Or pursued on a teeny tiny scale.
Also, I'm pretty sure a number of these contain carefully hoarded away feathers and things. There are just too many to just be found on a morning stroll.
Still, very pretty to look at.
Also, I'm pretty sure a number of these contain carefully hoarded away feathers and things. There are just too many to just be found on a morning stroll.
Still, very pretty to look at.
June 7, 2021
Possibly the most influential book I have read this year. A stunning book of photographs of "earth altars". but even more impactful is the writing by Day Shildkret about the process and the meaning of creating "morning altars" in the wild and leaving them to be destroyed by the elements -- something like the art of Andy Goldsworthy.
Read
January 18, 2021I abandoned this one. I looked at the photos, and read the beginning, but even though I want to be that person who walks with a basket and collects things and then makes a mandala in the dirt with them, I am not. I appreciate those who do this, though.
May 8, 2024
Beautiful, thoughtful and reflective
Beautifully written and a must-read. I just gifted it to five people in my life. In today’s hectic pace, the writer helps us reconnect to the impermanence of life and the gratitude of reflection.
Beautifully written and a must-read. I just gifted it to five people in my life. In today’s hectic pace, the writer helps us reconnect to the impermanence of life and the gratitude of reflection.
August 29, 2019
This book was so inspiring both visually and the writing. Loved it!
December 30, 2019
Beautiful photography. Mindfulness practice. Creativity meets calmness.
January 18, 2021
his art work is incredible
June 8, 2022
I loved the idea of this book (and the photos are gorgeous) but I though it could be 1/4 the length.
December 11, 2023
Day sees that the beauty in the world is nourishing. With his clear instructions and heart felt worlds I have begun to make my own altars as offerings to a life of beauty and wonder.
August 4, 2025
Very interesting. Beautiful photography.
November 27, 2018
Stunning. Mesmerizing. Absolutely Brilliant.
My entire family has been captivated by Morning Altars. I've been following Day's work for a while now on Instagram and was eager to read his book. His process is truly eye-opening and the way he describes it is clear and beautifully written. But the images of his altars -- WOW. Each one is more spectacular than the one before. Beauty overflows from each page. What I didn't expect was how much my 4 year old son would enjoy the book -- we look through the photos together before bed, discussing the colors, shapes and different plants. The other day we made an altar together on our living room table from leaves and flowers we had collected on a hike. He was engaged for over an hour! It was pure joy.
My entire family has been captivated by Morning Altars. I've been following Day's work for a while now on Instagram and was eager to read his book. His process is truly eye-opening and the way he describes it is clear and beautifully written. But the images of his altars -- WOW. Each one is more spectacular than the one before. Beauty overflows from each page. What I didn't expect was how much my 4 year old son would enjoy the book -- we look through the photos together before bed, discussing the colors, shapes and different plants. The other day we made an altar together on our living room table from leaves and flowers we had collected on a hike. He was engaged for over an hour! It was pure joy.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews