Spirituality expressions in the office

Workplace altars keep us grounded

Pat Sullivan, an expert on workplace spirituality, worked for a law firm when she noticed something interesting.

In her words, “I accidentally discovered that many workers keep spiritual items in their desks. While seeking correction fluid at a temporary job, I found a book on Buddhism and a Bible. At another desk, an inspiring quote on beautiful paper fell out of an expense file. During hushed conversations, co-workers shared what they hid in their desks.”

She saw expressions of spirituality in many places in her office, and then in other places she visited, calling these expressions “workplace altars.” She photographed these workplace altars and interviewed employees about meaning of these sacred objects. Her book “Work with Meaning, Work with Joy: Bringing Your Spirit to Any Job” describes these workplace altars along with other spiritual practices and expressions at work.

Pat inspired me to look at the way I create sacred space at work. Photos of my grandchildren remind me of my hope that my work might have a positive impact on them and their generation in some way. On my desk in front of me is a figurine of Yoda, who reminds me of wisdom.

There is a small jade bear given to me by a student that gives me a sense of groundedness and inner strength. I have a small, globe-shaped metal sculpture by Hank Kaminsky that reminds me of his commitment to world peace and to my commitment to the elevation of global consciousness.

My screen saver is a picture of Waimanalo beach, the place where I grew up in Hawaii that brings me a sense of home and harmony with nature. On a table by my window, I have placed plants, crystals, a talking stick, and religious objects from different traditions — with an emphasis on the divine feminine. I like to imagine that Mother Mary, the Black Madonna, Kwan Yin, and Kali are praying together for humanity to wake up to our interconnection and oneness.

I spend a lot of my time in online meetings. I place a vase of flowers in my background and I light a candle before the meeting begins with a brief prayer that the meeting be held in the light of love.

There are many ways to make a Zoom meeting into sacred virtual space, such as silence, prayer, or an inspirational reading at the beginning of the meeting. What’s most important is your heart’s intention that the meeting be of the best and highest use of all those in attendance.

I invite you to look around your workspace to see if you have already created a workplace altar. If so, what might you add that can amplify your connection to God, Source, or the Transcendent? If not, what can you do to make your space more sacred in a way that is respectful to others and their traditions? It can make a difference.