I just came back from a trip where I got a little disconnected from my spiritual practice. I was gone for 10 days helping my brother move into a new house. In the midst of boxes, trucks, and little nieces, my practice lost its way.
During these 10 days, most of the mornings I woke up with my nieces’ sweet voices calling out for me. My meditation time was suddenly replaced by precious moments with my little angels.
The time spent with my family was priceless, but usually I know better than to let my spiritual practice slide for even a day. My spiritual practice is what keeps me grounded and focused on what is really important in life. Getting out of sync with my practice is not an option.
Fostering a spiritual practice can make the difference between walking this earth aimlessly and living a purposeful and happy life. Since this is a principle dear to me, I’d like to suggest that we support each other in creating a spiritual practice that is supportive to our lifestyle.
My spiritual practice
To give you an idea of what a spiritual practice is, this is what I’ve been currently doing on a daily basis to create space for connection within.
1. Prayer time
I start my day with some prayer time, which consists pretty much of reaffirming out loud my intention for the day. Nothing too specific, mostly connecting with what the universe has to offer that day. It’s my way to check in with the universe.
2.Meditation
The prayer time is immediately followed by a 30-minute meditation which is my way to connect within.
3. Awareness
Throughout the day I practice awareness of my thoughts and beliefs. This helps me dilute the internal noise so I can stay aligned with my true nature.
4. Listening
If there is something that I’m puzzled about or that I’d like answers to, I practice inner listening. This helps bypass my ego self and the fear traps I might have intentionally set up for myself.
5. Framing the night
As I lay in bed I do one of the following to help set up my frame of mind for a restful sleep and to set up the tone for the next day: I listen to spiritual teachings; do imagining; or say a prayer out loud in my own words as a way to checking in with the universe.
Many faces to a practice
As you can see, there are many faces to a spiritual practice. What kind of practice we develop for ourselves is a very personal choice that may vary depending on our culture, religion, and spiritual inclination. Here are some examples of spiritual practices that you might like to incorporate into your daily routine.
Prayer - Start and/or end your day with a prayer or your own affirmations.
Meditation – Include a quiet time in the morning and one in the afternoon or early evening.
Yoga practice – Yoga is often associated with exercising and stretching, but yoga actually means union with the divine. A yoga practice can be used as a time to connect with our body and our spirit.
Listening – Develop a practice of listening to your deepest voice. Great insight and guidance can come from this practice.
Reading spiritual materials – It’s a good practice to set aside some time daily to read spiritual books or listen to spiritual teachers. Even material that we’re already familiar with can serve as powerful daily reminder.
Mindfulness – This practice can be used as a way to stay in the moment and notice our thoughts and actions. When we start to observe ourselves, we start to go beyond our surface behavior and journey deeper within.
3 biggies
To create the space for a spiritual practice it’s very important that we implement the following:
1. Consistency
For any practice to be successful, we need to be consistent with the practice. We only see the results if we stick with the practice long term. Even if we start with just five minutes a day it’s the first step to creating a space that honors our spirit.
2. Discipline
Until a habit is formed we need to have discipline to stay with our daily practice. We’ll start to notice some results after we stay with the practice a little while. But you’ll notice bigger rewards when you stay with your practice long term.
3. No compromises
We often tend to let our practice slide when we encounter changes in our lives. No matter what changes happen in your life don’t compromise your spiritual practice. Your spiritual practice is actually what is going to keep you together through the tsunamis of your lives.
Bump it up in stages
After you’ve had a steady practice for a while, you may feel compelled to bump it up a bit in terms of time commitment or by supplementing your practice with other activities that can support you on your path.
I’ve been meditating in the morning for a few years now, but I’d like to bump up my practice by adding an afternoon or early evening meditation. After I’ve established this new addition to my spiritual practice I plan on returning to a daily yoga routine.
I’ve tried implementing a second meditation and a daily yoga practice at the same time and it hasn’t worked. I get started with one and then try to add the other one; but soon enough, one falls away — and then the other one as well.
It’s better to have patience with ourselves and not be too greedy. Start with one goal. After this goal has been firmly established for a couple of months, then spice up your spiritual practice by adding a new component.
Today I’m bumping up my practice with an afternoon meditation. I’ll commit to stay on track with this addition until this new habit is clearly formed.
How about you? How would you like to supplement your spiritual practice?
Let’s support each other on this beautiful journey within. Share in the comments how you’d like to create or expand your spiritual practice. Let’s make a commitment to stay connected within.
“Brite-size” dose of happiness
To expand our consciousness, grow, and transform it’s important that we practice daily the principles we learn. Here is the brite-size dose of happiness for us to practice this week:
“Create time each day to connect within.”
I’ll be covering this process on my weekly Britetalk Radio show if you’d like to tune in to explore this topic a little deeper.
With you always in my heart,
Andrea
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Andrea,
I loved hearing about your spiritual practice and applaud your diligence. Thanks for encouraging all of us in our practice too.
I too begin my day with meditation practice, try to practice mindfulness and awareness throughout the day, and have a second session in the evening. I feel my purpose in life is to evolve spiritually and this depends on regular practice. I also have the good fortune to instruct an online meditation class, so I get an extra boost of inspiration from the students.
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Hi Sandra,
I also feel that my purpose is to evolve spiritually. :) Wonderful work you have teaching meditation to others. It’s one of the best tools (if not the best) you can offer people.
Thanks for your devotion. Loving blessings
Spiritual practices most certainly are a challenge Andrea in this full on noise friendly society we have morphed into. As such following the accepted routes to inner nirvana like meditation are increasingly more difficult to maintain daily so I have fall back relaxants to call on like five minute nothingness during lulls in the day where I aim to think or imagine not a single thing and, dare I say, toilet time because, well hey, the world leaves you alone for a few minutes. That and a commitment to being in nature and short naps seem to connect me back to a calmer ‘me’ among the maelstrom. I hope you’ve got your chi back free from the hubub of the last week. Walk well with love!
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Hi John,
I hear you when you say that our lives are busy and it’s difficult to maintain a consistent practice. A spiritual practice can start slowly by carving 5 minutes at a specific time of the day. It’s a matter of taking the first step and sticking to it. Taking breaks during the day to reconnect, like you do, definitely help. :)
Thanks for your honesty. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea, I agree we all need spiritual time. I have mine in the morning and then before bed time. Sometimes I have to throw a little in during the day when I get off track. Great subject to talk about in makes us strong when we are weak.
I bet your brother really appreciate your help with moving. That is what families are for, working together when need. Have a very wonderful day and blessing to you. Debbie
Hi Debbie,
My brother was very grateful for the help. I totally agree, family members help each other whenever is needed. :) I love the idea to supplementing our practice with a little extra introspection during the day as needed.
Thanks for your radiance. Loving blessings
Andrea,
I would like to make my spiritual practice more consistent, too. For me, it’s a matter of making the time for it. I need to set the first 10 minutes of the day for this. Your post has given me the perfect nudge to do just that.
Thanks,
Alex
Hi Alex,
It can be challenging to make it a habit. I noticed that doing my spiritual practice first thing when I get up is the best way to make sure it gets done. For me to keep up my new afternoon practice, I’m doing it right after work before I get busy with the house and family needs. So far so good.
Thanks for trying. Loving blessings
Andrea,
This is something I will be dealing with shortly in my life. I have a consistent meditation practice in the mornings that has worked very well for me. Though, in about 2 weeks we will be getting a puppy and I don’t think I will be able to manage the routine I had so easily. I think I will adapt by using moments of being in nature and going to the park with the dog as meditative and spiritual experiences. This is the plan at least. Maybe just a little less consistency for a short while.
Hi Joe,
Congratulations on the puppy. How adorable. Usually we recommend living pets in another room when meditating to minimize disruptions. But if your puppy is a calm one who will sit or sleep on your lap while you meditate, you can do the practice together. I’m sure you’ll find a way to keep your balance.
Good luck, my friend, and enjoy your new companion. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea!
Your spiritual practices are beautiful. This post has definately inspired me to devote more time and energy to my sprituality. One thing I try to do everyday is to take a walk every evening. It’s my time with God. God is such wonderful company for me! Thanks for your lovelines Andrea!
Hi Dandy,
Connecting with nature is a great way to see God and feel God. Beauty is everywhere, in nature and inside of us. Connecting with nature everyday, like your walk, is a great complement to a spiritual practice.
Thanks for your sweetness. Loving blessings
Andrea, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this list. Meditation, Prayer, Yoga, All of it. I would add one to it, though: serve. I think we MUST do the steps you mentioned first. We cannot give what we do not have, but once we have, I think it’s hugely important to give it away to someone else. There is something so fundamentally spiritual about this, and our world’s greatest spiritual teachers through the years have never ceased to remind us just how crucial it is.
Thanks for your heart. I have no doubt in my mind that your existence is lived out giving so much of yourself to your friends, community, and the world. You are gifted, my friend! Peace to you!
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Hi Bryan,
I agree that service is a great practice. As bloggers, we do give all the time. :) We give our soul and we share our path with others online. But you’re absolutely right, it doesn’t have to stop there. We have way more to offer than we think we do or that we dare give. We are pure love and we can let that flow out into service. :)
Thanks for the gracious reminder. Loving blessings
We should never neglect our spiritual needs for in it lies the strength we need to live our daily lives. No matter how busy we are, we should never forget our prayer time. In fact, the more busy we are with lots of work upon our shoulders, the more time also that we should pray, for in our prayers, we find God’s Grace, peace and power. Be blessed! ;)
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Hi Joyce,
I could say it better. Prayer or whatever method we choose to connect with ourselves should be our priority every day regardless of the circumstances. It’s easy to loose sight of this as we go about our lives. We have to remember what is really important and this connection within is the bridge to freedom.
Thanks for your inspiration. Loving blessings
Andrea,
Where have you been? :-)
I guess you told me in your post. It is so easy to fall off track with our spritual practices as soon as life hits us with something unexpected. I have noticed that many times when things get rough for me in my life I stop praying. It is not intentional it just seems I go into repair mode and forget to go to the source that can guide me to the solution. Thank you for sharing the value of making sure I am expanding my practice. Great job!
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Hi Frank,
I was taking a little break. :) Sorry for the absence. I’m back on track and excited about bumping up my practice to the next level.
You’re not alone. It happens to a lot of us that when we need our spiritual practice the most is when we let it slide due to our the pressures of life.
Thanks for your brightness. Loving blessings
Hello Andrea,
First of all,welcome back!!!!
Secondly,I agree that our spiritual life is vital to achieving fulfillment and happiness in life.Also,constant communication with God is extremely important.Among the actions that you have listed,awareness is the most vital of them all.
Finally,we must always relate the Divine to everything that happens in life.”Find God in all things”,as the Ignatian spirituality would probably define their relationship with Him.We must remember that He is always involve in every aspect of our life.
Regards,
Rich
Hi Rich,
Great to be back, my friend! Awareness is vital. I find that meditation helps support a practice of awareness.
You explained it beautifully. The Divine is in all things and specially in us. When we connect within through our practice, we touch the Divine. This connection is also vital.
Thanks for your wisdom. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
I applaud your commitment and practice. I’m fond of saying, If it ain’t practical – it ain’t spiritual. Spiritual wisdom is practical common sense – they’re inseparable. What is wonderful is that you recognize your time with your brother and nieces as a precious spiritual experience because you are awake and mindful to the blessings. How insane would it be if you were to shoo your nieces away for interrupting a meditation! Life throws many curveballs and distractions our way – if we can’t use our spirituality in such moments we better take another look.
Hi Rob,
Flexibility is important with any practice we take on. We want to be consistent but not so rigid that we can’t embrace the twists and blessings life sends us. We can adapt our practice temporarily based on the situation. In my case, waking up before my nieces to ensure my meditation practice was taken care of was probably one of the alternatives. We just have to play with what we encounter and make it work for everyone.
Thanks for your support. Loving blessings
Welcome back! Your role in life is not to provide my daily mental sustenance, but I miss your regular tweets — nobody tweets like you do, Andrea!
Cheers and Regards!
Hi Rock,
Wow, you made my heart sing. Sorry for the absence. I’m getting back on the horse and slowly making my way back into the social media realm. :) Thanks for listening to my tweets. I’m truly grateful for you friendship. Many loving blessings!
Hi Andrea,
I missed your writing :) I personally start my day with gratitude. I thank God for my life and I spend around 20 minutes giving gratitude and prayer to God. Then, I set out my intention for the day. In the afternoon, I take around 10-15 minutes to meditate and then visualize my goals, followed by reading an inspirational self-help book for around 10 minutes as well. Before I go to bed, I take a few minutes to give gratitude to God and focus on my super objective in life. This way I stay connected with my spirituality. Thanks for sharing Andrea, great job
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Hi Dia,
What a beautiful practice! Gratitude is very humbling. Having clear goals and intention helps the universe deliver your bright future. Don’t forget to release it all so the universe can bring the best path for you.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey with us. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
Glad to see you back from your trip!
Spiritual practice is indeed important in life because it can help to guide us in purposeful living.
My spiritual practice consists of morning meditation of about 20 mins. This is followed by a daily divination as well as 10 minutes or so to reflect on the reading and the day ahead. With the wisdom from the Yijing serving as guidelines for me I can tackle my day with greater clarity and awareness.
I agree that consistency and discipline is the key to spiritual practice. We simply cannot compromise on this. Since divination is such a big part of my life, I have no problem doing it daily. For me, knowing and being prepared is always important. This way, I am better able to focus on the present. As for meditation, there are occasional lapses, but I shrug them off and return to my practice as soon as possible.
Thank you for sharing these lovely insights with us! :)
Irving the Vizier
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Hi Vizier,
I like your eclectic mix. Your divination is my equivalent to “listening”. I like how that gets you ready for the day. :) Meditation is also best as a daily practice. I’ve been doing good with the inclusion of the afternoon meditation and I call tell a huge different by creating an extra time for clarity.
Thanks for taking the time to listen to guidance. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
After reading Rob’s comment, I had the thought that depending upon the ages of your nieces you might have incorporated them into your spiritual practice–a few moments of silence/meditation..simple yoga poses for children…To model for them the significance of your practice..
My own spiritual practice begins with my first thought when I wake, I set the intention for the day, and give praise. Most days I stream out three pages (per Julia Cameron’s “The Artist’s Way)..a practice I began several years ago and enjoy. Throughout each day, I stop to praise, and to check in..I take daily walks with my children and now pup too around the harbor to soak in nature..I hike in the hills regularly, and practice yoga regularly. I used to have one day off without work or children and would use that as a day of complete silence and praise..I no longer have that day, so am re-organizing to make room for it again.
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Hi Joy,
I could probably try it with the older one because she is 5 but the younger one is 18 mos and a comet of energy. She would have been all over us (which could be also be fun). You seem to have a balanced practice with a lot of time in nature and praise. I loooove how you devote so much time to praise. It shows your loving heart. :)
Thanks for your radiance. Loving blessings
hello andrea
how are you?
while reading this i am reminded i often get caught up in the heat of the moment being busy, trying to fix things, doing stuff… forgetting to nurture my spiritual side, eventually i remember but….
however one thing i must/will continually work on is the consistency to spend time praying and listening because it’s so refreshing and it sets the tone for the day.
take care of yourself and enjoy the rest of the day
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Hi Ayo,
I use prayer as a focusing method and listening is crucial to getting the best guidance there is. Even with just this two methods you can get great benefits. Keep up the your beautiful practice and slow down once in a while. :)
Thanks for your kindness. Loving blessings
> Many faces to a practice
I especially like that you did a roundup of practices to take a look from the balcony and see the patterns.
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Hi J.D.,
Yes, we’re all different and we find different ways to connect. I applaud whatever way gets us to go within and appreciate our blessings. :)
Thanks for your input. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea
In a word – routine.
Applies to so many things and it is a great way to make sure that you keep on doing something.
I make sure that I don’t miss my exercise time because I know it’s the thin end of the wedge.
Miss it a few times and…. who knows.
Sounds as though you had a great time with your brother and his kids.
Doesn’t sound too much like “walking the earth aimlessly”. LOL
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Hi Keith,
Routine is a good way to keep a consistent practice. I must say that even though my spiritual practice has been consistent, I can’t say the same for my exercise practice. I’m currently reevaluating the later. BTW, I could end up “walking the earth aimlessly” if I let my spiritual practice slide for too long. :)
Thanks for your beauty. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea,
You are a shining example for all. I developed my spiritual practices when my kids were in middle school. I thought I would go crazy with four daughters and constant mood swings. If I skip a day or even a week when I’m traveling it’s not a big deal. Any more than that and I’m out of control and wondering why???LOL
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Hi Tess,
I can totally see how four teen daughters would drive you to look for solutions to keep your peace of mind. :) Great that now that they are all grown you kept you’re practice up.
Thanks for your light. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea, great read about finding that special place for yourself.
Often, we not only lack a spiritual place of calm and tranquility, we also tell ourselves we don’t have the time for this kind of thing. Life’s too busy!
Thing is, if you drive a car non-stop without pausing to rest, eventually it’ll run out of fuel and stop. We’re the same.
If we don’t take time to pause, even only for a few minutes, how can we hope to recharge? :-)
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Hi Stuart,
You’re right, lack of time is probably the #1 excuse for not developing a spiritual practice. And YES, we all need to pause and take time within to keep our sanity.
Thanks for your wise words. Loving blessings
Hi Andrea, wonderful article. I find that sometimes its difficult to achieve a meditative state. I raise 2 children and work full time. Go to school. Sometimes, my mind is racing when i come home from all the running around.
I’ve taken it upon my self to utilize information on this page. I think it will help me to relax, as my current methods to achieve a state of meditation are NOT really working for me. Thanks, I’ll be using some of these techniques tonight! Have a blessed day!
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Hi Jasmine,
It’s extremely common to have a lot of thoughts, I mean a whole lot of thoughts. Stick with it even if you think that it’s not working because you’re having lots of thoughts. Let each thought go. Little by little it’ll slow down. And even so, there will be days when your mind is very active but that’s ok. There will be days when it’s not. :)
Thanks for sharing your concerns. Loving blessings
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