Create a Spiritual Practice
Your spiritual practice, or Sadhana in Sanskrit, literally translates as realization. It means to let go of ego, personal agendas, and attachments; or a means of accomplishing something. It refers to one’s spiritual practice with the purpose of achieving a deeper connection to oneself and Source.
Whether you are a student, teacher, parent… or maybe you’re just trying to figure out life, your personal daily practice will ground and center you, enabling you to move easily through the day and be better prepared for life’s challenges that will come. The more consistent you become with your own Sadhana, the more fluently you will be able to explain the importance to your friends, clients, family, etc. In fact, the consistent daily actions you take toward your spiritual development will become visible to others in your day-to-day interactions and demeanor.
"If you give one-tenth of your hours in the morning, Spirit covers you for the rest of the day.”
- Santokh Khalsa
If you guide or teach others and involve spiritual practice teachings in your work, (or at least recommend to your audience that developing a Sadhana is beneficial), the only way to totally be there for them is to be actively engaged in it yourself. Let this deeper purpose fuel your personal practice on days where you feel less motivated to carve out time to foster that oneness. I have found that it’s more difficult to teach if you aren’t doing it on some level yourself.
Being a teacher or practitioner who holds some level of influence with others does not require you to be superhuman. It’s not necessary to be fanatical about your Sadhana. What is important is that you begin. It’s also great to diversify your personal rhythm according to your lifestyle. Perhaps you have more dedicated time in the evening versus the morning, for your practice. Also, keep in mind the level of energy you expend on a daily basis. Busier work or family days may mean a lighter or shorter practice, and that is OK.
You know I have to leave you with some homework! What are you willing to do to start your Sadhana? If you already have one, how can you deepen it or share it with others. Write down your answers and keep it real with yourself. You may even need to set a timer on your phone to dedicate just a few minutes out of your day, everyday.
Remember, done is often better than perfect.
