Your Own Spiritual Practice
Here in the Northeast, the spring season begins to awaken the beauty of nature all around us. As mother Earth awakens, it seems like an excellent time for each of us to explore our own individual awakening. This month I encourage you to explore or recommit to the development of your own individual spiritual practice.
What is a spiritual practice? Well there is no one right answer. Meggan Brummer quotes an unknown source that summarizes a spiritual practice as “any personal practice which cultivates the expansion of consciousness; any efforts made with the body, mind and intellect, on a regular basis, which direct and inspire us towards fully realizing the Divinity that we are.” While spiritual practices are often thought of in terms of the spiritual tools used such as meditation, prayer, chanting, healing work, devotional practice, etc., each person’s spiritual practice is unique to the individual and each person’s spiritual practice will evolve and change over time as the person grows and develops. Personally as I look back at my own spiritual practice, it has changed continually as I have changed. I add new pieces and let go of other pieces, finding the perfect balance and composition in my spiritual practice for that time in my life.
What are the benefits of a spiritual practice? One of the benefits of developing a spiritual practice is that it helps us to lay a foundation upon which we can explore new perspectives and realize our connection to everything and everyone. In cultivating a spiritual practice you will find that:
~ You will heal from physical, mental, emotional and spiritual pain,
~ Your intuitive senses will begin to grow and heighten and;
~ You will be happier, more peaceful and better able to manage life’s stressors.
You will find that with a daily spiritual practice your state of mind is calmer and more peaceful. This affects everything we do and say, bringing focus and clarity that did not exist in this way before. In essence you are better able to remain centered and let go of stress.
How will a regular spiritual practice change my life? As you engage in a regular spiritual practice you will find that there will be impacts to your everyday life, some of which may be completely unexpected. When we are committed to a practice daily it will actually alter our physiology, our state of mind, and our perspective on life. In a way this commitment can create a kind of transformation in you very quickly. Often you will find that you have let go of old habits and your tastes have changed unexpectedly. This is because as we practice daily and connect with our Source on a regular basis through that practice, our vibration changes and we begin to attract things that are more inline with that vibration. These changes are very natural and often go unnoticed until one day you realize that you do not care for soda or cigarettes or alcohol or some other thing any more. Some eventually find that they do not care to go to certain places, or environments anymore or that their musical tastes have changed or even their tastes in food have changed. Dramatic changes in ones social circle are not uncommon as you now have different interests and begin attracting new people with like interests. Even the time you fall asleep and rise may change, but you most likely will sleep better when you sleep. These changes occur naturally, as you have changed.
So how do you develop a spiritual practice? You must remember that it is not the spiritual practice or the tool that is the goal, the goal is to open your awareness. By awareness I mean being aware of all that is around you, being aware of your connection to the Universe, being aware of your Divinity. A spiritual practice assists us with this kind of self inquiry that is so critical to our personal growth.
* Choose a time of the day for your practice that is most beneficial for you. It may be in the morning evening or midday, or all of these choose what will work best for you at this point. If you are adding a ritual such as a full moon meditation to your practice, mark it on your calendar and commit to participating monthly.
* Commit. Just like maintaining an exercise routine make a commitment to your practice. There may be times when you do not feel like it, but by maintaining your commitment you will find you feel much better afterwards.
* Choose a tool or tools. Select tools that you can integrate into your daily life that will support you in being in the present moment, in being conscious. While many people think of meditation and prayer initially when thinking of a spiritual practice there are many other options. Mantras or affirmations are a great way to start small. Perhaps add a few yoga poses or some stretching or deep breathing exercises. I know of one woman who walks in nature twice a day and it is this time of quiet contemplation that is her spiritual practice. Find what works for you and remember it will change. I began my practice with a short evening prayer, which evolved into guided meditations, then affirmations and visualizations were added, essential oils, salt baths, self energy healing, a daily blessing practice, yoga, and on and on. As I added some tools, I let go of others. The most important thing is to choose how you will begin and start. Give yourself permission to change the tools as you are guided. As we said in the beginning the goal is to open your awareness by connecting to something greater than you, to the Universe, to Source, to God, whatever you choose.
* Listen. During your practice still your mind and notice the recurrent thoughts that keep coming to you. Ask questions and wait for answers. Turn your worries and concerns over to Spirit. Contemplate and pay attention to what comes to you.
Embrace the process and enjoy the changes that will occur in you. The process of awakening through the development of your own spiritual practice is a creative one. Through your spiritual practice you will discover who you truly are, realize your values, your life purpose and meaning and begin to live a life that is more meaningful, fulfilling and joyous than you ever could have imagined. Make a commitment and start your spiritual practice today. This is your awakening, embrace it and enjoy the ride!
Happy Spring!
With Angel Blessings,
Dawn
