Why do I need a spiritual practice?
Here is a simple altar I use when I’m creating art. I move it to where I am working so that I can anchor myself in the medicine of the seven sacred directions.
One way to become more resilient and stay more grounded while navigating the daily struggle is to have a serene space to return to daily. This space can be a physical space and can also be a mental space. The habit of returning to serenity every day is what I think of when I hear the term "spiritual practice."
People often find it helpful to have both the physical space and mental space come together simultaneously. For example, one might carve out a corner of a room that feels serene and repeatedly engage in an activity that also creates the experience of serenity. The repetition over time enhances the peaceful feelings by creating resonance.
This activity can be meditation. A consistent daily meditation practice is one of the most calming activities one can practice. People can also experience similar benefits as that of meditation through other activities. Some examples are journaling, an art practice, chanting or singing, a physical practice, such as yoga, or sipping a warm drink and consciously taking in the moment through all of the senses.
All of the activities mentioned offer an opportunity to bring forward the parasympathetic or relaxation response. They allow us to switch gears from the rush, chaos, and stress of life to a more restful and reflective state. By focusing the mind on an activity, the steady stream of thoughts slows, and we can experience a glimpse of our true nature, our higher self.
The natural state of the mind is serenity. It can often be difficult to experience that peace because we have become accustomed to the constant chatter in our minds, and we believe we are our thoughts and emotions. However, there is a wise being inside each of us who can observe our thoughts and feelings. Who is that being?
According to the yoga sutras, that being is the "Purusa," or the one who dwells in the town. Taking time away from a busy life to slow down and become contemplative gives us a chance to experience this innermost dweller. Why is this f benefit to us?
It is my personal belief that this 'Purusa' or higher self is meant to be the pilot of our lives. I also believe that our ego-self or personality self is designed to be the co-pilot. We can experience great joy when the ego-self working in service of the higher self, and there is a sense f flow or being in the moment.
Our brains have countless neural pathways woven. These pathways influence how we see the world and how we behave, and also our behaviors shape these neural pathways. When hikers move through the forest on an established trail, the path remains open and clear because
of consistent use and perhaps some trail maintenance as well.
These calming activities or spiritual practices create a neural pathway of relaxation and contemplation. The more we use this calm-inducing neural pathway, the more effortless the space of peace is to find.
A question I often receive from my clients and students is,
" Does a spiritual practice have to be the same thing every day?"
My answer to that question is both yes and no.
It is helpful to witness yourself going through a similar process repeatedly and seeing how you show up. The practice grows more profound and more alive feeling the more you engage with it. Practicing the same activity daily at the same time of day is very powerful.
However, any activity that allows you to connect with your higher self is a spiritual practice. It could look like meditating one day, painting the next, mindfully washing the dishes, or sitting quietly and watching the birds, or going for a walk. The key is to show up for yourself in this way every day.
The more frequently you engage with a practice, the stronger it becomes and the easier it is to arrive at a relaxed state within that practice. It doesn't have to be a long time. Even a short period, say 5-10 minutes daily, can create a solid foundation for cultivating a deeper sense of peace and a connection with the higher self.
One practice that is very simple and fast is drawing oracle cards. Oracle cards help us to open up to the great mystery of life and get us into a space of awe, wonder, and curiosity. In this spiritual space, our ego selves relax a bit, and our higher selves have a chance to communicate with us. Utilizing Oracle decks also provides us with the opportunity to gather information from angels, archangels, ancestors, and other spirit guides. We are all surrounded and supported by an energetic team that will help us through life's challenges. However, they cannot help us if we don't ask for help.
Pulling an oracle card or several cards during that quiet time we gift ourselves can be a great way to connect with our higher self and gain a better perspective. This process can help us to gather wisdom, reflect, and, if needed, course correct. This activity can help us find meaning in more profound challenges and see how we may contribute to our own suffering. It gives us a chance to hear the wisdom that might be trying to get our attention.