Spiritual Practice: Read, Write, Listen, Sit

Mystics from all ages have talked about spiritual practice as a doorway to greater experience; a doorway that leads us to a deeper understanding of the unseen. Yet, for most of us, the idea of spiritual practice just feels like adding another burden to our already busy lives. We don't have a culture of spiritual practice, and often, we aren't even sure what that means.

Read - Upon first awakening, take five minutes to read some spiritual writing. You might chose Scripture, or a magazine like Science of Mind, Creative Thought, or Daily Word. Each of these has a daily message. You might chose a sacred text or affirmations.

Write - After your reading, move into writing. Morning Pages is a technique created by Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way, but they are not just for artists. Many people all over the world have found the benefit in her process. It is simple. Write for 5 minutes or three pages, whichever you chose, everything in your mind. Let it be stream of consciousness; it is not a story, it doesn't have to be grammatical or even make sense. A friend of mine likens it to taking out the garbage. Just get all your thoughts out on paper.

Listen - Zen Minute is a service that brings you a spiritual message on your phone. Uplifting, empowering, connecting - it is only one minute long, but will lift you for the entire day. The messages, given in a soothing woman's voice, are for everyone of every spiritual persuasion. Each message brightens your aura and raises your vibration. Lots of people let the messages go straight to voice mail so they can listen to them over and over.

Sit - Meditation sounds esoteric and gives people the willies. It sounds difficult. People often tell me they are not sure they are doing it right. So, just sit. Sit and let your thoughts go by. Sit for five minutes and breathe. Just breathe. Let your breathing slow. Let it deepen. Follow it with your mind. As your thoughts come up, notice them and let them go. Don't follow them, follow your breath.