The Importance Of A Daily Practice

As a new day dawns we have a simple choice. Step into the morning dew centered and alive or in a hazy mist of to-do’s and worries. I don’t know about you, but I’d like to by pass the later and learn to cultivate a state of consciousness where you get what you need to get done, but it’s not all consuming. Where the to-do list doesn’t rule your presence and experience of the day.

How incredible would you feel if every morning you stretched, meditated or at least had a few moments of mindful bliss? Chances are people would stare. Completely captivated by your smile, relaxed face, and grounded confidence. This could be you!

As I continue on my own spiritual journey around Australia I’ve found that the only thing that keeps my feet firmly planted to the ground is my daily self practice. As I wrote a few days ago, getting in touch with your true consciousness everyday is a way to feel home where ever you are. Pushing yourself to commit to such a practice seems daunting, but ask yourself, why not? What are you afraid to find?

As Nelson Mendela once so brilliantly stated in his 1994 inaugural speech, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking So that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, Our presence automatically liberates others.”

Watching our thoughts, emotions and actions as they unfold can be terrifying. What if you don’t like what you hear? What if you realize you don’t like who you are? Well then you make changes! This is the point of self discovery. The point of having a ritualistic self practice.

Excuses perpetually delay your potential growth. Don’t let these thoughts have power over you. You’re controlling the show, remember?

A self practice doesn’t mean you need to become a monk or ninja (though who wouldn’t want to become a kick ass ninja?!) It could be a focused gym session full of mindful moments. A stretch before work, ten minute meditation on the bus, or a mere soak in the tub.

What you’ll find in clearing the mind and building awareness in the body is that you gained more than you ever could have if you stayed an extra 30 minutes at the office. A new solution might float into your mind. An epiphany could strike or perhaps just a content smile. An understanding that everything will be alright. That the universe is not out to get you. That you have a purpose and are fulfilling it the best way you can at the time. Accepting what is.

Ask yourself this question: What’s wrong with right now? This second, this moment…

Nothing! Run with that and keep asking.

Do you have a daily practice? If so what does it consist of? If not, what do you think is holding you back? Time, work…etc. I’d love to hear how a daily practice is making it’s way into your life.

My current daily practice: An hour and half dance class followed by an hour of pilates and yoga followed by a steam or a soak in a hot tub if I have excess. Days I don’t have a dance class lined up I still complete an hour of pilates and yoga. If I don’t move everyday I go crazy. But, that’s just me. Spoken like a dancer. During all of my activities I focus on being as present and mindful as possible. Every day is different as is to be expected and accepted.