Creating a Space for Regular Practice

When we consider this we may initially think of a physical space, which is of course necessary. However firstly we need to make TIME. Without the space in our day we will not practice.

Below are some tips on integrating your practice into your daily life. Please bear in mind that we are all human and this, with all best intentions, may not happen every day. But we can make it happen most days for sure.

Consider the time of day that some kind of practice will fit into. First thing in the morning often works well because the day hasn’t yet taken over. Once the day begins we can easily get diverted. Choose a time and stick to it. You may need to get up earlier. Make it part of your daily routine, just like brushing you teeth. Notice that the mind will try to wriggle out of it, don’t let the mind tell you what to do.

How much time do you have? Even 15 minutes can be helpful, to introduce some mind focusing and calming breathing, meditation or very simple movement. Don’t feel that you have to do hours and hours every day. Some days you may have more time, then you can do longer.

What is your practice? It might be movement based, or it might be breath focused, or both. It can also be mantra, mudra, walking in nature or anything which helps to still the mind and create a sense of calm for a while (however, see below).

Yes we are doing this to create some calm and a sense of Sattva (balanced peace) into our world. Guess what? Some days that might not happen! We may feel distracted, restless, unable to focus. That is OK too.

Notice how you are. This is a process of checking in. What do you need? Your practice may be the same routine or it may vary day to day. Different approaches work for different people. This is all OK.

Cultivate an attitude of acceptance. However you show up, whatever time you have, all is well. Just do something, connect, be there for a while every single day. However that works for you.

Incorporate your practice attitude into you daily life. Create a sense of being in the moment, whatever you are doing, just do that. Notice if you are thinking ahead, ruminating, or going over past events. Bring it all back to now. Keep doing this again and again.

Keep it alive by questioning, observing and learning. Notice what resonates with you and what doesn’t. Feel into how your practice sifts and changes as time passes. What we did when we were in our 30’s may not be the same (most likely not) as in our 60’s. This is normal. As we change so does our practice. Commonly it may become more meditative and peace seeking as we age.

Read related books and philosophy, seek out teachers that you feel resonate with you and incorporate your learnings into your own practice. Never stop exploring.

Above all, whatever your practice looks like, keep on doing it. Let it become part of you and it will continually support and nourish every part of your life. It will always be there, through the tough times and the celebrations, it will never leave you or argue with you. It will always be there to catch you, to accept you, however you are.

“Practice becomes firmly grounded when attended to for a long time, without interruption, and with devotion.” (Patanjalis Yoga Sutras 1:14)