Lead from Wisdom: Move Beyond Survival with Daily Spiritual Practice

An accessible guide to help you create your own daily practice

What comes to mind when you hear 'spiritual practice'? For many, it's a rigid set of rules, an activity that feels inaccessible or demands hours of time you don’t have. The reality is, spiritual practice is deeply personal, not a one size fits all application for everyone. If it were a simple formula, everyone would be thriving. The truth is that when you do incorporate your unique practice into your life, you begin leading from that quiet place of wisdom instead of from that survival or comfortable place that has worked but doesn't allow you to hear your true self. So, as you read this, I encourage you to lower your expectations to the floor and open your mind to what is possible. My goal is to empower you to discover and create your own authentic daily spiritual practice. Let's begin by defining what spiritual practice truly is, before exploring how you can build one that resonates with you.

"Spiritual practice" is a consistent and intentional action that you use to go inward, cultivating a deeper connection to your true self that transcends surface-level, fleeting reactions. With that in mind, I invite you to consider what a spiritual practice might already look like for you. Chances are, you've engaged in one without even realizing it. Do you regularly journal, spend time in quiet contemplation, or express yourself through art? These are all powerful methods when used for inner exploration and building a conscious practice. The key to building a fulfilling daily routine is simply finding something you genuinely enjoy or are curious about, and letting that be your starting point.

Personally, my own starting point began when I followed my curiosity toward yoga and meditation. At the time, I wasn't consciously looking for a 'spiritual practice'; I simply yearned to hear my own inner voice, rather than the constant chorus of external opinions telling me who to be and what to do with my life. I desperately needed a consistent way to go inward and connect with my soul. While public yoga classes offered initial glimpses of this connection, over time I realized I needed to cultivate this practice independently, not contingent upon on a teacher or a specific class schedule. Everything shifted when I met my spiritual teacher and coach, Jean Mazzei. Working with her regularly, I began to truly build my own daily spiritual practice, feeling an undeniable desire to explore inward. Mind you, that my spiritual practice evolved over time and took trial and error to refine. Looking back at my own experience, the most crucial factors that kept me returning to my practice were willingness, guidance, prioritization and self reflection. With these insights in mind, it's time to turn our focus to your unique path and discover how you can design your own sustainable spiritual practice.

First, it's important to understand your personal reason for wanting a spiritual practice. Perhaps, like me, you just want to hear your own authentic voice, or maybe your motivation is something else entirely. Clarifying your "why" will be your most powerful tool for prioritizing it. Once you know your reason, the next step is simply carving out dedicated time in your day. Whether you choose meditation, journaling, contemplation, or another activity, treat this initial phase like an experiment. Play around with different times of day to see what truly works for you. For instance, if you're a morning person, try consistently practicing before work for two weeks. After that period, check in with yourself: Did you show up consistently? Did you notice more patience when dealing with challenging situations throughout your day? This self reflection will guide you in refining your practice. Finally, be honest with yourself about how much time you commit daily. My spiritual teacher, Jean, always encouraged me to set the bar of expectation low, reminding me that showing up at all is the most important piece when you're starting a spiritual practice. Even if you begin with just five minutes a day, allow that to be enough. Remember, experimenting is not finite and you have complete power to decide what’s truly best for your spiritual practice.

Your daily spiritual practice is a powerful, personalized tool, unique to your path and needs. It's not about achieving perfection, instead it’s about consistently showing up without expectations to connect to your true self and allowing you to lead from that quiet place of wisdom. Embrace the journey of exploration and refinement, knowing that every moment you dedicate to yourself is a step towards leading from the most authentic place within yourself. If you would prefer more customized guidance in designing a spiritual practice that truly transforms your life, I'd be honored to connect.

Inviting Anxiety to Tea

If you have ever had anxiety you know that it doesn’t feel pleasant. The familiar onset of anxiety - rapid heartbeat, laborious breathing and the inability to focus on one thing at a time. You may have tried to just deal with it by pushing it down or away. Anxiety may come on out of no where: while driving, connecting to others, waking up in the morning and the list goes on. But what if the very thing you've been pushing away holds a hidden key? What if, instead of running, you could learn to meet your anxiety with curiosity? Imagine dissolving its power not through force, but through gentle inquiry – like inviting it for tea and listening to what it has to say. Sound unlikely? Let me explain.

We are taught early in life that if something causes us pain, our instinct is to move away from it. Pain serves as a powerful motivator for change, and the intensity of that pain often dictates the urgency of our response. The childhood lesson of a hot stovetop – a sharp, immediate 'ouch!' – quickly teaches us avoidance. Yet, when it comes to the more complicated pain of emotions, the lines become blurred. We often learn to normalize a consistent, low hum of anxiety, a constant companion in the background of our day. This normalization can be a subtle form of avoidance itself. When the volume turns up, our go-to might be a doctor's prescription, a quick exit strategy to silence the discomfort. But let me be clear, this isn't for those facing debilitating anxiety requiring medical intervention. This is for the many who live with that ever-present background anxiety and who are willing to explore a more transformative path: shifting their relationship with it through curiosity and inquiry.

So how do we begin this curious exploration? The next time you feel the familiar symptoms of anxiety, take a moment to observe the threshold of discomfort in your body. Think of a spectrum from 1-10 - one being a barely noticeable sensation like shallow breathing and 10 being on the verge of a panic attack. Pause, breathe and ask yourself: what number is this anxiety right now? If it is a 6 or more this might not be the best time to inquire. Instead, perhaps the initial practice is to become skilled at noticing anxiety's early signals, those subtle shifts in your body – a tightening in your shoulders, a clenching in your jaw, and holding your breath. If the anxiety is a 5 or less, when you have a bit more space to observe without being overwhelmed, we have an opportunity: to extend an invitation to tea. Literally imagine anxiety taking a seat across from you. Get creative and let your imagination flow with its form and the setting. From here, ask anxiety a series of questions: Why does my body hang onto anxiety? What is the fear of letting anxiety go? What is anxiety protecting me from feeling or experiencing in the world? Allow any other questions to surface organically, and give your imagined guest the time and space to respond. You may be surprised as to what wisdom emerges. You now have the power to understand and adjust as in any evolving relationship to chart a new path forward and continue to support this open line of communication.

Anxiety isn't the enemy; it's a messenger. Just like all our emotions, it offers vital impressions, clues that help us make sense of our inner and outer worlds. The simple act of witnessing anxiety creates a crucial space – a buffer – that prevents us from being defined and consumed by that feeling. You are not a singular emotion but a multidimensional human being. By intentionally inviting anxiety (or any unpleasant emotion for that matter) to tea, you are actively reclaiming your inner authority. It's a powerful pause, a conscious check-in with yourself. Cultivating this practice allows you to settle more deeply into ease within your body and mind. This gentle inquiry is the very path to profound transformation.

Redefining success

You have a thriving career, continue advancing up the corporate ladder, receive glowing quarterly reviews and regular raises.  Yet, does it truly resonate as success? I know it did for me, until it didn't. The truth is, that kind of success lost its luster.  What I realized when I began my spiritual journey is that you have the power to redefine success, to build a life guided by your soul’s compass to create deeper meaning beyond career success. 

As we move from school to the workplace, we're taught that success is measured by what we achieve. The dictionary definition of success is “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.” An A grade, a met deadline—these are the markers of success. But what if success wasn't just about external achievements, but also about soul alignment and spiritual growth? This traditional model, with its rigid extremes of success and failure, often overlooks the nuances of a life lived with purpose and meaning.   

 The idea of breaking free from the traditional success model is enticing, but the question remains: how do we actually do it? It all begins with mindset. This means challenging limiting beliefs, actively visualizing your desired outcome, and affirming your ability to create a new reality. Like any practice whether it’s physical, intellectual or spiritual, rewiring your thought patterns takes time, but over time it will get stronger and easier. Experiment with new perspectives, celebrate small wins, and embrace the joy of self-discovery. Open yourself to new possibilities, and you'll begin to witness opportunities for conscious transformation.  Isn’t the outcome to live more authentically on your own terms worth the investment in yourself?      

The Foundation of Happiness

Have you ever asked yourself, 'Is this all there is?' Yup, me too. And what I discovered has shaped my life. Spiritual fulfillment isn't an abstract concept; it's the foundation of my own happiness and well-being. If life's about spiritual fulfillment, how do we find it and live from that place? I'm going to break it down for you.

Imagine waking up each morning with a spark of excitement, feeling truly alive in every moment. Picture deep, soul-nourishing conversations that leave you feeling truly seen and heard. Experience that profound sense of peace knowing you are part of something much greater than yourself. Live authentically, guided by the values that resonate with your soul, creating a life filled with purpose. For so long, I longed for this feeling. Don't you want this? It’s in your complete capability to live from this place. I’ll share the pivotal steps that shifted my life, and I hope it will ignite your own journey to spiritual fulfillment.

First, it starts with mindset. Your mind is a powerful tool, capable of shifting your perspective and catapulting you beyond your comfort zone. When the familiar becomes stagnant, and your comfort zone no longer serves you, it's time to embrace the discomfort of personal growth. This willingness to step into the unknown opens doors to new experiences and empowers you to say 'yes' to opportunities you might have previously avoided. Take back your power; you are no longer a victim of circumstance, but the conscious creator of your reality.

Mindset is the foundation, but action brings it to life. Cultivate a daily spiritual practice, like meditation, contemplation or journaling, to embody conscious choice. These practices unlock the inner strength to respond instead of reacting to life's moments with intention. A non-negotiable daily spiritual practice also helps establish a container of time to replenish your energy.  To establish a lasting routine: prioritize consistency, begin with attainable time commitments, and choose practices that spark your curiosity. Use prompts, like 'What brings me joy?', to deepen your contemplation.

Your inner work thrives in a supportive environment. Find your tribe, for this spiritual journey was never meant to be walked alone. Imagine the power of shared growth, the release from isolation, and the deepening of your spiritual understanding through immersive experiences. Your people are waiting. Explore local yoga studios, spiritual groups, and beyond. You are not alone; your community awaits.