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.
