Eight Limbs of Yoga - The Structure and Pacing of Self-Directed Spiritual Practice (AYP Enlightenment Series Book 9) by Yogani

Author:Yogani [Yogani]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: AYP Publishing
Published: 2008-11-12T16:00:00+00:00

Keeping up Practices with a Busy Schedule

Whatever system of spiritual practices we are following, chances are that we have heard, or figured out on our own, that daily practice is the key to success. The journey of human spiritual transformation takes time, and the inner changes that lead to our enlightenment require daily cultivation. Daily spiritual practices are also needed when we already have spiritual momentum, meaning, we have some degree of dynamic inner opening occurring either through previous practices, or a spontaneous awakening . If we rely only on the energies that are moving in us spontaneously, then we can be prone to imbalances that will make our journey homeward toward unending ecstatic bliss and divine love considerably less comfortable, and potentially longer than necessary.

So, no matter what our approach or level of attainment is, reaching our destination in a reliable fashion depends on having daily spiritual practices firmly in place. This has been a central theme throughout the AYP writings , beginning with the first instructions on deep meditation, and with many reminders since then.

Honoring the Habit of Twice-Daily Practice

In the original instructions on deep meditation and spinal breathing pranayama, suggestions are provided on how to fit these practices into a busy schedule. Wherever we may be, we can close our eyes and meditate – in trains, airplanes, waiting rooms, just about anywhere. The same is true for spinal breathing pranayama. If we are willing to be flexible and compromise on our practices from time to time, we can keep up the habit under the most adverse circumstances. There is great value in this, for it assures us of a continuation of practices over the long term, which is the key to our enlightenment.

We do not live in an ideal world. Even with the best plans for regular practice in our meditation room, it can all go out the window with a family emergency or other intervening events. Does this mean our daily practices have to go out the window too? Not if we have a strategy. There are ways to keep our practices going, no matter what is happening.

As our routine of practices becomes more sophisticated, involving more practices, keeping it all going in a busy schedule presents both challenges and opportunities. With so many pieces to work with in an advanced routine, we can be pretty creative in compressing our practices when time is short. Where there is the will, there is a way!

Let's talk about the basics of establishing and keeping a habit of doing daily spiritual practices. One of the easiest ways to do it is make a rule for ourselves that we will do our routine before we eat breakfast and dinner – twice each day like that. If the time of one or both of those meals isn't stable, then we can tag it to be done upon awakening in the morning, and as soon as we arrive home in the evening. If we are traveling, it gets a bit more complicated,

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