generate a new title here, between 50 to 60 characters long
Written on
Chapter 1: The 3 P’s of Spiritual Practice
For the past five years, my spiritual journey has revolved around a 20-minute breathwork routine developed by Soma Breath. Prior to that, I explored various techniques such as Vipassana meditation, multiple yoga styles, early morning routines, chanting, and a plethora of other practices. It was only after simplifying my needs, clarifying my priorities, and crafting a structured plan that I successfully integrated a spiritual practice into my everyday life.
While self-help experts offer invaluable insights, much of their advice tends to cater to their unique experiences and requirements. It often requires adjustments and personal adaptations to make it relevant for each of us. After numerous attempts and explorations, I discovered what I call the three P’s: Prioritize, Practice, Persevere.
In our fast-paced world, time is an invaluable resource. On days when I have more flexibility, I still engage in meditation, chanting, and some stretching surrounding my breathwork sessions. However, as someone who balances roles as a partner, friend, pet owner, and full-time writer, there are times when 20 minutes is all I can spare. Thus, this becomes my primary focus—anything more is a delightful bonus.
An old Zen adage states, “You should sit in meditation for 20 minutes a day. Unless you’re too busy, then you should sit for an hour.” While I resonate with this wisdom, the demands of modern life can make it challenging. That’s why I commit to my 20-minute practice; it’s manageable, and its feasibility has allowed me to maintain it over the years. Those 20 minutes provide me with peace, solitude, and a sacred daily ritual.
Before Embracing the 3 P’s
If you’re on a spiritual journey or contemplating one, I highly encourage experimenting with various teachers and techniques before fully dedicating yourself to a single practice. This exploratory phase allowed me the freedom to selectively adopt what resonated with me, and it required time to discover what truly suited my needs.
I also encountered dogma and rivalry within certain spiritual circles, which motivated me to take my time to explore and identify what felt authentic. This process helped me craft a personalized system that worked for me. Spirituality is inherently personal, and there is no definitive right or wrong approach. It’s entirely possible to follow one path for a while and then pivot if it no longer serves you. There are no fixed rules; while I suggest committing to at least one practice eventually, the beginning is a time for exploration and playfulness.
After Establishing the 3 P’s
Once a clear path emerges and a technique, teacher, or practice resonates with you, the next step is to prioritize it. When a practice becomes a priority, you can delve deeper into it and explore its nuances. However, it’s crucial to remember that perseverance is key, as the initial excitement may fade over time. After the “honeymoon phase,” maintaining a practice demands dedication, patience, and self-compassion.
While perseverance is essential, it’s equally important to avoid feeling constrained. I often lean into curiosity, continuous learning, and daily gratitude to keep my practice vibrant and to maintain a light-hearted approach. This mindset fosters a sense of wonder and keeps the spiritual journey enjoyable.
Ultimately, spirituality is less about specific actions and more about the state of being. Therefore, a spiritual practice can take on many forms. As long as there’s presence and awareness, the spirit thrives. If the spirit is alive, the divine can express itself, and when the divine dances, life becomes a wondrous experience.
So, do not stress about the exact nature of your practice. Some of my most profound spiritual moments have occurred while engaged in seemingly mundane activities—washing dishes, feeling my cat purr, stargazing, admiring flowers, making love, scuba diving, or hiking. Whatever brings you into the present moment, ignites your spirit, and helps you appreciate the beauty in life is what truly matters.
“The chance to be part of this happens briefly. The invitation is not to show how inventive and imaginative you are but how much you can notice what you’re already part of.” — Burgs
To delve deeper into my insights on this topic, check out my YouTube videos below:
In the first video, "How to Fit A Spiritual Practice Into Your Daily Schedule," I discuss practical tips for integrating spirituality into your routine.
In the second video, "How to Create a Weekly Schedule | 7 Spiritual Practices," I share seven spiritual practices that can easily be included in a weekly plan.