5 simple steps to start a daily practice

Q: One of my New Year's Intentions was to start a daily practice. I’m frustrated because I haven’t started yet! How do I get started? 

I find certain times of the year lend themselves to me creating new habits or routines for myself: the New Year, the Solstices & Equinoxes and my birthday. But remember, EVERY DAY is a new day, a new opportunity, to start anew, to recommit, or to pivot. So the fact that it's not a certain time of year is not meant to be another reason to delay your personal success. 

I like to use these times throughout the year as opportunities for reflection and preparation for what’s ahead. And because they happen throughout the year, I’m able to break my intentions and goals up into smaller pieces which keeps me motivated.

A daily ritual or spiritual practice is key to building your reserves so you can manage life’s challenges with grace and compassion for yourself and others. Think of it like you’re stopping at the gas station every evening to top off your tank. A daily practice does just this, fills your tank every day so that you’re never empty, never running on fumes and always have plenty of reserves when you need them. 

As human beings we tend to stand in the way to our own salvation by making things so much harder than they need to be.  Discipline isn’t something certain people are born with, but it IS something we’re all capable of creating with daily activity.  All that’s required is for you to take time each day to devote to YOU and the nourishment of your soul. 

Here are 5 simple steps to create a daily practice:

1. Write down your Why. Why do you want a daily practice? What do you want to create for yourself? Having purpose, a reason why will help sustain you especially when you develop a case of “I don’t wannas.” Having a strong Why keeps you moving through (or around) your obstacles. 
2. Realistically identify how much time you can dedicate to a daily practice. You can start small and stay there for a period of time or increase your time gradually. For example, 3 minutes a day for 40 days (it takes 40 days to create a habit) or 3 minutes a day for week 1, 5 minutes a day for week 2 and so on, building up to 11 minutes (or more) each day. 
3. Select a kriya or meditation. Not sure what to choose? Here are two of my favorites: Sat Kriya and Alternate Nostril Breathing. Both of these are flexible, you can practice as long as you like. 
4. Block time in your calendar each day for your practice.  Think of this time as your daily gift to yourself. The ideal is to practice early in the morning between 4-6:30am, the real is to create time to practice daily. Suggestion: set an alarm in your phone that will go off every day to remind you to practice. I have mine set for 8:30pm and in the event I don’t complete my practice in the morning, I set this alarm which gives me time to complete it before bed. Feel like ignoring your alarm one day? DON’T.
5. Start your practice right away. In fact, start today. 

A daily practice builds your reserve and increases your discipline and self-esteem. 

Don’t wait. Commit to yourself. Start today. 

Let us know below what you’re committing to. Sharing keeps you accountable and let's you receive support to keep you focused on your commitment.