I think there is a common misconception among us (ahem) enlightened folk that once we get on spiritual cruise control life is just unicorns, rainbows and happiness all the time. Um, no. Not in my experience, anyhow. Let’s face it, being consistent with a spiritual practice and cultivating peace and happiness on a daily basis takes effort. Some days it comes more easily, but some days we have to work really (I mean really) hard at it.

I know, for myself, there are days I’ll pull out every excuse in the book to put off reading my daily lesson from A Course in Miracles or I’ll have to literally force myself to sit down and meditate for just a few minutes. We all have those days where we’re just not feeling it spiritually, and that’s totally ok. But just like anything else, you get out of your practice what you put into it. If it were easy, everyone would do it.

When I’m feeing off my spiritual game, it’s generally a clue for me that it’s time to tighten up the basics. In those instances, these are the three essential elements I always come back to:

Gratitude. 

It never ceases to amaze me how listing just 5 things I’m grateful for in the morning can shift my mood dramatically and set my day on a more positive trajectory. On those days when it’s especially difficult to feel happy, reminding myself of what I do have in my life that is beautiful and wonderful and good always works wonders. Nothing gets the positive vibes flowing like spending a few moments basking in the energy of gratitude. Give it a try. It’s not hokey, I promise. 🙂
Choosing love over fear. 

In any given moment we can choose a love based thought or a fear based thought —- but the choice is always up to us.  Some days I’ll wake up and notice I’m on a one way trip to negative town before I even get out of bed. In those moments, I stop and I choose again. If I’m feeling judgmental I’ll consciously choose a loving thought, or if I’m just generally feeling blah and I can’t put a finger on it I’ll say a simple prayer and ask for help guiding my thoughts back to love. It’s a moment to moment practice. Does it mean I feel happy all the time? Noooooooo. But it sure as hell sets me up to feel happier a lot more often than if I allowed myself to get carried away by fearful thoughts and energy. What we focus our attention on grows.

Forgiveness.

Haven’t been to a Kundalini class in months? Didn’t meditate as long as you planned to yesterday? It’s ok. Forgive yourself and let it go. Holding onto guilt is never useful and always counterproductive when it comes to our spiritual practice. Every day is a new day and a chance to start over.

I want to hear from you! What are the cornerstones of your spiritual practice? Leave me a comment below!

xoxo

Kristi