Consistent spiritual practice is an area of my life where I’ve experienced both balance and disconnection. There have been times when I felt aligned—nurturing my connection to Spirit (whether that was the Creator herself, ancestors, guides, or angels). And there have been times when I believed I was failing miserably at life.
There were seasons when, right after making my coffee, I’d retreat to my meditation room to read, write, or meditate with Krishna Das chanting in the background. Then there were stretches—days, weeks, or even months—when none of that happened.
Still, those moments of practice have always offered a space where my too-busy mind could pause, center, connect, and allow.
On the subject of meditation, Sadhguru is famously quoted as saying something like:
“Every day, 30 minutes of meditation—unless you’re extremely busy. Then, one hour.”
Many people assume meditation means sitting cross-legged on a cushion, chanting “Om,” and striving to levitate off the mat. I’m not sure that’s a bad image—but I do believe there are countless other ways to achieve the same outcome. And they absolutely count as meditation.
For me, gardening—especially working in my flower beds—has always been a meditative act. I focus on the beauty and perfection of each plant and flower, while feeling deep gratitude for the Creator who made it possible for me to see them. Having my hands in the dirt grounds me. When I’m aggressively weeding, I’ve found I can release anger, frustration, disconnection… really, whatever I need to let go of. And the earth gladly absorbs it.
But the possibilities are endless! Sitting in the sand, staring in awe at the ocean—or closer to home, Lake Michigan. Letting go of all thought and simply listening to beautiful music.
Just as I see perfection in nature, when I listen to Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, I’m transported to a place of awe and gratitude. In that moment, there is no doubt in my mind about the existence of God. She may not be the version many of us were taught about, but she helped a man—deaf as a stone—create a musical masterpiece that has endured for centuries.
I don’t believe it matters how you reach that quiet place of connection. What matters is that you know you can connect—to Spirit, to the Creator, to the universe—and that what you include in that time is as unique as your own personal relationship with the divine. That connection includes all the beings of light and love on the other side who are eager to inspire you and help however they can.
If you’re considering starting—or expanding—a spiritual practice, here’s what I’d love to remind you:
Perfection is not an option. It’s not even on the menu.
If, like me, you live in a northern climate, there may be a few weeks between mid-December and mid-February when you can walk on water. Any other time? Be prepared to get wet.
It’s never too late to start.
Like everything else in life, you begin where you are and build from there. If five minutes is all you can handle right now, start there. Then gradually stretch to six, seven, ten, fifteen—as your comfort and tolerance grow.
You cannot ask a silly question. You cannot dream too big.
Like every connection, the more familiar you become with it, the easier it gets. The more you practice, the more you trust both the connection and the insights you receive.
Every single moment gives you the chance to begin again.
To help you get started—or go deeper—there are plenty of excellent, free or low-cost meditation apps available. I personally use Insight Timer, but many people I know have found success with other tools.
Just know: there is tremendous personal value in exploring this path.
Nothing bad can happen.
Really.
Author: Eric Webster