The magic of life happens when we are present enough to notice

Beginning a daily meditation practice doesn’t have to be complicated. It doesn’t require checking off days or forcing a certain practice at a certain time. I used to do this a lot: strict daily sadhanas, forcing myself to do things in a certain order, choosing practices I didn’t necessarily enjoy but gave me the validation of discipline. It didn’t achieve much except to create more attachment. The feeling of guilt when you miss a day, forcing something that doesn’t feel aligned, the sense of accomplishment by achieving a goal number — all of these things (in my opinion and experience) feel rooted in attachment and sometimes achieve the opposite effect of what I desire.

My desire with a meditative practice is simple: to feel at ease with the ebbs and flows of life. Sure, there are certain practices I do on a regular basis but that’s because they bring me peace and balance. They didn’t become ingrained as a habit due to force, but because they are aligned. When something is aligned, it feels natural. When something makes you feel more connected to your true self, it becomes the highlight of your week. I have no idea how many days in a row I’ve meditated. All I care about is how I feel.

I suggest starting simple. Connect your meditation practice with something you love. I love to pull cards in the morning and that has become a meditation for me. I love to relax with my morning coffee and that became the space for journaling and meditation. I love to walk and nothing feels more meditative than listening to nature and being present for simple joys like trees blowing in the wind or sun rays on a path. Class is great, because you learn different tools and techniques and what works for you, but it can be as simple as just observing the present moment.

Some days my routine shifts and I’m okay with that, because I’m not attached to things being a certain way. I can peacefully adapt to changing moods, unexpected shifts, and things being imperfect. And that’s what a meditative practice should help us to do: appreciate every moment as it is. The magic of life happens when we are present enough to notice.