To make real change in our life we need to look at our daily routines and practices. Over the years, I’ve slowly incorporated a workout/movement routine, self care routine, AM & PM routine and a spiritual practice. My routines and practices keep me in alignment with feeling my best and who I want to be. When it comes to the work I do with my clients, this is where it all starts; what routines or practices need to be implemented or tossed?

The benefits of a spiritual practice are the healing aspects, the opportunity to heighten your consciousness, the deeper connection with your true self, the clarity and calmness that you create and so much more.

Different people gain different things from developing their own practice. So if you’re ready to take your personal and spiritual growth to the next level, here is how to begin creating your own spiritual practice.

Pick your practices:

We all need structure. So pick the amount of time you’d be willing to dedicate to your practice first thing in the morning. Yes, morning. If you do not put this first, you’ll never get to it consistently. And consistency is what will make the difference here – plus it sets the tone for your day. You can have a quick 10, 15 or 20 minute practice or a more leisurely one that is longer. Pick whatever you feel called to, but here are some ideas if you need a little help;

• Meditate for 5-10 minutes 3 tips for Starting a Meditation Practice
• Breathwork for 3-5 minutes 4 Ways to Stay Grounded
• Repeat affirmations for 2 minutes Science Behind Affirmations
• Manifest by doing a daily visualization or what you’re vision for your life is for 2 – 5 minutes
• Pray or share your thoughts with an energy source outside yourself
• Journal for 10 minutes
• Read a few pages from a book that inspires you 
• Make a list of things you’re grateful for
• Add movement by doing some stretching or yoga poses, or go for a mindful walk outside

Create your space:

It will be harder to honor your practice if you do not have a sacred space. But don’t fret, you don’t need an entire room. It can be a nook, corner, garden, part of a room. Just something private for you. You can keep it as simple or flared up as you want. Here are some tips for creating your space. Create Your In Home Spirituality Altar

Commit to yourself:

Dr. Nicole LePare, aka @the.holistic.psychologist talks about making one small daily promise to yourself. This is a beautiful way to break commitment down. Make a daily promise to yourself to honor this practice and stay committed to your growth. You can write out a commitment to yourself and place it in your sacred space. 

Begin & Check-in:

On day one, enjoy your new routine by not over thinking what you’re doing and just let it flow naturally. There is no wrong way to do this. If your mind wanders, just come back to your practice and keep going. Make sure you schedule yourself comfortably so that your routine does not feel rushed and flows effortlessly. 

After some time has passed and you have enough to check-in with how it’s going, reflect on what is working and what needs adjusting. 

• How do you feel mentally, emotionally, physically and spiritually?
• What have you noticed about yourself and your reactions to the world?
• What parts of your practice do you really enjoy?
• What parts do you feel are difficult?
• Are you keeping your word to yourself?

Checking in with yourself in all areas of life are important, so be sure to do that after a bit with this new practice. This is your thing, so design it so that it works for you. Here is a blog on why a spiritual practice is so important, especially during challenging times. Spiritual Practices are Important During Crisis