At first, it may seem that Buddhist monks or sages are the only ones with an opportunity for enlightenment. After all, it’s hard to figure how the spiritual state works when you’re busy cleaning up messes at work and at home.
But, even if you are never to experience this state of awakening, the spiritual practice along the path of enlightenment is life-changing in itself. It can ease your stress and help you feel better too.
What is enlightenment? Some call it consciousness or self-realisation, but no matter how it is labelled, enlightenment is a state of being where you are no longer separate from the higher source or energy. You are part of the universal source and it is you. As I write in ‘How to Reach Enlightenment’, “To truly awaken, to be enlightened, means that you no longer fret or manage or control or worry about the state of the world, because you know deeply that the world is okay just as it is.”
The road to enlightenment isn’t always easy in this material world of jobs and bills and traffic jams and status symbols. When you are attached to how much money you’re making, the clothes you wear and what others think of you, you get caught up in ego and judgment, and when you judge you are separate from the Universal Source. Spiritual practice can help you establish habits and thought patterns that move you out of ego and align you with your higher self, however. From this position there is greater clarity, possibility and peace. Are you ready for that? Here are three spiritual practices that can help.
Gratitude is simply noticing the gift within in your experience and appreciating it.
Tip:
Find a quiet place, and write down three things that you appreciate. Start with this prompt: ‘I am grateful for _________’ and fill in the blank. After completing each statement say ‘Thank You’ and allow yourself to feel any of the emotions that rise up.
Compassion is the act of relating to others (and yourself) in a kind and loving way. You do not take over their troubles, but act with concern and kindness to support them through the challenges.
Tip:
Perform an act of kindness toward someone who could use the support. Perhaps you will send a former teacher a letter about how much they inspired you. Or maybe drop off a meal for a sick friend. Mow your neighbour’s lawn; let someone else move ahead of you in line.
Mindfulness is about paying attention and becoming present to what is, without judgment or criticism. That can be tough to do in our noisy, busy, hectic culture. But, it gets easier with practice.
Tip:
Start by taking a deep breath, and becoming quiet. Then, notice any physical sensations, any thoughts, and environmental details in a non-judgmental way. Just observe you experience for five minutes.
These simple practices can ease you a little further down the road toward enlightenment and make the journey a whole lot more enjoyable.
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