The Importance of Practice

The goal of spiritual practice is full recovery, and the only thing you need to recover from is a fractured sense of self.

-Marianne Williamson

We practice to remember who we truly are—to remember that we are more than this individual person experiencing numerous joys and numerous sorrows, to remember that we are bigger than our struggles and challenges, to remember that we are not broken and in need of fixing. We practice to connect to the Divine and the spirit within.

But it’s so easy to forget who we truly are. It’s very easy to get caught up in the details of our lives, to be swept away by intense craving and aversion, and to become overwhelmed by sorrow, confusion or despair. This is the nature of life—that everything is in flux and we are continually faced with challenges. It is in these times especially that we benefit from having a regular and established practice.

Whatever form a practice takes is entirely personal! Some find deep connection through prayer in places of worship. Others through dance, yoga or other forms of movement. Some feel most connected while in nature. And others seek out traditional sitting meditation. What is important is that you listen to your heart, and find what nurtures your soul and what helps you to remember. It also helps to be consistent and committed to your daily practice. This will be your anchor in times of difficulty and your foundation in times of bliss.

-Tara