on discipline: tools to support a regular meditation practice

Are you curious about cultivating a regular meditation practice? Sadhana, or daily spiritual practice, takes a little bit of discipline and commitment and there are some tools that can support you.

Make your space sacred

Carve out a space in your home where you can be distraction free. It doesn’t have to be a big space, even a tiny corner in your bedroom is fine. I like my meditation space to have natural light and to serve no other purpose than to sit and meditate. While meditation can be done anywhere, carving out a dedicated space will encourage you to practice regularly and teach the brain to associate the space with the benefits of meditation. You can add special elements like crystals or flowers creating an alter like experience.

Bring in scent

One of the most simple yet effective tools that enhanced my meditation practice when I began practicing daily, was incorporating scent. Scent is linked to memory. By having a certain scent reserved only for my meditation practice, I was able to correlate the smell of incense to my sadhana practice and allow myself to be anchored by the familiar scent. These smokeless incense from Bodha are great.

Get comfortable

One of the best things I ever did for my meditation practice was treat myself to a sacred seat. I found a local meditation cushion company and reserve the zafu and zabuton (zen buddhist for cushion and seat) for my seated practice and my seated practice only.

Habit stack

Try adding your designated meditation time to an activity or task you already do. Examples: brush teeth and prepare for bed + meditate before sleep or make coffee + sit down to meditate in the morning.

Track your progress — gently

Tracking my meditation “streaks” helped motivate me to practice daily. Although it is a delicate dance with the ego, you can still celebrate your wins without being too rigid or competitive with yourself. You can use your calendar or a meditation app to keep track but remember to practice non attachment with the outcome.

Most importantly, it isn’t about stuff

While these tools are helpful, know that it isn’t about stuff — it’s about a sacred ritual that is right for you, and oftentimes all that you really need is your breath.

Wishing you plenty of sitting time this new year,

ty