Spirituality That Works

Q: What are the key elements of a spiritual practice?

This is a very large subject, but as meditation is often pointed out as a key element of any spiritual practice, let’s start there. Various meditations are used for various practices and outcomes. And, there can be levels to these meditations. But, as with all spiritual practices that move us toward oneness/awareness, the truth is that any meditation practiced diligently can get the job done.

But even within some spiritual … Read More

Q: Why do different spiritual paths often feel so different, even when they point to the same goal?

Every tradition uses its own language and methods, but they’re all trying to reach the same essential water. When you’re digging a well and you want to hit water, you don’t dig a bunch of shallow holes. You pick one spot that resonates with you and go deep. That’s how you hit the water.

Q: What’s your take on popular “you’re already … Read More

Q: Sometimes we search for so long we reach a point where we don’t even know what it was we were searching. But there is this longing that remains. What now? 

What’s needed is a moment of recognition. Something clicks that makes us feel alive and excited.

That’s one of the things that happen when we find an external teacher. We have that sensation of hope that here’s somebody who could take me further down the path. You may not … Read More

Think of the energy of the current time as like watching popcorn pop over the sides of the popcorn cooker. More and more falls out over the sides until the whole cooker is covered, and yet it is still popping.

There are many small eruptions, so many that the mind cannot take them all in. This creates both excitement and dread.

Things are happening, and many of those things are not good. Yet people often value things happening more than … Read More

Recently, I overheard a conversation at a coffee shop that stayed with me. Two people were talking about how hard life can be and the ongoing struggle to be their best selves despite setbacks. One of them, in particular, seemed to carry a quiet weight of regret.

As they got up to leave, the one friend clapped the other on the back and said, “Give it hell, fellow flawed human.” It was such a simple yet powerful gesture of support. … Read More

Q: Do most people think in words rather than in images?

It’s true. Most of us are conditioned for a nonstop internal monologue, a “ticker tape” of words strung together. The first step in releasing the grip of these thoughts is learning to shift our internal focus from language to imagery.

While it may seem counterintuitive, since images often evoke stronger emotions, visuals don’t trigger the same analytical “chatter” that words do. A picture may be worth a thousand words, … Read More

Q: I’m feeling stuck in old patterns.

Work to try to shake yourself out of the habits that are preventing you from changing, from getting to where you want to go. For example, don’t start the day at the computer. Start it outside going for a walk, or exercising, or reading.

Q: I know, I’ve made my energy and my life very small. But it feels manageable. Making it bigger feels like just adding more to the to-do list.

I’m … Read More

Q: What is it that we are afraid of? Is it just fear of the unknown?

You can’t be afraid of the unknown, because it’s unknown. In this case, you’re afraid of what your imagination conjures.

What people are really afraid of is losing the known.… Read More