Inquiry

...that in order to establish a solid practice, it helps to reconnect with the intention of the practice daily in post-meditation or non-meditation. By doing so, I extend the practice out into the real world, experiencing more openness and fullness, richness and vibrancy, and liberated workability with form as it arises. With this extension of meditative awareness into the "real world", there is a constant reminder of what I am working towards and what my Self really is. By working with the world and noticing the impact of practice on my day to day doings, I am able to remind myself of the value of practice and the brilliance and fullness it is opening within my own experience.

On a more mundane level, I've found a couple of supports really help. One is to have a space in which to practice that is used daily. Having the same space provides a sense of continuity to the practice, and helps build an energy to that space via the intention and effort one exerts during a meditation session. Another helpful practice is to have some simple little ritual before meditating, such as lighting a candle or some incense, doing some yoga stretches or other physical discipline, or whatever rituals might be befitting to one's spiritual path/beliefs. This activity can help the mind to separate from its own business and prepare for a period of stillness.

One other important support is a community, group of practitioners, sangha, discussion group, or some other communally driven forum that is personal, honest, and open. Sure the internet and these postings are great, but they don't serve to truly transform as well as other living, breathing people. I've found that the experiences of others following a spiritual path can be incredibly informative, and seeing others progression and ideas helps me veer away from thinking I know alot, that I've figured something out - the coopting of spiritual intention by one's own egoic identity.

VIVA LA INTEGRAL (whole wheat in some languages)!

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