When times are tough or awesome – you NEED this!

January 15, 2013 by Mastin Kipp 34 Comments

As my life continues to expand – and I face new challenges, the thing that keeps me centered is a spiritual practice.

I believe that a spiritual practice is what brings us back to Source, back to The Divine, back to ourselves. It’s always important to have a spiritual practice, but it’s REALLY important to have a spiritual practice when you are expanding AND when you are contracting.

That is – when all things fall apart.

I don’t know what I would do without my spiritual practice, I would certainly not be where I am today.

I still get triggered. I still get mad. I still get angry, I still get defensive and I still am not a perfect angel. Please don’t think that I am. LOL.

Cuz I’m not.

But I’m always trying to be better, more Loving and more vulnerable.

Because that is indeed the essence of Life.

Love & vulnerability.

It can be so hard at times, when there is not enough money to pay the bills, you feel triggered by an event or person or when things fall apart.

But it is exactly those moments where I believe that we are being called into greater awareness and a deeper practice.

The moments that trigger us, the scary moments, the moments that call us into greater opening, those are the tough times and the times of expansion.

Because in each, we are being tested.

When times are tough – it’s how much do we believe that we are being taught and being guided.

When times are good – the test is to calm the ego and remember that you are not the doer of anything. The Divine does it all – and we are but mere children being held and guided by The Divine.

We are not the doer, ultimately, so whatever happens – good or bad – is for our benefit, for our enlightenment, for our learning.

But, we must learn to SEE things this way.

We cannot have an experience if we do not see.

And the spiritual practice is what helps me see.

What is my spiritual practice?

Kundalini yoga & meditation.

Sugar free eating.

Creative writing.

Exercise.

Prayer.

And Jesus.

These are the things that keep me connected. These are the things that I lean on to help me through and help me stay humble when my pesky ego flares up.

They also give me faith when things seem to be falling apart.

What is YOUR spiritual practice?

As always, the action happens in the comments below, leave a comment and join the conversation! The TDL Community thrives in the comments and it’s a GREAT place to get support!

Love,

Mastin

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Mastin Kipp is the founder and CEO of The Daily Love. Follow him on Twitter here.

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Michellesuzor

My first morning on this website after seeing you on Oprah. Very nice place to clear my mind and absorb new thoughts. Thank you for a job well done
Rebecca

On a journey w stage 4 cancer, has changed my life for the better in ways I can’t begin to express, and keying into my spiritual connections keeps me learning every day. In bad times it lifts you up and on great days it keeps you grounded! Prayer, meditation and yoga absolutely rock and enrich! Thank you for thedailylove…I love it!
Jay

This message is very timely, for me at least. Last night was one of those nights where everything fell apart and it was amazing how differently I handled it. I wasn’t at all calm about it; there were still many, many tears and I’m still aching on the inside. But, instead of grabbing the nearest bottle or foodstuff and devouring its contents, I turned to my writinng and to Jesus, which are my spiritual practices. It’s paramount to have a spiritual practice. It could save your life.
Jennifer

I refuse to believe the timing of today’s blog is just coincidence (don’t believe in them, anyway because it brings me so much peace to know I’m being guided. I just started dating a man who describes himself as Agnostic. We seem to click on so many other levels, but this worries me. He’s had more challenges in his life than I can even imagine and terrible examples provided by his parents, so I do get why he’d doubt. I look forward to using today’s blog as a conversation starter on the subject. Life seems far too lonely without believing in something bigger than ourselves!
- Cherwonna
  
  “Life seems far too lonely without believing in something bigger than ourselves” I Love it! Your words are all so true! Thank You!
- gen
  
  I’ll bet you were placed in his life to bring awareness to his beliefs
- Andrefeleci
  
  Life seems far too lonely without believing in something bigger than ourselves!
  
  That is the best part! I wish you luck with your guy friend.
- Cristina
  
  I have to agree with you Jennifer, this cannot be coincidence. I actually started praying yesterday. I hadn’t done it in a long time. Now, I’ve come to realize that the best times of my life have happened while I’ve been close to God. A simple prayer once a day! That’s all you need
  
  HAPPY TUESDAY MY DEAR TDL TEAM
- Kat
  
  Agnostic doesn’t mean that he doesn’t have a spiritual path or practice. I consider myself agnoistic and I feel very connected to the universe, the world, and other people. I guess it depends whether his ideas are different than yours about what God is. I would talk about it more deeply and speak about your beliefs openly. If it isn’t right for you, you’ll know. Good luck!
Tanner

Because that is indeed the essence of Life. Love & vulnerability. This sums it all up. Great to wake up and start my day reminded of this!
ZenGirl1247

Morning meditation, insightful readings, journaling, yoga practice and health eating; these keep my head, heart and body in balance. Life has a way of pushing and pulling at us to test all my practices Thank you again what I feel has been written in your words! Have a great and amazing day!
Jen

Shakespeare expresses this beautifully in his Spiritually searching protagonist Hamlet. After much despair, Hamlet reaches a place of reconciliation and says “there is a divinity that shapes our ends, rough hew them as we will.” “The readiness is all.” “Let be”. For me these three phrases provide so much guidance. I must trust that there is someone/something out there, remember that it is my responsibility to show up for my life, and take comfort in the fact that if these two conditions are met, I can “let be”. Thanks for the inspiration Mastin, as always!
Jenny

OVERCOMING OVERWHELMNESS: 4 years ago I founded what is now a very fast-paced fashion accessories company, and often times in the middle of the day I find myself INSTANTLY overwhelmed with how much there is to do. A heavy, anxious feeling will hit me like wave; all of a sudden, and often repetitively. My yoga practice has helped me be more conscious of this experience and sparked an idea for how I can manage it. When I feel this wave upon me now, I am better at recognizing it immediately and have developed a strategy to bring calm and presence to my day. I stop what I’m doing. Then I close my eyes and take 10 full deep belly breaths with my eyes closed, only thinking of the breath/my life source “in…..out” , or sometimes repeating “let….go” on the inhales and exhales. As I take the 10 breaths I consciously release the anxiety and accept the truth that I will get it done one step at a time, by focusing on one task at a time. Once out of the breathing, this practices stays with me and helps me focus on one task as a time as well, which helps keep the waves at bay, since I avoid thinking of everything that needs to get done at once. I now hope to evolve the 10 breathes into a 5 full minute meditation, I think that will help the waves subside even longer. Hope this idea helps someone else too! Fun to share my spiritual practice and how it helps me through the day. To calm seas today!
Tiffanycaear

Oh Mastin…Thank you for the reminder…It was so true…I am currently fasting for clarity…however last night I ate some food…but this morning I encountered an uncle who wanted to let me know in so many words that my life is not right especially since I am not financially stable…I literally burst…Yes, I let my ego and helpless child take over…It was rage, anger, and knowing that it was true…I realized I need to continue to fast…and work on finding a spiritual space that works for me today…along with appreciating the journey…At this time, I know that the universe wants me to be right here and today is first a spiritual pursuit, and then back to my master plan…and the moment I just had was a part of my awakening and push to let me know…I still need spiritual growth…to execute patience, love, and kindness in the most difficult situations…
http://www.are-you-there-kathleen-its-me-god.blogspot.com/ Kathleen Reynolds Chelquist

I could go on..and on…about my spiritual practice, and what I do. And, to keep it short (a challenge for me) I will say this… My Spiritual Practice is to THANK GOD for being an instrument of Love throughout EVERY MOMENT of my day. I claim it. I do not ask. I AM…Therefore, I WILL BE! (Oooh, just made that up..me likey.) There is a huge misunderstanding that we have to plead with God. This is so not true. Jesus, Source, The Universe, and etc is already there to claim…..Waiting patiently for us to receive the guidance (I just wrote a blog about it). My mentor, Cinnamon Lofton, teaches us this very important (and not worldly) view on God. This teaches us RESPONSIBILITY. Anyway , whether it is through my writing, talking, or just smiling at a stranger; I am devoted to LOVE. If I get a whisper to challenge myself-I do. For instance, I am going to cut my hair on Friday. I have not CUT my hair in 13 years (only trims, since my dad told me that I was a “TRAVESTY” when I had cut bangs-for fun). Yep, I AM addicted to my hair. I never knew how it had become so important. It doesn’t make logical sense since it is pretty thin anyway-and not that long (Can you imagine if I had Gabby’s hair? ) THE EGO is not LOGICAL; it is CRAAAAAAZY! So, THERE ARE NO GOOD ADDICTIONS; they keep me from receiving my beloved’s guidance. Addictions are the veil that could be lifted to the Divine; if we were only willing. I DO NOT want to cut my hair. AND I need to, for my spiritual growth (My heart’s direction has told me this for years). I know this could help ALL my friends (who are also addicted) to see that….THEY ARE NOT THEIR HAIR!!! I will not be a slave to my vanity anymore! This is walking the walk. This is me….Becoming a woman.
The Daily Commenter,
Kathleen
are-you-there-kathleen-its-me-god.blogspot.com/
- http://www.are-you-there-kathleen-its-me-god.blogspot.com/ Kathleen Reynolds Chelquist
  
  SOOOO EXCITED. Someone just shared my first quote on FaceBook….”I AM…THEREFORE, I WILL BE.” I ended up doubting myself (guidance) and googling it. Can’t find it! This is when I need to, “DOUBT MY DOUBT.”
  - Jessie
    
    love it !!!
CC

This couldn’t have come at a better time. I was ready to write you yesterday about a problem I am going thru. I have ended a 20+ year friendship with a friend. We’ve had disagreements in the past and she was a hard person to try and get my point across . With each disagreement, I decided to downgrade this friendship from best friend to friend to an acquaintance (see you when I see you). This very recent disagreement, she began sending me very hurtful e-mails and IMs. I only responded to 2 of her IMs and then blocked her. She did not stick to the content of our recent disagreement, but attacked my living situation, my finances, the fact that I am not in a relationship since my divorce, and advised me to seek professional help. I went thru counseling during my separation/divorce period. Others say I am well adjusted and living my life accordingly (but apparently not to this person’s standards). She is a professional woman and apparently it’s all about the money with her. She hit below the belt and my psyche with her very childish and hurtful words. The irony is I never liked her from the beginning, but my ex and her husband reacquainted after many years, therefore, I was thrown into social situations with her. We did become friendly during most of those times, but she had a way of making hurtful comments and when I called her on it, she would say she was only kidding or I was too sensitive. She does this with other friends to. I realized that she is a bully. I do not miss her friendship and began to use the word HATE when I talk about this situation. I pray to get over these feelings and try to think good thoughts and will try to meditate, but her words always seem to come crashing thru. I know now she was never a friend and she never moved passed our prior disagreements. I felt like she was armed with her “ammo” ready to shoot her vitriol diatribe my way.

I am starting a grateful journal. I also find solace in music and writing, being around my family and true friends. With God’s help I know this too shall pass. Thank you for the work you do and allowing me to vent.

CC
A Gabriella

If I could clap for this mornings blog, I would. Just so simple and the timing, perfect, as always. ” When times are good – the test is to calm the ego…” YES! “When times are tough – it’s how much do we believe that we are being taught and being guided.” YES! So happy to see the responses. With our Divine, Mastin, you have truly created something special here. I wish a beautiful day filled with presence to all.
Matea

this blog makes me feel so guided, favorite by now, love to you Mastin <3
Jairiescuba

My spiritual practice……..Having a good feeling thought experience before getting out of bed each morning (this morning I was swimming in the warm oceans of the small island of Tortola), morning meditation and journaling, daily reading from A Course in Miracles, healthy eating, Bikram yoga, being aware of my thoughts throughout the day and actively changing them if they are negative, evening review of my day (how did i show up, how did i love, how did i receive love, how did the Uni-verse support me today) and documenting 3 things of gratitude.
John Kalinowski

This is perfect. Thanks Mastin. I’m a Life Coach in New York and am going to write my next column on this very topic. I’ll make sure to reference you. Keep ‘em comin!
Andrefeleci

Good Morning All…
WOW! The blog today (well everyday) just SMACKED me in the face!
Im currently in a FAST! Looking for direction, answers, blessings, guidance…etc.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE is Literally what i have to do!
No other way will I make it.
I also choose JESUS as my higher being. Trying to put in practice his teachings sometimes seem like a JOKE!
You want me to LOVE him/her… she ANNOYS the HELL outta me! My Enemies… they are that for a reason.
But TO LOVE is so relieving. Im learning, If You LOVE…. you cant do anything else.
Just show LOVE. Just BE LOVE.
>>>talking to self right now<<<
This is Day 5 of my Fast.
Ive had some situations come up during the last 5 days that make me want to flip my lid. But because I have a spiritual practice…. I put it to use!
This is the time.
Good/Easy times and Bad/Hard times is the time to practice.
Basically, everyday… thru all things… in everything…. GIVE PRAISE/THANKS!!!!
Ive been riding in silence.
Reading as much uplifiting material as I can.
(catching up on TDL's from the days my Mean Self 'didnt feel like' the pe p talks)
Being QUIET.
Resting.
and most of all PRAYING.
I dont want specific things.
Just a better state of being.
Financial Freedom. Career Path.
Mastin quoted someone…. 'CLARITY comes from Engagement not thought.'
I had to LAUGH at myself…. Im always 'THINKING' seeking Clarity…
I am truly grateful for a place liks such.
Im just rambling now.
Now I know I must DO. To be clear. To know what I am seeking.
I just wanted to write today.
To you all.
I appreciate you all very much.
Thank You for reading if you do!!!!

<3
With Love..

Mastin,

As all have said before me this is truly a great blog.. My family is going through a lot of healing right now and most of the pain that was caused was caused by me. My business is in trouble my personal finances are a wreck and my relationship was nearing the end … I lost my relationship with my savior and my life was in turmoil.. There were so many negative influences in my life that took control and were tearing me apart. I knew something had to change. For whatever reason call it divine intervention if you will i had started reading your blog and books that showed me that the path i was on was a path of destruction, I had to change my life.. I am trying to find the positive in everything possible and although i still get scared and stray your blog always seems to put things back into a positive light and open my eyes to what is important. I try to let go of the reins everyday and let my savior take the wheel..

Thank you for this!!
MarisolT

Perfect timing! For the last few days, I’ve been going through a really hard time, as my best friend and I are growing appart. My mind gets so foggy, I’ve been so mad, I’ve cried so much. I have felt so so left behind. However, God, praying and yoga have been with me and that’s what is keeping me strong. My morning yoga practice made realize maybe this is not as bad as it seems. Maybe it’s an opportunity to move on and become what I really am. Praying has helped me to become aware of the lessons I need to learn: I need to know who I am without my best friend so that my happiness won’t depend on anyone else, but me and I need to learn to let go. Thanks to my spiritual practice I see this tough time as an opportunity to grow.
Theresa

This was a great post to read today! Thank you for sharing this as it has really helped me to realign and help move forward with optimism for this particular chapter I’m going through. Even though I know all too well the importance of a spiritual practice, I’ve left it to trail away from my life for the past 4 months now in an effort to do it all on my own. So often I take the good times that are going on in my life and assume that is my queue to abandon what got me there and fly with my own set of wings. And each time, I come crashing hard to the ground after awhile. You said it best in “When times are good – the test is to calm the ego and remember that you
are not the doer of anything. The Divine does it all – and we are but
mere children being held and guided by The Divine.” I’m going to use some of your ideas Mastin, and also add in a few of my own to create a master list of spiritual practices that I really want to make sure are everyday parts of my life. Thank you again!
Holly

This was perfect for me today – I was actually blown away when I saw it as I was trying hard to cope and it felt like there you were speaking just to me. My life has become very overwhelming, hard and scary. Thank you for saving my day.
http://peggybraswelldesign.com/ PB

I needed this today(funny how that happens).
I write in my gratitude journal each AM and listen to a meditation tape for 15min, I ask god to USE ME, then I start my day. At night(ha,when I remember)-I review the day, do Mirror work(this is a hard one to do) Thank you for writing this column each day, Mastin!
http://twitter.com/jbrownlm Jacquelyn A. Brown

Thank you Mastin for sharing! My daily Spiritual practice is just as critical to me as breathing (mine are prayer, meditation, singing, journaling, creativity and Spiritual study). And I couldn’t agree with you more that it’s during those dire moments in life that our practice can buoy us and pull us through.

A few years ago my dear mentor/other-mother had made her transition. I remember in the moment that I started to feel despair, I had the feeling to pray so I could feel more peaceful. But then the thought (ego) came to me: ”No, I’m grieving! Why should I pray? I want to feel hopeless and helpless! I SHOULD feel hopeless and helpless – I just lost my beloved mentor! I have no right to pray for peace!” But then in a Holy Instant (because for real, that’s exactly what it was), I heard Spirit say: ”NO! THIS is the precisely the time you need to pray for peace!” And like that, I caught myself, and I chose to pray to feel peaceful, and I averted what could have become a dark and settling cloud, like my own life was coming to an end (I know what that feels like because I felt that after my mother made her transition several years before that). In fact, I started to feel more accepting of the situation and more peaceful (the peace that passes all understanding). It’s not that I didn’t grieve and allow myself to feel my sad feelings at the time, but I also knew that the sadness would pass.

So yes, having a Spiritual practice is a wonderfully self-Loving and self-supportive activity. Btw, although I recently started a yoga practice, between you and Gabriella Bernstein (I just heard a podcast of her interview with Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith) talking about this kundalini & yoga meditation, I’ve decided to try a class at Golden Bridge! Thanks for the info!
Olga

I stay connected as often as I am aware, to the Observer/present/Now. I make a firm decision to let go of the ‘attachment’ I can have to the thoughts that enter my mind. Intead, I’m the blue sky (the Observer) & the clouds are the thoughts passing by.. Deep breaths.. Stay connected with the ‘Observer’ of Who I Am. Peace. Calm. Connection with what is, not what I think there should be. Letting go. Otherwise, in my life, I tend to create way too much drama (pain) through fear driven thoughts I attach meaning to to create “excitement” in my life. Always ends in pain for me, because I’m not being truthful & authentic to mySelf & others. I crave peace, honesty & simplicity within & without, the without bit I have very little control over, let go, stay with the Observer where peace is. Doing this practice, I feel reconnected, inside me, to an old lost dear friend it feels wonderful, no more feeling so alone.
Christine Chang

Fasting (fruits and vegetables, just vegetables or tea)

Bathing morning and night

Journaling

Filling up my inspiration reserves (reading your blog!)

Running

Watching the sunrise and yoga in the morning Sun
Cubanapat

I don’t understand why we are in judgement in the first place. Judgement is not ours. The person who stands in judgement has things inside themselves to deal with or else they would not be there. What is that saying, “let he who is without sin, cast the first stone” Now I am not hanging on to the word sin but if we are judging someone else we have work to do ourselves. A time better spent is reflecting on our inner world.

Lance should pull himself away from this and just watch.
Queen

My spiritual practice is:

Chanting Nam Myho Renge Kyo morning and night

Reading 10 pages a day to get better

The Daily Love

Reflecting before I go to bed

Drinking lots of water and eating healthy

Bikram Yoga
Clarissa

Dear Mastin,

Knowledge is power. Therefore my comments are purely to increase your awareness of the truth. From that point, you are accountable and it’s all up to you.

Anything related to Kundalini – Kundalini yoga, tapping, etc. is not about LOVE. Kundalini is a serpent associated with darkness. Search for yourself – Kundalini is associated with Satanism, demons, and Egyptian Sorcery – not LOVE.

Perhaps it is time to examine why you need this power and energy from such a dark place.

As for me, my motto is this – lightness and darkness exist in this world. No matter how trying my journey becomes I must always strive for the light. As for me – I don’t need Kundalini to expand my truth and energy levels. All I need is LOVE.

Peace be with you, Mastin.