Techniques are nice but it really depends on your lifestyle, that is why some people
move into an ashram or a monastery, but you do not need to move into an ashram or
monastery. What you need is to style your life in such a way that continually invites
that divine presence into your house.
What you eat, how you think and behave, and those you associate with, may have
an influence on your life and the cultivation of maintaining the presence of that higher
Self in your consciousness. Basically, it all comes down to what you take in on a daily basis.
I am retired, so I have a great opportunity to design a spiritually conducive lifestyle
with little to no interference. I do quiet meditation twice a day, usually as soon as I
awaken from a nap, sleep, etc., before my mind has kicked in. Meditate in the same
spot every day and the energies from your meditation will build up in that spot,
making it easier and easier to slip into meditation.
Watch what you eat and drink; alcohol, drugs, and spicy foods, etc., interferes with
my meditation, but there are some people who can tolerate those substances better
and their meditation is not effected. I listen to a lot of inspirational and uplifting music,
and filter what on T.V. or on the internet I will expose myself to. I also read lots of
inspirational literature, spiritual and religious writings, etc. These help my attitude
and motivate me to continue consciously pursuing the spiritual path.
I do not follow any religion but will attend a Christian church, Hindu or Buddhist temple,
Muslim mosque, and Jewish synagogue. When money permits, I also go on spiritual retreats.
But you can design your own spiritual retreat in your home, complete with your chosen
inspirational music and recordings of sermons, lectures, satsang, etc., and spend an entire day
or weekend absorbed in devotion. Although meditating with a group of people can be
extremely uplifting.
So as I’ve said, developing a spiritually conducive lifestyle, an living that lifestyle continually
over a long period of time is most effective. Because techniques alone may not bring
desired results. People spend a couple of hours meditating and then let their mind and
senses run wild for the other 22 or 23 hours, and in my opinion that does not nurture a deeper,
more lasting, spiritual experience.
I meditate while standing in the grocery checkout line, or a person can go into the restroom and
meditate on their lunch break, etc. Develop a lifestyle that you are comfortable with and is conducive
for your spiritual growth. Don’t forget to have fun, and allow yourself a catharsis every now and
then, i.e. physical exercise is a great catharsis, or going to a sports gane and yelling at the top of
your voice, that also works. How you design your life is up to you.
Peace and Good Journey
P.S. I forgot to add selfless service, volunteering at a food bank or shelter, hospital, nursing home, etc.,
helps to instill humility, an essential component in spiritual development.