How To Foster Healing, Growth and Awakening

1. Daily Meditation

Regular meditation can be an essential component for growing into a fulfilling and joyful life. How long? More is better, but some is far better than none. Even 5 minutes of meditation is infinitely greater than no meditation at all, so if you don’t have time for 20 or 30 minutes, sitting for even a few minutes can help to establish and maintain a regular daily practice, which you can then expand.

While meditating please do not judge your process or experience. Results are up to nature and time. If judging thoughts come up, they are not valid; let go of those judgements when they arise, and simply meditate out of faith and trust. Over weeks, months and years the benefits of meditation make themselves known, and these are the only results we can evaluate: am I happier, kinder, wiser, less stressed, more open and loving of myself and others.

2. Retreats

While daily meditation is essential, there are important things you can only get from going much deeper during retreats. The benefits of meditation are accelerated and more likely to manifest while on retreat. Try for at least seven days of retreat a year if you can; the more the better. You can do retreats in day-longs, weekends, a week: whatever combination works. Being in nature for a retreat is fantastic.

3. Regular Contact with a Teacher

In learning a new skill, the value of an experienced teacher or coach is paramount, and that goes for meditation as well. A good teacher who knows you and your practice and is available to check in with periodically is invaluable, and can help you stay motivated and on track, while focusing your efforts and avoiding obstacles.

4. Sangha (Community)

Sangha, the third jewel of traditional Buddhism, tends to be underdeveloped in the west. Sangha used to mean living in a monastery, but nowadays meditation is often done at home alone, or on retreat with people we don’t know. Learning how to create meaningful Sangha that supports all levels of practice in our lives is an ongoing challenge. Sitting groups, dedicated groups, classes and local retreats can all help create Sangha.

5. Ethical Conduct

Working to live and act more ethically and less harmfully is extremely important, because we reinforce and become what we think, say and do. We need to learn to use our thoughts, words and actions to heal and open our minds and hearts. Non-harming, generosity, gratitude, forgiveness, lovingkindness and compassion are all important parts of a spiritual path, and all can be developed and increased with practice over time.