Much like a computer, we are "programmed" to live our lives based on the information that has been "loaded" into our system.
Our program is written by the direct and indirect messages we receive from our parents, our environment and our life experiences.
And, like a computer, we will operate in a predictable way until a new program is loaded.
Sometimes that means deleting old files and/or upgrading our system.
In other words, we'll keep seeing the same results over and over again until we let go of old ways of thinking and integrate a better way of being.
With so many techniques available for self-actualization, it is easy to become overwhelmed and do nothing.
But if you change nothing, nothing will change.
As a life coach, I've learned that the best solution for inertia requires two things: an attitude of "less is more" and ONE clear commitment to a daily activity that can snowball into ever-increasing expansion in one's life.
This ONE thing that you should do everyday is spiritual practice.
A spiritual practice is the means by which we reprogram ourselves.
Although it is certainly possible to develop a profound spiritual practice that requires a significant time commitment, if you're new to the idea, your existing programming could be the very thing that sabotages the desire to reprogram yourself.
In this is case, it is important to keep it simple.
The kind of spiritual practice that can be a catalyst for true transformation includes certain basic ingredients.
You can use any method you like, as long as you address the necessary elements.
Recipe for a Spiritual Practice Create a Space - The first step in any spiritual practice is to create the mental space for divine inspiration and new information.
It is through this space that we allow the creative energy of the Universe (i.
e.
Source Energy) to come into our lives.
Meditation is the most common way to create the space.
There are numerous techniques for quieting and training the mind.
The simplest way to begin is with a moment of silence.
Often one moment will extend in to many moments.
Your only objective here is to BE.
Release every expectation about how the experience "should" be and simply be still.
The act of creating this space essentially opens the door to realms of wisdom beyond common understanding.
Sometimes information comes in the silence, but often times it comes unexpectedly as you go about living your life.
Set Forth Your Intentions - To set forth your intentions means to identify what you want.
The easiest way to do this is through writing.
Try keeping a "spiritual practice notebook" and write down not what you think you can have or should want, but your deepest heart's desires.
"I gratefully see myself (being, doing, having...
fill in the blanks).
" Another great way to set forth your intentions is to create a collage with cut-out images and words from photos and magazines.
Keep them handy for your daily spiritual practice.
You need only set forth new intentions as they reveal themselves.
Many times you'll be focusing on a particular set of intentions for weeks, months and sometimes years.
Magnetize Your Intentions - The Law of Attraction tells us that like attracts like.
You magnetize your desires by connecting with the emotions and sensory input you would be experiencing if your intentions had already manifested.
Much like the pretending games of children, you pretend that your desire has already come true.
Go into your imagination and daydream with gusto.
Be the You in your vision.
Summon the emotions, see the images, hear the sounds, and feel the sensations of your new reality as if it were now.
An alternate way to do this is to pull out your collages and look over them as if you were viewing a photo album which captures the fondest memories of the life you are living now.
Release Your Intentions - When your intentions are clear and you consistently practice magnetizing them, it is essential that you release them to be manifested in the best possible way.
You release your intentions with a simple statement, out loud or silent.
Simply say to yourself, "I release all of this to the highest good in trust and gratitude.
" To release your intentions is to let go of control.
You surrender your desires in trust to the highest good of the Universe, knowing that Source Energy is orchestrating every detail to be revealed in perfect timing.
Your job is simply to act in faith on the opportunities that appear in your life.
Expand Your Consciousness - Your programming can only expand with new information.
So a fulfilling spiritual practice must include study of some kind.
The best way to approach this is to always have at least two or three resources at your finger tips.
Whether you are reading a book, listening to audio or watching a video program, be sure that every single day you are infusing your mind with inspiring and educational information.
And remember: less is more.
Even if you only read a few powerful lines of text, or listen to fifteen minutes of audio in your car, it is enough to stimulate your mind into new ways of thinking and perceiving yourself and your life.
When and How Often? The most effective spiritual practice, in line with the "less is more" philosophy, calls for action first thing in the morning and last thing at night, as your head hits the pillow and you drift off to sleep.
Your morning practice allows you to program your mind, your behaviors, and your expectations for the day ahead, staving off counterproductive reactivity to whatever life may throw your way.
The night time practice gives your unconscious mind powerful material to work with while you sleep.
Find ways to keep it simple and dovetail your spiritual practice into your normal routine.
By embracing this one clear commitment in your life, the You that has always been inside, will have no choice but to emerge in ways you never imagined!