Maintaining Your Practice Through The Crazy Times

Humans are creatures of habit. Many of us find it easier to stick to good habits when we have a set routine. However, unfortunately life does have its own habit of getting in the way! It can be unpredictable - even the small things, such as a train being late or forgetting to pack lunch can throw us off course! This also applies to our spiritual practice. I especially have been victim to this many times in the past; I’ve woken up too late to do my morning devotions or meditation, or I go on holiday and do basically nothing for the week. 


So what can we do to make sure we stay on track, even when life seems to do its best to disrupt us?


Firstly, don’t be hard on yourself. It’s OK to take a break! We only have a limited energy supply, and sometimes we need to be practical and save it for where it is needed. Maybe you are grieving the passing of a loved one, maybe you are having to work longer hours on an important project, or maybe you’re having to be there for a friend who is going through a difficult time. If you don’t have the energy for it, then don’t force it. Make sure you are taking care of yourself through whatever it is that life is throwing at you, for that is the most important thing.


If you are feeling happy and healthy, and just struggling to keep up your practice through a busy or unexpected time, below are some tips which have helped me maintain my spiritual practice during these periods. As I reiterate with everything, everyone is different, and just because they have worked for me doesn’t necessarily mean that they will work for you. However, feel free to give these a go and see if they resonate with you!


1. Stop putting a ‘time’ on your practice: As I mentioned, I try and perform morning devotions. I got into the mindset of thinking that if I missed my morning devotion, then that was it. It was strangely difficult to remind myself that there are many more hours in the day that I can perform a devotional! Just because I don’t say good morning to my deities or spirits doesn’t mean that they are going to abandon me for the day. A devotion at midday is just as good as one first thing in the morning. So, don’t feel disheartened if you miss the period you had assigned for a specific activity, and try and fit it in and some other point in the day.


2. Create a list: Lists are great - I live by lists! Maybe too much at times, but I can’t deny that they do come in handy. I have a Trello board where I set myself goals. For example, ‘practice 3 breathing exercises’, or ‘write a poem to X deity’. Lists can help keep us focused, and motivate us to chase that feeling of achievement once we have ticked something off of our list. Don’t underestimate the power of a good list!


3. Work it into your necessary routine: There are lots of little acts you can perform alongside the ‘necessities’ or your routine. For example, we all have to get dressed in the mornings (well, most of us I’m sure!). Maybe you could incorporate some colour magic into your wardrobe? For example, if you know you have to deliver a big presentation at work, maybe wearing something blue to encourage communication will help. When you are washing your hands after going to the toilet, maybe use a soap which is infused with lavender to help calm you. If you walk past a tree on your way to catch a train, mentally give thanks to the tree for the oxygen it provides.


4. Keep it small and simple: Rather than focusing on carving out time to perform intricate rituals, try and keep your magic small and accessible. I once performed (successfully) a spell to find a lost item in the toilets at work just using visualisation and some internal chanting! Pick up a crystal to carry with you, memorise a short mantra you can repeat in your head on the train, or drink a cup of peppermint tea to bring you focus for example.


5. Carry a travel altar on you: I love travel altars! The one I use is a tin small enough to fit in my bag, and discreet enough that I don’t get asked about it. In it, I keep a small bottle of salt water I can anoint myself with for cleansing and protection, a mini oracle set, and a small octopus charm as the octopus is my main animal guide.


6. Carry a journal with you: This is actually an idea I got from a friend, Nico Solheim-Davidson (Instagram @northseapoet). Ancient Greeks and Romans would often write, or etch, devotions to deities into clay and other materials. This is something we can emulate today! Taking just five minutes out to focus on writing a devotion to a deity or spirit you work with is a quick yet effective way of connecting with them when you don't have much time. You can also jot down mantras, spell ideas, or anything else which may come to mind.


It can be difficult to maintain a practice when life is throwing curveballs at you, but it isn’t impossible! Hopefully some of these tips will help, but the most important thing is to make sure you are looking after yourself through the challenging times.