Spiritualizing Everyday Life
Struggling to translate the lofty ideals of Vedanta into everyday action? We reached out to our members —ordinary people like you— to learn about the constructive changes they’ve made in their lives that have brought them the most spiritual traction:
- At night, I place my mobile phone out of sight, on the far side of a stack of spiritual books. So, in the morning, I reach for a book rather than my phone.
- I used to dread my long commute home through Seattle traffic. Now, I look forward to it. The shift happened when I created a series of spiritual playlists to sing at the top of my lungs to Holy Mother. Do I look crazy to other commuters? Maybe. But I come home filled with joy and ready to embrace my family.
- When challenges arise, instead of reacting impulsively, I pause and ask myself: is this a problem of the body, the emotions, or the mind? Since I am not any of these, the ‘problem’ loses much of its power.
- Practice, practice, practice. I keep myself busy with classes, holy company, focused retreats, and a deep longing for God.
- I wrote prayers and hymns—like “Om tavakatam ritam” and “Om shreem Saraswatiye namaha”—on physical cards. Then I used those cards as bookmarks. In this way, the books are blessed, and the prayers can be recited before reading. It also makes them easy to remember.
- I store my meditation supplies—especially my meditation shawl—with my incense. That way, everything smells of ‘spirituality.’
- On Spotify, I have a spiritual playlist for soft, sweet songs and another for “Workout Bhajans,” for when I want to get pumped while thinking of God.
- It’s hard to prioritize cleaning. By having photos of deities and incarnations around the apartment, we’re inspired to keep the space tidy out of respect for those images. A pro tip for cleaning more than usual!
- The mind’s negative chatter is exhausting. So, I’ll say, “Knock it off! You’re being so unpleasant. Would you rather think about ‘xyz’ spiritual topic or turn on a Vedantic talk on Spotify?” The mind chooses—and miraculously, the diversion works!
- When I first started doing japa, I went really fast. Over time, I’ve slowed down, which has deepened my focus. I also synchronize it with my breath.
- If I’m pressed for time in the morning, I at least get the motor started: I place my ishta or divine light in my heart. In this way, the day starts out right.
- Since coming to the Vedanta Center, I’ve been meditating every day. Previously, I tried various guided meditation methods from other sources, but nothing clicked like what Swami Satyamayananda taught us. I like how the meditations are structured and easy to incorporate into my day.
- I’ve been reading far more spiritual books and biographies of Holy Mother, Sri Ramakrishna, and their disciples. It’s such a blessing that I can talk to others at the center about what I’ve read and even ask Swami Satyamayananda questions about it after lectures. It’s brought a lot of enriching contemplation into my life.
- When I’m doing a mindless task around the house, I contemplate things I’ve read or conversations I’ve had with people at the center—or with Swami Satyamayananda—instead of letting my mind drift to not-so-productive thoughts. I also do japa during these tasks, which has helped my concentration.
- I make a point of attending events in person. I’ve found that the community I’ve met at the center has helped me open up far more than they’ll ever know. There’s so much kindness there, and as someone who is chronically shy, it’s been amazing for me.
- I’ve made mealtimes into mini-meditations. I pause before I eat, silently offering gratitude for the food and the hands that prepared it, as well as acknowledgment that all is Brahman. Eating slowly and with awareness turns a routine meal into an act of devotion.
- Throughout the day, I schedule short breaks where I turn off all devices and just sit quietly. Even five minutes of stillness brings a surprising sense of peace—and it’s amazing how much calmer the mind feels afterward.
- I turned my daily walks into moving meditations. With each step, I repeat a mantra or silently offer thoughts of goodwill to all beings. It’s a simple way to weave spirituality into even the most mundane moments.
- I carved out a small corner in my home for spiritual practice: a candle, a photo of my chosen ideal, and a few of my favorite spiritual books. Even a brief pause in this space feels like stepping into a sanctuary, grounding me in what truly matters.
- Sometimes, instead of music or podcasts, I drive in silence—using the time as a moving meditation. It’s a chance to reflect, practice mindfulness, or simply let the mind rest in stillness.