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For most of us, there are two kinds of life, the material and the spiritual. On one hand, we have families, jobs, desires, and responsibilities that demand our attention. On the other, there is the call of the spiritual—our sadhana, solitude, and the study of spiritual practices. Unfortunately, time is limited, and even with the best intentions, material life often takes precedence. Our duties overshadow our spiritual aspirations, leaving us yearning for a life more aligned with our spiritual goals.

This imbalance exists because material life always feels urgent. Family obligations, demanding bosses, and financial commitments like EMIs relentlessly pull us in. Meanwhile, spirituality waits patiently—God doesn’t chastise us for neglecting our practices; He is forgiving and loves us unconditionally. But the real issue lies in how we perceive material and spiritual life as two separate paths. What’s needed is integration: spiritualizing our material life. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Prioritize and Schedule

Treat spiritual practices as non-negotiable parts of your daily routine, just like eating or sleeping. Remove activities that don’t add value or fulfillment to your life. For instance, limiting screen time or avoiding gossip can free up significant time for practices like japa, meditation, or introspection.

Ensure your schedule accommodates both your responsibilities and your spiritual practices. A consistent sleep cycle—going to bed by 10 or 11 PM and waking up early—can transform your energy levels, enabling you to manage both material duties and spiritual practices effectively.

2. Simplify Life

A simpler life saves time, reduces stress, and fosters contentment. Fewer commitments and possessions lead to fewer distractions and less attachment. Simplifying life purifies the mind, making it easier to focus on spiritual growth. In my experience, a simpler life also minimizes unnecessary problems and helps maintain inner peace.

3. Adopt a Conscious Approach

Bring awareness to everything you do. Avoid living on autopilot; instead, cultivate mindfulness in your actions. This makes it easier to practice virtues that calm the mind and support meditation. For example:
- Refrain from negative conversations or gossip.
- Choose work that aligns with your values and doesn’t require dishonesty or harm to others.
- Strive to live truthfully and compassionately, minimizing harm to all living beings.

4. Engage in Self-Reflection

Regularly evaluate your actions and their alignment with your values. Set aside time weekly or monthly to reflect on how you’re spending your time and whether it aligns with your spiritual aspirations. If something feels off, identify the cause and make adjustments. Self-reflection keeps you grounded and ensures you stay on your chosen path.

By combining the material with the spiritual, life becomes more balanced and fulfilling. Spirituality doesn’t have to exist in isolation—it can infuse every aspect of your daily life, bringing deeper meaning and peace.

Quote of the week

Practice of the week

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Make sure you won’t be disturbed for the next 15 minutes. Gently ask yourself, “What do I truly want in life?” Sit in silence and allow the answers to arise naturally. At first, they might be about possessions, wealth, or solutions to certain problems—often focused on short-term desires. Let them surface without judgment. Then, go deeper—explore what you really seek. Stay focused, keeping your mind anchored to this question.

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