Practicality

In a world beset with problems on a global or national scale, it is important that we find practical responses lest we “stew in the juice” of our own impotence. Swami Kriyananda made the statement that “action is clarifying.” Ideas are “nice” but useless unless they inspire positive and enthusiastic actions.

Take stock, then, of any issue that troubles you and determine to initiate some positive action in response. Certainly, prayer is always a good beginning but “be the change you seek” by a meaningful act. Disturbed by events in the Ukraine? Make a donation to help displaced persons! Global warming? Conserve electricity, recycle, eat more veggies!

Drilling down more deeply, do you wish to deepen your spiritual life? Then meditate with others. Re-take a meditation class. Been perhaps too comfortable at home, online? Come in person! Practicality requires energy, enthusiasm and focused action!

Affirmation – Practicality

Though my spirit soars in the skies of consciousness, my feet and hands labor here on earth to make truth real to all.

Prayer

Let not my thoughts lift me up through beautiful clouds of imagined possibilities unless You give me the power also to materialize my dreams.

Try this to Energize Action – the Double Breath!

We don’t know where Paramhansa Yogananda got the idea for what he called the DOUBLE BREATH but it is “game changer!” Tired? Do three of these? Worried? Do three of these. Not sure what to do? Do three of these!

Stand or sit up straight, head level, chest up: inhale twice sharply through the nose without an exhalation between. As in “uh … uh.” As you do so vibrate the entire body with the breath held very briefly. Tense the fists, arms, upper arms, feet, calves, thighs, abdomen, chest, neck and throat.

Then forcibly blow the exhalation out through the mouth, again twice in a row without an intervening inhalation as you simultaneously release the tension in the muscles. As in “huh….huh…..” Hold the breath out briefly as you deeply feel the relaxation and the subtle vitality of the body’s natural energy.