July 2022 Theme: Sadhana

Sadhana is a Sanskrit word used to refer to a daily spiritual practice. The basic difference between the enlightened Buddha and the average person is the level of awareness each enjoys. Everything you do becomes a spiritual act if you do it with awareness of the present. Awareness transforms even the most mundane act into sadhana. 

Letting go of the ego and finding peace and presence, even for a short time each day can help reduce suffering and help find meaning. With regular daily practice, the yogi realigns with their inner self.  Practicing sadhana can help maintain connection with the Universal Oneness (God) and regular practice can lead us to our ultimate goal toward conscious living. 

Sadhana is the cornerstone of the practice of yoga. Yoga provides many tools for this purpose, ranging from physical practices, like asana (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques), to more introspective endeavors, such as svadhyaya (self-study) and meditation. 

So how do we begin this ritual daily practice? When finding your own sadhana, it is important to choose practices that work for you, to stay committed with ease. I invite you to create your daily practice if you aren’t already unknowingly doing it.  Sadhana can be anything that makes your heart sing that you commit to everyday. 

Here are some ideas of ways you can create your own sadhana.   

1. Be Present 

2. Meditation 

3.  Daily Gratitudes (written or verbalized) 

4. Asana (physical yoga posture practice) 

5. Commune With Nature 

6. Set a Morning Intention 

7. Pranayama (breath work) 

8. Journaling 

9. Being Creative (paint, dance, sing) 

10. Affirmations   

In peace. Namaste,  Joslyn Shehab M.D., RYT-200