Initiating and maintaining a daily practice is both simple (Just do it!) and complex (Why can't I just do it?). To help, here are a few supportive guidelines. It may seem trivial, but crafting a welcoming, protective sanctuary greatly helps activate practice.

The Physical Space

1. A sanctuary space need not be bigger that the full kinesphere of the body (that is, the space you take up when you stretch your arms and legs fully in any direction). The room can be any shape. The dimension up to a medium sized room. A large room is not recommended––your efforts vapor away. A space should embrace you.

2. Make sure it is clean.

3. The space should be warm in winter and cool in summer––a temperature that allows the body to fully relax. Have a rug available if not permanently on the floor, and yoga mat.

4. Music is important, and a simple sound system is plenty. Have it ready all the time. Some people leave mantras playing when they are gone to energize the room. Quiet is fine as well.

5. Practice clothes: find the absolutely most comfortable, conducive, flattering set of 'vestments' to use just for practice. These should be something you look forward to putting on. Don't wear them for anything else, and leave a clean set (yes––own two) in the practice sanctuary to avoid the what-to-wear-what-to-wear procrastination.

6. Keep a practice journal handy. After practice, take a few minutes to write from your experience. (This part of the process is a harmonious transition back from interior quiet.)

A sanctuary's meditative atmosphere develops over time, the energy becoming more settled and richer. This happens in part from the internal associations developed with the space, in part through an atomic shift in structure of the space on subtle planes, and in part from a growing development in our ability to perceive subtle planes.

Temporal Space

1. Set aside to 45––90 minutes a day, 5 to 7 days a week.
2. Unplug the phone.
3. Request that family household members not interrupt you.
4. Put the pets where they are happy and not in your way.
5. If you have other persistent interruptions, figure out how to pre-empt them before you begin.

Intentional Space

For the period of practice put attention on yourself.
Be open to yourself.
Be curious.
Be accepting.
Be with yourself.
Remember, you are engaging in the most precious, evolutionary relationship on this earth––a relationship with yourself, your Self, your body, all that your body is, and with the Divine Eternal. This is a one-to-one relationship that encompasses All––a personal and Divine Monogamy in which you are the Lover and the Beloved.