I’ve been struggling with my personal practice. It’s been *almost* non-existent, and definitely not consistent. I’ve looked at what’s going on through the lens of burnout. I’ve tried to reinvigorate and inspire my practice. I’ve tried changing it! I event went meta and turned my non-practicing into a practice of patience and gentleness. Nothing really seems to stick or have the impact I was searching for.

The struggle has been real. Maybe you can relate.

But just the other day, I had a breakthrough. My soul is rebelling against practice. Fuck it. I’m done practicing. I’ve had enough. NO.

When I realized this I had a deep sense of relief and expansion… that lasted for about a minute before the self-doubt and questioning came in. I found myself saying things like:

“Michael, you have to have a practice. That’s what stabilizes you on your journey, right?”

“How egotistical is it to say I don’t need a practice. Check yourself.”

But here’s the truth. My “practicing” was getting in the way of my embodiment. At some point we have to move beyond our practice. We have to put it down and just be.

This view that life is about practicing and learning implies that there will be some other time when we’re actually playing the game. It creates separation. Life isn’t about practice. You are alive. This is the game. Practice as avoidance or a way to feed transcendental escapism misses the mark.

Don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying you should stop the actions that support you on your journey. Far from it. What I’m inviting you to consider is to drop them as a practice. Meditate, but don’t have a meditation practice. Move your body, but don’t have a movement practice. Drop your spiritual practice and just be spiritual.

Is there some nuance here? Of course… and…

The way we approach our lives matters. If you approach your life as a practice, what are you practicing for?

Stop practicing. Start participating.