Daily Tools for Awakening

Awakening is not a destination, but a daily practice. It is built through small, consistent choices that bring us back from the noise of the mind and into the presence of the heart. If you choose to use these tools every day, they will serve you well. They are simple, ancient, and powerful. They do not require belief, only the willingness to show up and practice.

The Power of the Mantra

The most powerful tool I know is the mantra. It is the most powerful medicine.

The Hindu ancestors, the Rishis and holy men, have foreseen that in the age we are in today, the mind will be so unbalanced and unquiet that the best medicine to heal it would be: Mantras. The mantra takes our mind away from the illusion of separation and ego, and into a blissful state of peace, while the power of the names of God that we recite wash over our body, mind, and soul to realign us with the divine.

There are many mantras, but the most powerful one I know and work with is the 16-syllable mantra of Kali. It used to be kept very secret until recent years, with initiation only taking place in temples. When we recite this mantra, meditate on it, sing it, repeat it silently, or write it down, we are putting this ancient wisdom into practice.

The beautiful thing about the mantra is that it works whether you believe it or not. It is not about belief, but practice.

Kali is the cosmic mother, the mother of the universe and everything that exists. She is the highest authority you can connect with to change your life in ways your mind cannot understand. She is also called the destroyer, the destroyer of the negative ego. Everything that keeps you weak or trapped as a victim of suffering, she destroys. Do not hold on to anything; just stay close to her and repeat the mantra. If your mind is always repeating the mantra, that is best. Whenever you have a choice between thinking about something and going to the mantra, the right choice is always the mantra. You will see answers coming from a different place, not from your mind.

Choosing Your Hour

The second practice is to choose your hour every day. It can be in the evening, morning, or both, but at least once a day, clear time and space to go into your heart and just be. Just be in quiet and silence, with no phones or distractions.

Create an altar in your house—a sacred corner with crystals, images, incense, or candles, whatever touches your heart. Once a day, sit in front of this sacred space, light a candle, and just be. Feel your heart.

If your mind is too strong, go back to recite the mantra, return to your heart, or go back to your breath. If a voice wants to come out or a sound arises, whether it's a "beautiful" song or an "ugly" moaning sound, let it out, but don't try to understand it or control it. Focus on your heart chakra in the center of your chest. See what comes up from within. When we are in empty space, answers come from the divine, not from our mind.

Speaking with the Spirit

In your sacred space or in nature, have a conversation with the spirit, with God. Share honestly whatever is on your heart or mind. What you need help with, or simply say thank you. There are no rules; just speak to the spirit. God listens and is always there.

In the same way, speak to Pachamama, Mother Earth. Find time every day to go down to the earth and speak to her as a child speaks to his mother. Remember that she hears and answers in ways we may not always understand, but can feel.

Returning to the Breath

Regarding breathwork, there are many ways to work with our breath. I recommend to use this daily practice:

Take your time in your sacred heart space. Breathe without paying attention to thoughts; focus all your attention on your breathing. Do not try to change or control it; let it be as it is. Just observe and be aware of your breath. When your attention drifts to your mind, don't blame or judge yourself; just say, "I'm going back to my breath." Do this with compassion, love, and patience.

The Sacred Rest

Another ancient practice is, a Biblical tradition, that is a very powerful tool: Shabbat, (or the Sabbath), the seventh day.

Reality is built on seven-day cycles. For six days, we work and do in this world, but on the seventh day, we let go and rest. In Jewish tradition, it is a commandment from God to make the seventh day holy, to surrender to divine grace, to just rest and just be present. It is a day for being.

I recommend to not make strict rules, but to tap into the special energy of this holy day. The seventh day is a weekly ceremony. I do not work, I do not try, I am not looking for solutions. I just bow down to God, releasing all of the world's stress into the loving hands of the divine. This practice is very ancient and advanced; if you struggle with it, seek guidance and walk through it with support.

Walking the Path

Use all these practices together, and you will witness many changes within you and in your life. All of these tools are designed to bring more of the divine presence into your life. I highly recommend using all of these tools and teachings to set yourself free and become who you are meant to be.

If you need support, reach out for guidance; sometimes we just need a loving heart to be with us while big changes come...