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Why do we call a meditation session “practice”? At first glance, the word evokes the repetition of an action to master it, like playing the piano or learning a sport. But when it comes to meditation, affirmations, or mindfulness, “practice” has a deeper, more transformative meaning.
The origin of the word "practice" comes from the Greek word praktikos, meaning "fit for action" or "active." It carries the idea that practice isn't just about rote repetition; it's about actively engaging with a process. When we meditate, we aren't seeking perfection in the traditional sense, but rather a state of mindful presence. In this context, practice isn't about getting it right every time. Instead, it's about showing up, returning to the breath, and quieting the mind over and over again, even when distractions arise.
Practice and Perfection: A Lifelong Journey
We’ve all heard the phrase, "practice makes perfect." But does it really? Or is it perhaps that “perfect” actually makes practice? By striving for a perfect mindset—one of openness, acceptance, and presence—we begin to see the importance of the practice itself. The idea is not to achieve flawlessness but to continuously improve, to be more present in each moment. The practice, in essence, is the perfect action, as it invites us to keep learning, growing, and evolving.
This is why I created the 18-minute guided affirmation video—it’s a daily practice, not a one-time fix. Each time you engage with it, you are honing the skill of mindfulness, developing the ability to quiet the mind and affirm your best self. It’s practice for the brain and the soul, a daily exercise in aligning your thoughts with your true potential.
Mindfulness as a Gift: A Stress-Free Life?
Mindfulness, as Dr. Herbert Benson highlights in his groundbreaking New York Times bestseller The Relaxation Response, is an essential tool in combating stress. According to Dr. Benson, the harmful effects of stress can be mitigated through simple mindfulness practices. Stress is responsible for 50-90% of doctor visits, a staggering number that speaks to how much tension we carry in our lives. Meditation and affirmations offer us an antidote to this, allowing us to tap into a state of relaxation and inner peace.
In studies conducted within the Transcendental Meditation (TM) community, meditation has been shown to lower not only stress but even crime rates in communities where large groups practice together. This speaks to the broader impact that mindfulness practices can have—not just on the individual, but on society as a whole. Meditation doesn't just change you; it changes the energy you bring to the world.
Becoming the Peaceful Warrior
The key takeaway from this is simple: practice makes peaceful. Dan Millman, in his classic book Way of the Peaceful Warrior, emphasizes the importance of daily discipline in becoming a "peaceful warrior." The warrior isn't defined by aggression or force but by a deep, unwavering peace that arises from continuous practice. Whether it’s through meditation, affirmations, or mindful breathing, the journey to inner peace requires practice, practice, practice.
It’s in this practice that we find our true selves. Each session—whether you’re meditating, reciting affirmations, or simply being mindful of your breath—builds resilience, quiets the mind, and brings you closer to that place of peace. When we commit to the practice, we unlock the gift of mindfulness, one moment at a time.
Why Practice Matters
Ultimately, meditation and affirmations are a practice in mastering ourselves. It’s about training the mind to focus, relax, and stay present despite the distractions of life. The repetition is key because, through practice, we retrain our brain's wiring, allowing us to conquer stress and elevate our daily experiences.
So let’s continue to practice, to breathe deeply, and to affirm our highest selves. As we practice, we find that the warrior in each of us awakens—the one that stands grounded, peaceful, and ready to face life’s challenges with grace. Let us all embrace the gift of mindfulness and practice, practice, practice.
I am Dan
