Sometimes there’s beauty that makes me cry. Does that ever happen to you?

I got up this morning to watch the color play of pink and orange and blue and white and gray in the vast sky as the sun was rising to the east over Crystal Lake, Michigan, where I’m staying for a couple weeks. It was a beautiful sunrise for sure and so unique for me because of rising over a large body of water, which I don’t normally get to see. Not only were there the visual colors of the sky and the drama of the clouds, but I felt a light breeze on my skin, and heard the water with its small waves lapping against the dock and rhythmically crashing into the shore.

Continuing from Part 1, where we explored the meaning and foundational principles of Sadhana, the discipline that develops inner strength, and the transformative power of committed practice periods like the traditional 40-day sadhana.

While Sadhana might begin with formal practices—meditation, pranayama, asana, chanting—its influence extends far beyond these structured activities. The beauty of spiritual practice is that it can happen anywhere: on a yoga mat, in a meditation hall, or sitting quietly beside a tree. True Sadhana transforms how we approach every aspect of life, whether we're practicing indoors or connecting with the natural world outside.

In our fast-paced, distraction-filled world, the ancient concept of Sadhana—daily spiritual practice—offers a profound antidote to the chaos of modern living. Derived from the Sanskrit root "sadh," meaning "to accomplish" or "to achieve," Sadhana represents more than just routine; it is the deliberate cultivation of our highest potential through consistent, disciplined practice.

If you've been feeling overwhelmed lately or simply curious about how to live more fully in the present moment, mindfulness might be exactly what you're looking for. As someone who has experienced the transformative benefits of mindfulness practice firsthand, I'm excited to share this gentle introduction to what mindfulness is all about.