No matter how much time I spend doing awareness practice, conditioned mind tries to tell me it isn’t enough, practice isn’t working, or other lies to make me feel bad. 

When I fall for that, spiritual practice is being judged against an ever-shifting set of conditioned standards, and can be used by ego-I to cause suffering rather than lead this human to freedom.

Recording and Listening is the perfect antidote. I carry a recording device with me throughout the day, and take 10 seconds here, a few minutes there, to record small snippets that happen—such as insights, moments of joy, moments when I remember to be present, moments of beauty and laughter, and practice opportunities in which I participate. (Conditioning would try to convince me “there’s no time” for recording when I’m at work, but that, too, is a lie!)

Before going to sleep, I listen to all the recordings made that day and marvel at the many moments of awareness and joy that occurred. I add a recording of gratitude for the day and any other insights that arose while listening, and then go to sleep with joy in my heart.

Do you have a favorite R/L insight, idea, or practice tool? We’d love to hear it! Send us your favorite quick tip (75 words or less) or submit your idea for a blog post.