Questions are submitted by participants during spiritual practice classes 
with Rev. O’Brian.  

Most of the time I stay focused on my spiritual practice but occasionally I 
become discouraged because my husband is not interested in meditation or 
spiritual study. I feel lonely without his support. How can I encourage him to 
be more involved?
The spiritual path is said to be a path of aloneness. This aloneness is not to be 

confused with loneliness. Rather, it means that we each must be sufficient unto 

ourselves; every person must focus on awakening to Self-knowledge and do what 

is necessary to encourage revelation. Spiritual realization unfolds from within. 

No one else can do it for us. It is nice to have companionship on the path but 

helpful to remember that it is not the defining factor. See God in your husband 

(and in all your relationships) and he will be included in your spiritual sadhana.  

My meditation practice is very intermittent. I have set up a space in my home, 
bought a cushion and a mat but find it difficult to have a regular schedule with 
so many conflicting priorities. If I have a busy morning, I say I will meditate 
later but then I don’t. What’s the key to daily practice?
The key to daily practice is daily practice. A helpful way to succeed at getting into 

a regular routine is to make it a priority and decide that you will do it for a short 

period of time. Set a goal to meditate every day at the same time for one week, 

two weeks, or even better, ninety days. Keep a diary of your progress and experi-

ence. Tell yourself that once you have completed your initial commitment, you 

20

Enlightenment Journal | Spring 2012

On the Path: Questions & Answers