Some days our practice is seamless and life flows along, our vision mountaintop panoramic. Other days we are deep in a narrow canyon, life pressing in on all sides. It feels that each direction is a steep cliff face, impossible to scale alone.

  I'm talking about the kind of day where your alarm stayed silent until long after you were supposed to be there, you burn your tongue on your morning coffee, the dog gets sick in the house and the world seems generally out to get you.

  The harsh reality is that these days happen. No matter how refined your commitment to wellness and personal growth, life is still a challenge.

  In these difficult times, or hours or days as the case may be, we often promptly forget our practice, our breath and our gratitude as we choose instead to accelerate the car and our anxiety level into the rear of that tourist from the flatlands, navigating our valleys at 20 mph. It is possible, however to pause and ask yourself what it might be that this experience is offering to teach you.

  There are days that push so hard I think they avail no other lesson than the most basic of survival skills. Can I hang on and remember that this too shall pass? Can I remember that this is not an invitation for self-judgment, remembering that I am still heading in the right direction even when I experience resistance?

  A bad day by no means indicates your ineptitude at self-care. Often these days do us the terrific favor of counteracting complacency and exercising the mental muscles used to remember our breath and stay centered in this still blessed life.

The winding trail

  Remember, there is a reason we call this path a "practice." It is the lifelong process of moving toward an ever deepening level of awareness. There are no straight lines on this journey. It is a winding trail and mastery is actually defined by simply staying on it.

  When the way gets steep and rocky and your footing feels unsure, give yourself permission to just stay. Take a few deep breaths and see if you can relax your shoulders. Imagine the weight of the world slide off your back and realize that this world isn't even yours to carry and, if given the chance, it will carry you.

  We are not our problems. We are not our pain, our emotions or our thoughts. We are not our cars, our jobs or our relationships. We are ultimately just in this breath, in this moment, a perfect stitch of color in the rich and fluid tapestry of life.

  Expect that you will forget sometimes. It's ok. Stay on course and practice remembering who you are. You will soon reflexively remember more frequently, and things do get clearer and the promises of inner peace are fulfilled. Although the tough days still appear, your negative reaction to them may not.