Embodying the higher self.

One of the most difficult things I have found in self-improvement is actually embodying everything I have learned in my spiritual practice. This is largely due to the fact that we are essentially creatures of habit. In fact, one of the most difficult things to do is change our habits according to the new practices we learn about, whether it be spiritually, mentally, emotionally or physically. Healthy eating, yoga, self-care and the like can easily be taken over by subconscious routines of the mind. As a Kundalini Yoga teacher, I aim to teach myself and my students how to trick the mind into forming better and new habits.

To help new habits for try using some tips from my personal checklist of four hacks that help embody your higher self:

1. Refresh Your Chakras

What a great way to finish the day with a relaxing foot soak! Dedicate a plastic basin just for this purpose: to soak your feet. Do a 15-20 minute soak in heated water with Himalayan salt, and light a candle, play some mantra music and even practice some meditation during this time.

The salt will soak up the negativity you've absorbed during the day and refresh your energy centers (chakras). When you are done, flush the used water down the toilet, not the sink, to flush the negative ions down the right drain.

An alternate practice to the foot soak is to sink your bare feet into the earth, for 30 to 60 minutes. The earth will absorb the toxins and leave you balanced.

2. Positive energy with time in nature.

Getting too caught up emotionally in anything leaves us feeling flustered and vulnerable.

Choose at least one day a week to do a walking meditation. If you live in a concrete jungle, step away to explore your natural surroundings. Remember that trees, plants, the sun and the sky all feed us with positive energy.

3. Daily Abhyanga

Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic warm oil massage therapy, is one of the best self-charging and healing gifts to give yourself. It balances your doshas as it physically, emotionally and mentally stimulates you. It is traditionally done in the morning to “seal” and protect yourself for the day ahead.

Choose your favorite natural oil: coconut, jojoba, almond or whatever is must in harmony with your skin. Add some essential oils like orange blossom, mint, or jasmine, to create the sense of aromatherapy.

4. Solid Body and Centered Mind

A healthy diet with exercise (especially yoga) gives us a body that makes us feel safe, not vulnerable. Physical stability is necessary to keep emotions in check, so eating right and keeping a safe weight have a two-fold benefit.

A sound body mass creates an extra barrier that protects us from picking up too much of the world's weight (world news, personal conflicts, etc.). A healthy attitude towards eating is necessary for a balanced solar plexus, which is also our power center - thus power inside and out!

Finally, try to alternate tips. Daily change is essential to personal energy conservation and living life! Otherwise, we get caught up in habits that lead to non-motivation and energy drainage.

Use these tips to get you boosted for a day of emotional well-being! Please feel free to contribute your own suggestions in the comments below.