Spiritual Diary Practice Examples
What Should I Track In My Diary?
Really it is up to the practitioner to keep track of whatever sadhanas they would like. Sometimes your teacher can also offer suggestions in this regard.
Also, for the long haul, it is important to be realistic in recording various practices. Meaning if you have never kept a diary before, it might be better to start out recording one or two things a day over a period of time, gradually adding to this list as you become accustomed to the practice. Starting out the first day recording 25 things may be intimidating and cause you to quit when it becomes tedious.
You should not hide your weaknesses and defects while making out daily diaries. It is only to correct and mould oneself, to purge out all weaknesses, defects and errors, to develop the divine nature and to attain Self-realisation that this diary is maintained. Swami Sivananda
Here we have compiled a partial list of practices which might be considered while keeping your diary - please note these are only suggestions covering a wide range of spiritual topics.
Note that each kind of sadhana could be tracked either by amount of time spent in the practice, or by number of repetitions.
- asanas (postures) - this is the most popular item since this is the main practice of most modern yogis.
- meditation
- walking meditation
- pranayama
- karma yoga - It's up to you to determine what to count as karma yoga. Some yogis stick to recording only the volunteer work they do whereas others record all duties, being professional, familial, or other. The important thing is to be consistent throughout the years.
- kirtan or devotional chanting
- swadhyaya - reading of yogic or other scriptures or texts
- arati (worship by waving lights before the deity) - this or other rituals can be monitored in your diary.
- puja (worship)
- bandhas
- japa
- yoga nidra (yogic sleep practices)
- kriyas
- sanskrit study
- likhita japa (mantra writing)
- wasted time - This one is particularly important if you want to become keenly aware of the value of time for a better use of it.
- number of hours slept
Also, some of the above practices could be broken down further, such as by types of bandhas, or types of kriyas, etc.
Other ideas can be found by looking at Swami Sivananda's spiritual diary form.
Need More Help?
If you would like help or have questions with setting up sadhanas for your spiritual diary, please email us here.
Traditionally, yoga students share their spiritual diaries with their teachers for self-improvement. If you would like to ask to review your recorded entries with Swami Atma, please email him here.
