So you think you're stuck and not making any spiritual progress?  Does it feel like you've been running in circles hitting the same point and it just stares back at you, not budging and loosening up one (*&@#) minuscule bit?

It is a point of frustration on the inward journey that many experience.  And believe it or not, it is actually an important point to keep persevering, but I would say, from a slightly different stance.

Why?  From my own experiences of feeling stuck many a time in the past, I can say that each of these points became a very useful springboard to go deeper than I ever have.

Let me share with you the steps of this practice that have helped me and the people I've worked with each and every time.

1. Become aware of what you're feeling.  If there's one word to describe the feeling associated with this "stuck-ness," what would it be?

2. Ask yourself, "Where in my body is this feeling?"  The feeling should typically be anywhere in the body except the head.  If it's in the head, pause, and come back to this question another time.  Because if it's in the head, it's not a "true" feeling.  Meaning it's a feeling that you think you have, but in fact is not present, as real as it may seem.   So make sure the answer is anywhere from the neck down.  So let's say the answer here is, "Frustration."  This is where you want to call a spade a spade.

3. Great.  You've moved one step further already.  Now accept the feeling of frustration.  Accept it for what it is.  Now, breathe into it.  You're doing great!

4. Look at this feeling as if it were your best friend having this feeling.  How would you respond to your friend in need?  Compassion perhaps?  Then give compassion to this feeling of frustration.  Let compassion flow to the area of frustration.  It may feel like it's a small trickle at first, and that's perfect.

If nothing comes to you during step 4 and you feel frustrated, simply become aware of that, and apply the same 4-step process.

Alternatively, you can imagine cutting cords between you and the "stuck-ness."  The moment you feel relief, breathe into that feeling of relief, and let that expand throughout the body.

Take heart here my friend, for it does get easier and easier every time.  I will not pretend to say that I never get into a place of "stuck-ness" any more, but whereas in the past each "stuck-ness" phase went on for weeks and months and felt like a huge stone lodged in my chest at times, now it's a lot subtler and feels much, much lighter, and takes far less time to let go of, or simply move past the "stuck-ness."

Let's practice on!