Coaching practices for Spiritual Practice Pitfalls
Describe almost anything you are working through and IX Coach finds the practices whose real-world fit is closest. For Spiritual Practice Pitfalls, these are the strongest matches in the current practice library.
Does this sound like the set of challenges you might be facing?
- I’ve started catching a smugness in myself
- I keep getting the call wrong in the same way
- I keep trying to work on these things one at a time, like a checklist to get through, and my practice feels lopsided and fragile
- My prayer has gone completely dry
- Right before I sit, this voice says “what’s even the point, this probably doesn’t work for someone like me”
Practices that may help
- Don’t make gods into demons
Don’t let spiritual practice become a source of pride, judgment, or superiority over others.
Lojong: Tibetan Mind Training - Develop the wisdom clause through structured reflection
The hardest part of the prayer is knowing which clause applies — wisdom is developed through practice, not prayer alone.
The Serenity Prayer as a Practice Framework - Seeing the eight factors as a mutually supporting system, not a checklist
Practise one factor well and notice how it naturally improves the others — this is the integrated structure of the path.
The Noble Eightfold Path as a Practical Life Framework - Bearing the darkness of not-knowing
Tolerate the felt absence of light, experience, or consolation during the practice.
The Cloud of Unknowing: Contemplation Beyond Concepts - Working with doubt (vicikiccha)
When doubt about the practice, the teacher, or your capacity paralyses meditation, investigate it rather than resolving it conceptually.
The Five Hindrances: Diagnosing and Working with Meditation Obstacles - Live what you study
Make your practice your philosophy — not a separate reading life and a separate daily life.
Philosophy as a Way of Life - Always abide by the three principles
Maintain your vow, don’t show off, and practise impartially with everyone — not just the people you like.
Lojong: Tibetan Mind Training - Practice the Examen daily and briefly
Do a short Examen most days rather than a long one occasionally.
The Ignatian Examen: Five Movements of Daily Review - Understanding who this practice is for
Recognize that the Cloud’s method is not for beginners — it requires prior formation.
The Cloud of Unknowing: Contemplation Beyond Concepts - Identify the virtues you most need to cultivate
Name the three character traits whose absence most limits you — those are your practice targets.
Virtue Ethics, Made Practical
Related concerns
- Spiritual Practice Consistency
Do a short Examen most days rather than a long one occasionally.
Practice the Examen daily and briefly
- Apophatic Prayer Practice
Tolerate the felt absence of light, experience, or consolation during the practice.
Bearing the darkness of not-knowing
- Apophatic Prayer Preparation
Recognize that the Cloud’s method is not for beginners — it requires prior formation.
Understanding who this practice is for
- Buddhist Communication Practice
Before speaking in a difficult situation, run the statement through: Is it true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it the right time?
Right speech — four practical tests for what to say
- Buddhist Path Practice System
Practise one factor well and notice how it naturally improves the others — this is the integrated structure of the path.
Seeing the eight factors as a mutually supporting system, not a checklist
- Dry Prayer Practice
Tolerate the felt absence of light, experience, or consolation during the practice.
Describe your situation in your own words to search the complete practice library.