Don’t be swayed by external circumstances. That’s the simple teaching of the 50th lojong slogan. Easier said than done, though, right?!

As Norman Fischer says, “It’s always something.” Truly, there will always be some kind of reason for us to fall away from our practice. We slept poorly, we are traveling, we have a big project due, we just don’t feel into it today. Maybe those are valid reasons, maybe they aren’t. But the purpose of mind training is to keep showing up especially when our external circumstances make it more difficult to do so.

So that’s why we practice. We practice during imperfect circumstances so that we feel more centered when difficult circumstances come along.

As a writer, I’m particularly gifted at this little mind game. We writers often have elaborate rituals and routines that attempt to create some perfect writing environment that never really happens. Or, at least, doesn’t stay that way. I’m sure you’ve seen jokes about writers who say, “It’s time for me to write so naturally I’m cleaning my baseboards/reorganizing my wallet/tidying up my bin of cleaning rags.” We can find the most ridiculous excuse to get out of the work.

It’s not just writing, of course. I do the same with my meditation practice. I like to meditate in an empty house at the beginning of the day. But unsurprisingly, life interrupts this rhythm constantly! And then I scramble to find a time somewhere else, and excuses get easier and easier. Any of this feel familiar?!

All of this is very normal. And also: sometimes we need someone to tell us to stop the charade and just get to it. There will always be a valid reason not to practice. Do it anyway. Don’t be swayed by circumstances. Drop the mind games and get back to the mind training.

Where are you avoiding your healthy rhythms and rituals? What ridiculous excuses are your personal favorites? This week, try and laugh at yourself. And also, just do it.