It is said that in times of chaos and unrest, one’s commitment to spiritual practices/discipline are more important than ever. "Spiritual practice or discipline" is defined as a regular and daily performance of actions and activities undertaken for the purpose of cultivating spiritual development.

Spiritual practice moves a person along a path toward liberation or union with the Divine. Each religion has its own spiritual practices embedded into their teachings. But one does not need to be part of a religion to engage in spiritual practices. The commitment to enacting deeds of loving kindness is a universal spiritual practice. Meditation, yoga, spiritual readings and a focus on Oneness are also prevalent practices across the world.

Why is it said that it is extremely important right now to strengthen our commitment to spiritual practice?

Because if we don’t, we go cra-cra!

Need I say more…? The more we engage in spiritual practice, the less identified we are with the dramas of life.

The Sanskrit word "Maya" is used to describe the illusionary nature of that which exists, (our world) and  because it is constantly changing (everything changes!), it is seen as "spiritually unreal" and concealing the true character of spiritual reality. Spiritual Masters encourage us to perceive our lives as if we are watching a movie or dream. However, these dreams/ movies can be awfully convincing, don’t you think?  So, bottom line, we could use all the help we can get to not be embroiled in the ongoing drama of our times and the ups and downs of our lives.

Spiritual practice helps to free us from the web of Maya and to remember that it all comes and goes and that what truly matters is the spiritual essence within and manifesting as all of life.

The Goodness Breath is a spiritual practice that can unite us all in loving action—just through intentional breath. The practice is simple:

1. Inhale and fill with the essence/goodness that is within you—and remains uncontaminated. This means that no matter what is happening "out there" (world events and life circumstances) or "in there" (your own patterns of thoughts and feelings), this goodness, this divine energy within you, remains completely in tact and untainted.

2. Pause and Savor—Take a moment, just a moment, to notice the breath, this "Prana," this life-energy filling you and if possible, consciously experience it, savor the goodness—or at least be aware it.

3. Exhale this goodness—this spiritual essence—into the world—as a force of light. Be powerful, be intentional.

The Goodness Breath practice returns you again and again to your divine nature — your goodness. It serves in this way as a spiritual practice. It is also an action of loving kindness because you are channeling this goodness out into the world. And, it is bold and fierce because it is an action that demonstrates that you will not forget who you are.

The Goodness Breath is a warrior stance, taking a stand for kind behavior and using breath as a healing force.

The Goodness Breath calls upon us to anchor into a belief that the light is more powerful than the darkness.

As we breathe our goodness into the world, we are warriors of radical awareness and action.

"Warriors" because by breathing goodness, we are committing to the mission to "take the high road," no matter what human ugliness we may encounter.

"Radical awareness" because it is a refusal to identify with what is before us and surrounding us.

"Action" because we use our breath for healing and channeling the light.

By consciously practicing the Goodness Breath, we add some extra juicy mojo to our acts of kindness, generosity and service.

The mission is for as many people as possible around the globe to consciously practice breathing and join together in the force of light. Wouldn’t it be cool if the Goodness Breath could be a universal spiritual practice unifying us as we breathe goodness out into all hemispheres of our planet?

There are various ways to practice… here’s how:

1. On your own, throughout your day, whenever you can remember to elevate yourself and others in this way.

2. In circles and gatherings. Yoga and meditation classes. Anywhere that people congregate for spiritual focus.

3. As a meditation technique: with eyes closed, or looking in the mirror, or exchanging Goodness with Nature (trees, a flower, an animal, a cactus, the sky, the ocean, the earth).

4. While listening to the news. This is truly challenging and is best done to begin with in groups. It really helps to cultivate the warrior stance in goodness.

5. Practicing the goodness breath as a spiritual practice at an agreed upon time with others when you are not physically together but you are in spirit together.

Also, check out goodnessbreath.com and share it. Check out The Goodness Breath Project on FB with more videos about it as well as uplifting videos of human goodness in action and awesome deeds of loving kindness—and add to it.

No matter if you choose to participate in the Goodness Breath Project or not, gift yourself with some kind of spiritual practice so that you can stay anchored in remembering who you are.

Deva Joy Gouss, LCSW, is a psychotherapist in private practice in Atlanta Georgia for over 30 years. She and her husband give weekend couple retreat workshops called Nurturing Your Love. She also facilitates many other kinds of trainings and workshops including Council of All Beings, Tribe Time, Marrying Yourself, Yoga and Movement Celebration to name a few. She is author of "Re-arranged, Never the same: The Nature of Grief and Toolbox of Hope, For When Your Body Doesn’t Feel Good." Visit Deva Joy at www.healingheartcommunications.com/.