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Struggling with sadhana: finding motivation in ashram life

Struggling with Sadhana | Practitioners Face Emotional Hurdles in Ashram Life

By

Dr. Amelia Hartwood

Feb 20, 2026, 06:52 PM

Updated

Feb 23, 2026, 04:11 PM

2 minutes of reading

A person meditating in a peaceful ashram setting surrounded by nature and soft sunlight.

As practitioners grapple with their commitment to sadhana at the ashram, feelings of anxiety and the desire to skip meditation are on the rise. Many express that the intense atmosphere amplifies emotional states, leading to both heightened anxiety and bliss.

Emotional Heightening in the Ashram

Reports from the community indicate that feelings of anxiety can spiral quickly in the ashram setting. "Today when you feel like doing it, just stand, fold your hands, close your eyes, go around yourself once. Open your eyes and say, 'Sadhana done,'" advised one individual, suggesting a simple approach to overcoming the emotional barriers to practice. Another pointed out, "You have the choice of feeling well and feeling anxious. Just do it."

Commitment Faces Challenges

Maintaining a commitment to daily practice remains a common struggle among practitioners. One participant stated, "If I donโ€™t do my sadhana for 4-5 days, my compulsions return quickly," underlining the urgency felt by many. This is compounded by discussions around time constraints; several participants echo the sentiment that "There isnโ€™t much time" to prioritize their practices.

"If you want to manage your stress and compulsions, sadhana is required every day," emphasized another member of the community.

Navigating Different Perspectives on Practice

The experiences with sadhana vary greatly. Some individuals report pushing through despite their struggles, while others face stagnation, remarking, "Sometimes my mind thinks itโ€™s boring; itโ€™s about energy and focus." In this emotional landscape, practitioners often find themselves bouncing between commitment and motivation, which can lead to noticeable mood fluctuations.

Insights from the Community

  • โณ Skipping sadhana leads to resurfacing anxiety.

  • ๐Ÿ“… Time limitations create barriers to consistent practice.

  • ๐Ÿ’ช Regular sadhana correlates with reduced stress and emotional stability.

As the conversation evolves, participants consider strategies to boost motivation and accountability, including buddy-checks and shared journaling.

Community Embraces Emotional Support Workshops

As worries about anxiety grow, interest in workshops focused on emotional connections to practice is increasing. These discussions highlight the importance of routine sadhana as a tool for improving emotional resilience.

Curiously, the changing seasons echo practitionersโ€™ emotional journeys, suggesting that, like trees shedding leaves, stepping back can provide a moment for reflection and renewed commitment.

Staying consistent with sadhana may just be the key to better emotional health and spiritual development.