Fine-Tune Your Life

The four aims are the pillars of a fulfilling life. In this self-inquiry practice by Sally Kempton, you’ll consider where your current priorities lie and how you need to shift them to create a deeply satisfying life. Don’t worry about getting your whole life in order at once; do the exercise each week, and you’ll become more in tune with yourself, more present with the world around you.

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» Find 30 minutes in which you can be alone and undisturbed. Settle in to a cozy space with a journal, a pen, a candle, and a comfortable seat.

» Light the candle to signify that you are in a sacred space. “A candle symbolizes the flame of the inner witness,” says Kempton. Breathe deeply, close your eyes, and relax for a few minutes.

» Begin to think back over your activities of the preceding week. Consider all of the things you did related to your dharma. How did you serve your family, your community, and yourself? What were your obligations? What ethical tests did you face, and how did you deal with them? Record the answers in your journal.