71. How To Start A Spiritual Practice Without Trying To Fix Yourself

Broadcasting from South India, Kate talks with her partner Rich Ray about the hidden pitfalls of learning Eastern spiritual traditions. They explore why so many of us turn spiritual teachings into self-judgment, how to recognize karmic conditioning without shame, and what Buddhist practice actually looks like when you stop chasing spiritual highs. This is an honest, grounded conversation about duality, ego, Maya, and the surprisingly simple path toward acceptance. If you've ever felt like you're doing spirituality wrong, this episode offers a compassionate reset.

• Why we use spiritual teachings against ourselves
• The concept of Maya and how it creates confusion for Western seekers
• Rich's journey from spiritual highs to four years in silent Zen practice
• How ego conditioning keeps us feeling like we're doing it wrong
• The trap of believing you need to fix yourself before you can practice
• Cultural context and why Eastern philosophy feels disorienting for Westerners
• What it means to start where you are without changing anything
• How Ayurveda becomes an awareness practice that carves out spiritual relationship
• The first real step: being with yourself instead of judging yourself

Rich Ray is a longtime Zen Buddhist practitioner who spent four years living in silence at a meditation center. He is trained in awareness practice, karmic conditioning, and contemplative psychology. Rich has studied with Cheri Huber and continues to support practitioners in recognizing and working with ego patterns, duality, and suffering. He lives with Kate in the Berkshires and co-leads retreats integrating Ayurvedic and Buddhist wisdom.

• Pause throughout your day and notice how you feel without judging it
• Practice observing your karmic patterns with kindness instead of criticism
• Don't try to fix yourself—just be with yourself
• Read Start Where You Are by Pema Chödrön
• Notice when you're using busyness to avoid awareness
• Use simple Ayurvedic practices as a gateway to self-awareness

• Pema Chödrön: Start Where You Are
• Cheri Huber and Living Compassion
• Kate O'Donnell: healwithkate.org

If this conversation resonates, subscribe to Everyday Ayurveda with Kate and share it with someone navigating their own spiritual questions. To explore deeper support for integrating Ayurvedic awareness into daily life, visit healwithkate.org.

The information shared on Everyday Ayurveda with Kate is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, supplements, or wellness routine.

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