These are my thoughts and opinions. So, take it with a grain (huge grain) of salt as the saying goes. Any practice which one does not have a teacher and sangha is short of the proper guidance needed to reach the lofty goal of spirituality. Not saying there is no merit to having a meditation practice. Personally, I have not had a teacher or sangha for a very long time. So, I have not had the same efforts or time to practice as before.

How does one eliminate suffering or have spiritual growth? For me, I started with trying to not care about things. Then I would not suffer any feelings if things went badly. But, not caring is not a spiritual release. I think it would be more prudent to say to let go of desires and wants. My mother passed away recently. The desires for her to keep living and stay around are what causes suffering. Caring is what being human is about. Let go of one and experience the other.

Practice is essential if one want to be mindful.