I don’t know how about you, but I admire people who can commit themselves to get up early in the morning every day, say at 4am, and do an hour meditation. Then they do some yoga or any other form of exercise routine, and then they run couple of miles, afterwards they come home and take a shower that way beginning a new day.
I love meditation and I give time for that as often as I bring myself to do so – pretty much every day, but not as I wish it to be. Every day I give a promise to myself that tomorrow morning it will be a day when I get up at around 4am and dedicate my time for early morning meditation. And you know, sometimes I do so, but here is the trick... Often my meditation ends up in a deep sleep :) I simply fall asleep here and there. I find it hard to concentrate because my need for sleep becomes greater than my need for stillness and peace through meditation. Hence, I tried doing so a few times but it all pretty much ended...me falling asleep. There were moments when I managed to meditate and really enjoyed it, then exercised and went for an early run and early morning shower, but then afterwards, all I wanted to do was to sleep... sleep and more sleep. So therefore, I would go and lie down and sleep for two to three hours to compensate for the sleep lost just couple of hours ago.
I really have no clue how those early birds manage to concentrate on meditation in early hours of the day every day, because I personally fail on that miserably. I am not happy about that but...that’s how it is now. Sometimes I think that probably when I get older and when my body requires less sleep I will be able to fulfil my stubborn wish. Why can’t I just let go and accept things as they are? You know why?.. Because as many people I get hard on myself every time I don’t fulfil my self created obligations or desires. When it comes to my personal stuff, I become tough and determine.
So... today I decided that I will accept all that is as it is and I shall live with it in peace. I don’t know how I am going to feel tomorrow, as every new day is a new challenge and renewed intention. I perhaps won’t care at all or I might begin the same inner decision making again until the next time.
I hope that any time now I will be able to accept things as they are instead of reaching for even more perfection and just BE here and now. Hopefully... I know one thing for sure – whether I will give up in trying setting a new habit in motion, which would be a daily early morning meditation without falling asleep, or I will continue trying over and over again until my inner wish gets fulfilled.Copyright © Jolita Kelias, May 2010
All Rights Reserved
Thank you for such a real sharing Jolita. I like it!
ReplyDeleteThe only time in my life I had a regular meditation practice was for six months in my 20's and even then, that was filled with an uncomfortable "I must do this" feeling.
Here is a thought: How about "consistent spontaneity!" If we are dedicated to inner peace and open-heartedness, that matters more than "how often we practice"
Consistency is an inner reality more than how it looks on the outside.
Just something to consider.
Anyway, I enjoyed this window into your path. thank you
Michael
Thank you, Michael.
ReplyDeleteYour suggestion is very much appreciated and worth considering.
'Consistent spontaneity'... sounds good.
Jolita
The quiet mind is a great place to visit for even a short time....Many people are never invited!!
ReplyDeleteMy dear, sweet Jolita,
ReplyDeletethat's a very nice, genuine sharing - much appreciated.
Here's an advice from the "Yoga teacher" side of my personality :-): It may be that 4am is too early for you. As long as you start your spiritual practice between 3 and 6am (which means that 5.30am is also OK...), you will do well in terms of shifting your NATURAL biorhytm towards, what is called in Yoga, Satwic nature (balanced -not too lethargic (Tamasic) and not to restless, action-oriented (Rajasic), but just perfect).
I suggest you take small steps before trying to jump in leaps and bounds.
So here's what you can do:
1. Start your day at 5.30am with Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutations) - start with 3-6 rounds, and then increase to upto 12. Here's my modest contribution to all those who still haven't tasted the bliss one feels (and long-term benefits) after Sun Salutations :-):
http://www.mohanji.org/lifestyle_surya_namaskar.htm
2. Do a few stretches, go outside and walk (speed walking or joging, as you feel) basking in the morning sun, a wonderful source of Vitamid D
3. If it's still within one hour from sunrise, do the Sun Gazing (start with only 1 minute, then increase), feeling that the light of the Sun increases your inner light...
4. Then only do the meditation (it is not natural to first meditate and then do physical exercize - it should be the opposite. Just try and see for yourself.)
- if the mind is restless, try downloading Mohanji's 'Power of Purity',
http://www.mohanji.org/meditation.htm
- record it on your Ipod and do the meditation somewhere outside in the nature. It will give you amazing results, promise :-)
5. If you continue with this early morning regime for 21 days (one cycle), it will become part of your nature, i.e. it will be MOST NATURAL for you to get up at that time, so much so that you won't even need a clock alarm (of course, that means that you should go to sleep on time as well...)
Once you 'taste the nectar', the freshness, vibrancy and inner calmness/contentment one feels after gifting early mornings to our Self, you will never want to shift to the late night scenario again...
All in all, start with small steps - Sun Salutations early morning at least.
Love,
Biba
For me, i would love to have my earplugs with me & when i do my meditation in my room. I love doing that, it makes me feel like i'm in heaven.
ReplyDeleteWould that consider as a real meditation?
Wow!!! How great to read so many good comments and opinions and all of that comes into one.
ReplyDeleteDear Biba, I shall try your suggested way and see, what comes with it, especially now during Spring and Summer time.
Adriane, I believe that every way for meditation is perfect and gifting.
Blessings
Hello Jolita :)
ReplyDeleteTo be frank even I am experiencing the same thing. Early morning I am usually so sleepy that I'll be off to sleep the minute after I stop my alarm.
So I've decided to think every night how important it is to meditate before going to sleep. I'll definitely tell you whether it made any difference.
Its a very interesting topic :)
I believe this subject is close to many people's hearts, because more or less we all go through similar experiences.
ReplyDeleteComments and opinions are always welcome :)