We know that early morning is the best time to meditate. We also know that when we do NOT meditate in the morning, our day never flows as smoothly or happily.
Never mind the obstacles and challenges of meditation itself – battling with the mind’s fears, doubts, distractions – for some, the greatest difficulty is just making it to the starting line. Sleep is a gargantuan force of nature and the delicious comfort of a warm bed can easily mesmerise our will.
Getting out of bed in the morning starts the previous night. Before you go to bed, at the close of your evening meditation, consciously visualise and eagerly anticipate your next morning’s blissful meditation. Keep this thought in mind as you go to sleep, that you are only pausing your meditation journey and will resume soon.
Keep a loud alarm on the other side of the room from your bed, so you are forced to get up when it sounds. Shake off sleep, or toss it aside. Water awakens our consciousness – take a shower or wash your face with cold water. Change your clothes before meditating, as your nightwear carries a strong vibration of sleep. Keep moving with some walking, stretching or simple calisthenics. Physical movement is like a spark plug to ignite our dynamic will. Recite aloud or sing some simple aphorism or song which gives you joy. Never meditate in, on or facing your bed.
Sri Chinmoy suggests imagining that you have already slept for 24 hours, to convince the mind that more sleep is completely unnecessary.
Imagine that the being you love more than anyone in the world is calling you urgently to be with them, and you must hurry there. This being is your soul and to heed this call, your only necessity.