A personal journey from hurried mornings to intentional living, inspired by ancient philosophies and a life-changing mentor.
Waking up early was never a part of my routine. My life revolved around work and rest, and I rarely saw the dawn unless it was for a family trip or a late-night office return. The idea of rising before 7 a.m. was foreign to me. I typically rushed through my mornings, hustling to get ready for the day and leaving little room for reflection or calm.
In India, there’s a concept called Brahmamuhurta, a Sanskrit term referring to the early morning hours between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. Many claim that waking up during this time enhances memory and productivity. However, I never paid much attention to these claims. They seemed too rooted in tradition and not applicable to my modern, busy life.
“When I am working on a book or a story I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you and it is cool or cold and you come to your work and warm as you write.” ― Ernest Hemingway
A Turning Point
My perspective shifted when I delved into philosophies like Vedanta, Zen, Yoga, Confucianism, and Taoism. These teachings emphasized the importance of mindfulness, self-discipline, and inner peace. My interest in spirituality and self-mastery grew, leading me to a Vipassana session where I met a German participant who became a mentor and friend.
This mentor was open and patient, willing to answer my many questions and engage in deep discussions about life and spirituality. Through many email exchanges and Zoom sessions, he guided me towards practical applications of the knowledge I was absorbing. One day, he posed a pivotal question: “Raj, do you want to read merely about these philosophies, or do you want to live them?””
“Of course, I want to live them,” I replied. “But how do I start?”
“The first step,” he said, “is to meditate and read every morning.”
“Reading? I already do that. But meditation… can you explain?”
….from here on, my sadhana (spiritual practice or the discipline of self-realization) begins.
“It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop.” — Confucius
The Practice Begins
Taking his advice to heart, I gave early morning meditation a try. The first few days were challenging. Waking up before dawn felt unnatural, and my mind was resistant to the stillness required for meditation. However, I persisted, driven by a desire to experience the benefits my mentor had described.
Gradually, I noticed subtle changes. My mornings became less chaotic and more serene. The quiet of the early hours provided a perfect backdrop for introspection and mindfulness. I found that starting my day with meditation set a positive tone for the rest of the day. It was as if I had discovered a hidden reservoir of calm and clarity within myself.
The Benefits Unfold
As weeks turned into months, the benefits of my new routine became more pronounced. I felt more focused and energized throughout the day. My productivity increased, and I could tackle tasks with greater efficiency. The early morning hours became a sacred time for self-reflection and personal growth.
My overall well-being improved. I felt more connected to my inner self and more attuned to the world around me. The practice of rising early and meditating helped me cultivate a sense of gratitude and contentment. It was a transformative experience that reshaped my perspective on life.
“Morning is an important time of day, because how you spend your morning can often tell you what kind of day you are going to have.” — Lemony Snicket, American author
A Lifelong Commitment
Today, waking up early and meditating is an integral part of my daily routine. It is a practice that I cherish and look forward to each day. The journey of self-mastery is ongoing, and I continue to learn and grow with each passing day. The early morning hours have become a time of renewal and rejuvenation, a time to connect with my inner self and set positive intentions for the day ahead.
In conclusion, embracing the habit of rising early and meditating has been a life-changing experience for me. It has brought a sense of peace, clarity, and purpose to my life. I encourage anyone seeking personal growth and inner peace to try it. The journey may be challenging at first, but the rewards are worthwhile.
This article might leave you with many questions, but I don’t want to answer them all in one go. More in future posts.
If you enjoyed reading, please share your thoughts on the habit of rising early. Leave your questions as well — they could inspire future articles and help me continue my writing journey.
