The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you. Don’t go back to sleep. Rumi.
There are two sorts of people in the world—the reactive and the proactive. They epitomize very different approaches to life.
The reactive ones are typically those who snooze their alarm six times before waking up, are always “too busy” playing a game of whack-a-mole with life’s asks, and generally wear the “deer under headlights” look, especially in times of stress.
On the contrary, proactive people seem to handle life’s twists and turns without breaking too much of a sweat and, unsurprisingly, are never too busy because they rarely take on more than they can chew.
Tired of playing catch-up?
It may sound extreme to pigeonhole someone strictly into one group or the other since most of us probably exist on a spectrum between these two opposites. Nonetheless, our lifestyles often indicate which side we gravitate towards.
For those of us who find ourselves leaning to the reactive side and are willing to admit, even if only to ourselves, that we could use a little less stress in our lives and not spend all our time playing catch-up, the best place to start is where most proactive people do—early mornings.
By an overwhelming majority, a common trait most proactive people share is that they are larks. They wake up early and carve out quiet time for themselves before the world's demands kick in. They are adherents to the concept of Brahma Muhurta (as mentioned in the Hindu scriptures).
Now, if the very idea of early mornings sounds like a terrifying ordeal, perhaps the rest of this article on their importance will inspire you to give them a try.
What is Brahma Muhurta?
In the Ayurvedic text, Ashtanga Hridaya Samhita, attributed to Vagbhata, is the verse, "Brahma muhurta uttishta," which translates to “Wake up in the Brahma muhurta.”
The term Brahma in “Brahma Muhurta” refers to the creator god in Hinduism, symbolizing new beginnings. Muhurta means a specific period.
The Brahma Muhurta, also known as the time of totality, is the period of the day ending approximately 48 minutes before sunrise when creative intelligence is supposedly at its peak. It is considered primetime for inward reflection and meditation because, at that time, our minds are in tune with the subtle energies of nature. Therefore, the Brahma Muhurta is cherished for its tranquility and purity, making it perfect for activities that promote spiritual well-being.
However, the advantages of Brahma Muhurta extend well beyond spiritual practices. Ancient scriptures highlight how this time can be used to harness the energy of a new day, boost productivity, and enhance overall physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Practicing meditation in the Brahma Muhurta brings profound rest to the body and mind and opens the gateway to higher consciousness. Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Getting started
Embracing Brahma Muhurta might initially seem challenging, but with gradual adjustments and a commitment to experiencing its benefits, integrating the practice into our lives can lead to transformative changes.
Here’s how to get started.
Sleep early
Early morning wake times require corresponding early evening sleep times. As anyone who has ever sat on a meditation cushion knows, meditating while sleepy is like trying to keep a candle lit in a hurricane. Aim for an earlier bedtime and a consistent sleep schedule where you get at least 7-8 hours of rest. Gradually adjust your bedtime if you’re not used to waking up early.
Create a Morning Routine
There are do’s and don’ts for using those precious morning hours. Create a routine that promotes a sense of peace and purpose rather than cause anxiety and stress. The ideal morning routine incorporates activities such as meditation, yoga, journaling, or a quiet walk in nature.
Limit Distractions
Forget the phone. The goal is to forget you even own a phone. Ensure that your environment is conducive to a peaceful start. Avoid checking emails or social media as soon as you wake up. Instead, focus on activities that nurture your mind, body, and spirit.
Be Consistent
Serenity isn’t a weekday goal. Calm can’t clock out on Fridays.
Staying consistent with our sleep/wake schedules—weekday or weekend—is essential to help establish a stable morning routine.
Finally
For most of us, early mornings are the only “me” time when we can direct our thoughts and energies into activities we want. This quiet period offers a precious opportunity to engage in practices that nurture our well-being.
The wisdom of early mornings has been around for eons. All we need to do is embrace and practice the teachings.
Morning is wonderful. Its only drawback is that it comes at such an inconvenient time of day. Glen Cook