How 5-minutes of mindful meditation helped me become an early riser?
Quite often I am asked by my friends — how do I manage to get up early consistently? How have I managed to develop this self-discipline over years that has now become a habit? When I reflect on these questions, the only answer that comes to my mind is — Meditation.
I was introduced to the practice of meditation very early in my childhood by my father. But at that point in time, I didn’t practice it regularly. It was when I was in 7th grade that I actually understood its impact. I was selected to play for state basketball team. That meant I had to be there for practice in the morning and evening. Also being good at studies and a rank holder, I had to ensure that my academic grades were not affected. But the training sessions were so exhausting that I would just end up in my bed after evening practice. And no surprise in guessing, soon my grades were in red. It was too much for me to handle. I didn’t want to give up my sports as I really loved playing it. But I also had to keep up with my academic records as well. I knew I had to strike a balance it. But how?
At that point in time, my father re-introduced me to the practice of meditation. 5 minutes in the morning and 5 minutes before going to bed — focusing on my breath and repeating what I wanted. As I was an early sleeper, I remember — I would focus and repeat it to myself during meditation that I have to get up at 4 AM to finish my homework and study for tests. To my surprise, this actually worked. Every night I would mediate on getting up early and the next day I would be up early, feeling fresh. I would use my 2 hours in the morning to study and then go about attending my training sessions. That year, I nailed it on both the fronts. And from thereon, I have been an early riser. Right through my college to my post grad up til now, I have been practicing it (only difference is that I have increased my time for meditation over these years). I enjoy getting up early and using my time to meditate, study and focus on my fitness — all this without feeling tired due to lack of sleep.
Quite often in our lives — the things we are passionate about- we don’t struggle to pursue it and practice it everyday without fail. This is nothing but an example of self-discipline which we end up practicing unconsciously. On the contrary, if we think of a task, a project or a pursuit where we lack our interests or don’t have a motive, we struggle to accomplish it. We lack the enthusiasm to practice it daily. If we reflect on our thoughts and feelings, we would realize that our mind creates an excuse that hinders us from doing that activity or in certain cases tempting us to give in to resistance ( e.g. eating a chocolate everyday!). We end up being irritated of failing to sticking to the task. Just like our new year goals. We start enthusiastically but give up in weeks or so. Now think — Wouldn’t it be great to have so much power within to not give in to such thoughts?
Practicing Meditation
One of the best way to develop this mental power of self-discipline is through meditation. Various scientific studies have been conducted highlighting the profound impact of meditation on our mind. Meditation helps us to discover the power within to navigate through such low thinking. When we practice it on regular basis, it helps to strengthen our mental discipline and sense of commitment. It helps to develop will-power to overcome the resistance or temptation that we struggle with on day to-day basis.
Kick off with ‘5 minutes meditation’ rule:
I would suggest practicing 5 minutes meditation everyday twice — in the morning and before going to bed. And while sitting for meditation, practice the following:
- Focus on Breathing: It will help us to become self-aware of our breathing, calm us down and help us to be in the moment. Slowly and gradually, it becomes easier to not get swayed by distractions while meditating.
2. Focus on what is important: It will help to develop a clear vision on what we want to accomplish. It will strengthen and train our mind muscles to make better and intentional decisions to help us achieve what we want to. Be it wanting to be an early riser or continue with fitness regime or anything else, when we repeat it to ourselves, it registers on our sub-conscious mind while sleeping and helps to create positive emotions about those activities. As a result, we feel less challenged the next day.
To conclude, mediation helps us to harness the power of our mind to control our emotions, thoughts and behavior that will set up us for success. All it requires is practice!
I would like to know your thoughts on meditation and how it has impacted your life. Please share your thoughts in the comment section.
