3:48am my eyes open – 2 minutes before my alarm goes off – enough time to contemplate sleeping for another 30 minutes. Even my cat wakes up and says meeoowwowow which translates to “dude it’s early”. I tell my tiredness, and my cat, that too much time has passed already and determination shall be my guidance, not sloth and torpor. I turn off the alarm as it rings and pull myself out of bed, first to the shower, then to feed the cat (he realized he’s a nocturnal creature, food now -sleep later is his motto), then to the meditation room.
Due to some scheduling changes my main meditation time has been moved to before work, it actually should have been there for quite some time now but tiredness has been winning in those early morning hours. Its easy to say I’ll get in some time later today, after work I’ll have time, I didn’t sleep well I need this extra 30 or 40 minutes. Let’s face it, there are a thousand excuses we can use as justifications for reasons to practice later but only one true reason to not procrastinate. Meditation is the key to insight, there isn’t much time ever so cultivate that desire to progress on the path, to live mindfully, to gain insight – yes even if it means getting up at 3:48am – lest we regret it later.
“What can be done for his disciples by a Master who seeks their welfare and has compassion and pity on them, that I have done for you, Cunda. There are these roots of trees, there are empty places. Meditate, Cunda, do not delay, lest you later regret it. ‘This is my message to you.” – Sallekha Sutta 18
