A MEDITATION FOR YOU
Awakening
The transition from being
asleep to being awake is one of life’s little
mysteries. We emerge from the fertile darkness of night and
dreams, and are reborn to the light of day. These first
moments of consciousness are precious: as we awaken, we
create ourselves and our relationship to the world anew.
When we fall asleep, consciousness is released from the
body and stretches out into the vastness of the cosmos.
During the night, we surrender our bodies and psyches to
the deep healing waters of sleep. We release our grip on
identity and give over to nature. We dream, drifting
through an ocean of images, emotions, and movement largely
beyond our control. Awakening in the morning, we return as
if from another world. Awareness condenses and localizes
again in the body, in this bed, this room, and this place
on the planet. We come back to the particulars of our life:
all our relations, and the many ways we're engaged with the
world.
Becoming aware of this transition is a potent meditation.
Instead of leaping out of bed, pause for a few moments to
savor what it is to awaken. Lingering in this in-between
state is very interesting and even blissful. Give yourself
time to bask in the miracle: I am alive.
The phenomenon of consciousness, that humans can be aware
of our own existence, is truly a marvel. Contemplating the
mystery of life, and death, is also the foundation of every
spiritual tradition. Awareness of the ephemeral nature of
our lives startles us out of complacency and into the
present. Each moment becomes a gift, drenched in poignancy
and awe. We awaken.
How you experience awakening is individual to you and can
vary from day to day. The aspects of life that you cherish
are your guide: the beauty you love, your sense of awe and
wonder. Your practice is the deepening, unfolding discovery
of what this means to you.
Prolonging and exploring these first moments in the morning
sets the tone for the entire daylight journey to come.
Instead of "getting up on the wrong side of the bed", take
the time to establish the quality of experience you crave.
Improve your percentage of "right side" awareness –
gratitude for the gift of life.
Awakening
Practice
When: Before rising in
the morning.
Where: In
bed.
Position: Lying
down.
Time: 5 to 10
minutes.
Whenever possible,
awaken naturally without an alarm. On those days that you
need to keep track of time, though, we suggest you choose a
sound that is not "alarming" – a gentle gong or
chime, or music of your choice. The CD will guide you, but
you may also want to set three separate alarms: one to wake
you up, another to go off at 5 or 10 minutes, and
time-permitting, a third at 20 minutes. In this way you can
gently awaken, let go and luxuriate without worrying about
being late.
LISTEN TO THIS MEDITATION:
Drifting gently awake, gradually emerging from the world of
sleep and dreams, take your time to savor the moment. When
you first become aware that you are awake, do not move or
open your eyes. Simply welcome the first moments of
consciousness. Explore what it is to awaken.
Take a moment to allow any dreams to float into your
awareness. What images linger at the fringe between the
worlds of night and day? What moods or impressions remain
from your nighttime journey?
Now notice the bodily experience of awakening to the day.
As consciousness returns from the vastness, it gradually
condenses back into your body. You become aware of being in
bed, in this room, in this particular place on planet
Earth. You are here. You are alive.
You are breathing. Gentle waves of breath awaken you to
life, calling you into your body. Sense your bodyweight
resting easily, the comfort of being secure in your nest.
Feel how your shape snuggles into the bed. Enjoy the
texture of the pillow and covers, any warmth or coolness on
your skin. Receive the pleasure of this simple relaxed
state.
When you are ready to, very slowly open your eyes to the
light or darkness. Cherish being awake to the light.
Luxuriate in this particular quality of light. Welcome the
light. Turn your attention to the source of light, the sun
rising in the east, illuminating our beautiful planet. Take
a few breaths in appreciation.
After a few minutes, the tone of awareness will change and
become more action-oriented. You will have thoughts of the
day to come, of a relationship that needs attention, or
your schedule of tasks. You'll notice your breath becoming
more active as well.
At that point find your way into a morning stretch and
yawn. Just as dogs and cats do when they awaken, and before
they get up, stretch your animal body. Arch your back
gently, extend your arms over your head, reach your legs
out, breathe deeply and enjoy the sense of movement for a
minute or two.
Be aware of everyone in your life, all your loved ones,
everything that is important to you today. If you have a
bedmate, give your partner a loving touch for a few moments
before getting up. Re-establish your connection with a
kiss, caress, or playful pat.
Now preparing to rise, imagine being in the world with the
quality of awareness you desire. When you're ready, slowly
curl up to a sitting position and place your feet on the
ground. Sense the support of the Earth beneath you, and
flow up into a standing position. With another conscious
breath, take in the fullness of this moment of life. Then
move on into your day.
Intention:
I am grateful to be alive. I am awake to the beauty of
life.
From
MEDITATION 24/7: Practices to Enlighten Every Moment of
Your Day
Copyright
2004, Camille Maurine and Lorin Roche,
Ph.D.
Book
with CD from Andrews McMeel Publishing
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can buy the book now from
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photo: René Armenta