Morning Practice

Every morning that it is reasonably possible I commit the first portion of my day to yoga and meditation. I do this not because I made a vow to, or because I am seeking merit or some big spiritual payoff in the future. I do it because I know the payoffs, in terms of greater mental equipoise and a more vital energy through the day, are immediate. There is a deeper purpose, of course. It is the eternal longing to consciously reconnect with that which is greater than all things, that is within all things. Getting up early, for me, is not a chore, but neither is it routine. It is a conscious choice, gladly made, every day.

I've stopped expecting that my practice will eventually erase all my shortcomings. My desire is only to see things clearly and to always act in full awareness. I value my morning practice because I know how easy and common it is to fall into a limited and mundane state of mind during the day, acting without drawing on the infinite source of wisdom that lies within. So, yes there is a desire to evolve, to spend more time in an elevated state of consciousness. I sometimes wish I could go on retreat to focus intensively on dissolving ego barriers and hanging out in the bliss. But I know that the most rewarding and fruitful thing I can do is a consistent morning practice and I am infinitely grateful that I found the practice that works for me.