RE: Bio of a yoga monk – further memories of my youth in the art of meditation
That is wonderful that you had that calling and that you are willing to share so others may learn from your experience. I find it very inspiring!
I realize the importance of consistency and discipline and the first 10 day Vippassana meditation course I sat I rose every day at 4:00 am and it really is a delightful time to meditate. I was really inspired and wanted to get the most benefits as I could from that course so I didn't find it to hard to get up then or to meditate through out the day. But that was for 10 days not 10 years!
Me and my husband who was a teacher at the meditation center would do 10 day self courses together on my holiday breaks and would rise at 4 am and I would do it for the courses but I felt weak when I did that and would not feel totally rested so I would not continue that schedule after the 10day course. I do much better rising at 6 am and keep consistent with that for having my morning meditation.
Thanks so much for sharing your experiences!
Well done @porters, doing your occasional 10 day meditation sessions. Your metabolism was taking strain rising so early. The secret is to go to sleep early so that you get 7 hours sleep or more if you need it. Another secret is to not eat any meals too close to bed time. The digestion is taking much of the energy and at early hours of the morning may be draining you. Buddhist monks traditionally in some schools will eat their main meal at noon, and nothing after that at all. If you have low blood pressure it may be tiring, but your body adapts with continued effort and regulation.