30 Comments
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Leisa Martin's avatar

What an insightful video! This is my favorite time of day. I’ve been waking up at this time for years and years. Not every single day, but seems I naturally wake up when my spirit needs it. Sometimes I’ll journal or meditate for a couple of hours before the noise of the world interrupts me. It feels so sacred. Thank you so much for posting this.🧡

Meredith ∞'s avatar

Happy to read that you get up early. I don’t know where I would be without the early morning meditative practice of Gnana Yoga.

Tamy Faierman M.D.'s avatar

Beautiful talk, Meredith. I love the invitation to awaken at 4am. The main places I have that schedule is when I attend silent retreat, 4 times/year. It’s not easy to keep that schedule when you have kids, pets, and other mundane responsibilities. It’s not impossible, but certainly more challenging. Though the nourishment one gets from it is absolutely worth it, in my experience. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and guidance with so many. 🙏💌

October🍂's avatar

Loved the way you explained it. My papa has always said the same thing, just start waking up early it will change your life but i never really listened. hopefully this time i will.

Thank you so much for sharing this and for the reminder. 🙏🏻🤍

Meredith ∞'s avatar

You should always listen to your papa. Get into an early morning routine and you’ll sleep better live better love better — everything will be better.

October🍂's avatar

Yeah i will😊 Thank you, i’ll definitely try🙏🏻

Rachel Zinman Yoga's avatar

Thank you for this lovely explanation of the gunas and the power of early morning reflection. Something our teacher encourages us to do during this time or on waking is to try and catch the first thought of the day. Beautiful to see you sharing in this way

Meredith ∞'s avatar

Yes, that first thought can be an interesting one. i’ve been thinking about doing a YouTube channel for a long time. But never quite had the courage. But now that I feel comfortable with where The Elder Sage is heading, I started it this week. Big step for The Elder Sage.

Eddie Burns's avatar

Been doing what I call quite time for 35 years. Can no longer do without it as I can air or food.

I'm big on Vedanta and the Vedas, as well. The Gita, the Upanashads, Mundaka, Aparoksanubhuti, Drg Drsya, Astanavakra, etc. Big fan of Sarvapryananda. My understanding is we are born with a dominant guna, much like physiologists say we are born with specific personality temperament. However, they alternate, sometimes daily. One thing I've learned is to avoid Tamasic foods (old leftovers, heavy meats, etc.). They tend to make me have more: Laziness, Confusion, depression, resistance to change, apathy, Oversleeping, poor judgment, etc. My Guru is Amma. She comes to Australia too. Have you seen her?

Meredith ∞'s avatar

Totally with you. Can’t do without it. People are searching for peace everywhere, when all they need to do is wake up early and read and contemplate the scripture.

RJ Ramey's avatar

We hear you🙏♥️

Raji's avatar

I listened to this and watched your YT videos. They are very inspiring, and this is so insightful, Meredith. I have slipped back into a later routine over the past couple of months, and your writing has really resonated with me. Thank you for sharing this.

Meredith ∞'s avatar

Thank you Raji. If there is anything i can assist you with or if you have any questions, don’t hesitate.

Raji's avatar

Thank you too.

Neetu S.'s avatar

Spiritual discipline indeed transforms lives, and it has transformed my life too. I wake up at 4 in the morning every day. It’s such a serene and peaceful time to meditate.

In Sikhism, the early hours of the dawn are called ‘Amrit Vaylaa’, which means the ambrosial hours of the dawn. Reciting the verses from the holy scripture, contemplating them and meditating on the Divine are the most important things we are required to do.

The people who are doing this are indeed blessed, they are God’s favourite children.🙏🏻

Vrittis & Waves's avatar

Fantastic

Wilde's avatar

I enjoyed listening to this. I read the Yoga Sutra, Edwin Bryant and I often listen to his YT videos. It's also honest and how you illustrate the 20 and 80%. In class I often read out a short paragraph, 2 mins and and we end up talking about it for 30mins.

Amilia's avatar

this reminder has taken me straight back to applecross/south fremantle - i have not forgotten these teachings and must start again at @ least 5:30 and wind it back to 5am.

Many thanks as always - the intellect needs to get out of the passengers seat otherwise we waste valuable time in getting to be who we truly are - love love love your "the spiritual disciple" article, thankyou meredith:_)

Meredith ∞'s avatar

Thank you Amilia 🤍 those classes were unique and beautiful. Loved all who participated. You’ve got the Vedanta Treaties now, I would’ve recommended that one in the article. Start daily at 5.30am just 1/2 an hour and see the difference. Most importantly, keep your mind focused don’t allow it to drift into the future. All the best 🤍🤍

Amilia's avatar

Thankyou Meredith :_) i will make the committed effort, not just say the words - yes i also have the Treaties now - with many thanksxx

Amilia's avatar

apologies "the spiritual discipline" not disciple but i like that too:_)

Human Potential & Resilience's avatar

Love this new effort you have around expanding sharing your learnings

Meredith ∞'s avatar

Thank you Allie. Somehow it’s just more alive than just writing.

Kristine Carlson's avatar

5 am is my best time to wake up! Early morning is my favorite time. It’s when I do my best writing too. ❤️

Hélène Roy Yoga's avatar

Thank you for this beautiful piece and explanation of Gnana yoga. You inspire me to wake up before dawn again 🙏

MJ Polk's avatar

To read is to borrow wisdom, to reflect is to own it. And early mornings are the best! Love this Meredith. And I very much enjoy watching and listening to you. Thank you for sharing this with us 🙏. 80/20 Reflect/Read is gold!