I took Ajahn Martin’s advice and went straight from the bed to the cushion this morning. Well, almost: I did have to pee first. And, although it was painful and difficult, I do have faith that it is a better way to practice. Rather than drinking three cups of coffee while reading garbage on the internet or answering work emails and then trying to calm the mind, it is more of an issue of rousing the mind to take interest in buddho and the breath.
One thing I do know for certain is that, after forty-five minutes of meditation first thing in the morning, I can feel a certain peace and contentment that is normally lacking.
Another practice point that the Venerable outlined is that we should be sitting for a minimum of 45 minutes to an hour. I find that when I allow other things to get in the way I sometimes only have time for a half an hour. And, although this is much better than nothing, it is not enough. I’ve chosen the lay life so I really can’t afford to go any easier on myself if I truly care about my long-term wellbeing. That said, my priority has always to be formal meditation.
As a result, here’s my new aditthana: one hour in the morning, one at night and at least two twenty minute sesssions throughout the day. That puts me pretty close to my former commitment of three hours per day which I was never quite able to reach. Wish me luck.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Hi, in another talk Ajahn Martin mentioned that walking meditation can also be done first thing in the morning instead of sitting meditation. I too waste away too much time in the mornings, but if I went straight to sitting meditation I would have most likely fall asleep. But meditating immediately after waking up – before the mind wandering starts – makes so much sense! Good luck!
By: Adrian on 10/05/2018
at 8:23 am