The Ritual of Early Awakening :( Excerpts from the book The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari)

This is another excellent teaching under Radiant Living as explained by Robin S. Sharma.It gives importance to rising at sunrise and starting ones day well. The teachings note that most of us sleep more than we need to while all we need is six good hour sleep to be healthy and alert.Sleep is a habit hence we have the ability to train ourselves to sleep less. While we might look at less sleep as a deprivation this ritual notes that pain is often the precursor to personal growth, thus we should not dread it rather embrace it.

 What is important is the quality of sleep not the quantity. It is better to have six hours of uninterrupted deep sleep than even ten hours of disturbed sleep. The whole idea is to provide your body with rest so that its natural processes can repair and restore your physical dimension to its natural state of health, a state that is diminished through the stresses and struggles of daily use.

 The teachings go father to explain that the ten-minute period before you sleep and the ten-minute period after you wake up are profoundly influential on your subconscious mind. Only the most inspiring and serene thoughts should be programmed into your mind at those times.Before going to bed avoid watching news or  getting into an argument or even going through the day that was,rather relax,drink a cup of herbal tea, if you like,listen to some soft classical music and prepare yourself to drift off into a rich, renewing slumber

When awaking, the fundamental principle to keep in mind is the importance of starting your day off well. Think positive thoughts.Give a prayer of thanks for all you have.Work on your gratitude list.Listen to some great music.Watch the sun come up, or perhaps go for a quick walk in natural surroundings if you feel up to it. A positive way to start a day .William James said, 'We don't laugh because we are happy.We are happy because we laugh.' So start your day on a delightful footing. Laugh, play and give thanks for all you have. Every day will be an exquisitely rewarding one Remember when you live every day as if it was your last, your life will take on a magical quality.

I love the way the Rituals of Radiant Living are encompassed on forming habits.Humans are creatures of habit and what meaningful living if the habits we form in our lives are about radiant living.