I frequently wake up at night. With not a chance of sleep. Completely awake. More awake then I can ever hope to feel on actually getting up. I wonder how I am going to pass my time. While knowing perfectly well that well in the wee hours of morning, I am going to be feeling really sleepy.
This happens as we approach middle age.
This is nothing but kindness from the Lord.
This is a small pocket of time the Lord opens up when we can think of him. Alone. Exclusively.
So if possible, sit up and meditate. Try to think only and only of Him. Let your mind naturally gravitate towards Him.
Or if not that, just lie on bed thinking of Him. Silently recite the Hanuman Chalisa, Or whatever else is your forte.
But what about the bouts of anxiety and stress-inducing thoughts which often accompany the waking up. They are the mirage which reminds us of the sea. The real anxiety is the fact that life is passing by. Are we doing enough to realise the ‘I’ within? So treat the worldly anxieties as but beacons to remind us to re-orient ourselves to our goal.
These few minutes alone at night. This instance is a gift from the Lord. Accept it with gratitude. With grace. With love.
Om.