It’s no secret that meditating in the morning is one of the most impactful ways to set a positive tone for your day, increase your productivity, and infuse your day with a sense of calm and groundedness.
But what kind of morning meditator are you?
As it turns out, there are a number of different kinds of meditators. Chances are you’re one of these, or perhaps a combination of two or more of them!
There is no one right way to meditate, no one correct place to meditate, and no one particular method of sitting. What makes how you meditate right is that it works for you and fits into your life in ways that keep you consistent with the practice.
Knowing a number of meditators and trying many ways to get myself on the cushion over the years, I’ve narrowed it down to seven kinds of meditators:
1. Imma Stay In Bed
This meditator has figured out that if they step even one foot onto the floor from the covers, the day will snatch them out of the ethereal realm and into the world of to-do lists and obligations, so they better not leave the bed without sitting first. Rather than get out of bed at all, they sit up on their pillow, set a timer, and meditate in bed until the urge to pee becomes too overpowering.
2. From Pillow to Cushion
Similar to the “Imma Stay In Bed,” this meditator wants to avoid the day’s obligations hijacking their sit time, but has enough willpower to drag themselves out of bed to their preferred meditation spot – it could be a cushion right at the foot of the bed or nearby, an altar table, or a meditation closet.
3. Must Have Coffee
This meditator would fall asleep or be too groggy to meditate, so their first action of the day is to make the coffee, sip it, and then hit the cushion. This can also be another caffeinated drink like cacao, black, or green tea – or decaf beverages like hot lemon water, or herbal tea.
4. Fresh and Clean
This is the meditator that prefers to be washed up, showered, moisturized, and dressed before practice so as to make themselves a fresh, clean offering to the divine. They have the willpower to be awake and moving while getting ready without becoming distracted or taken off course by the day.
5. The Yogin
This meditator prefers to do a comprehensive asana practice and/or pranayama (breath exercises) prior to sitting in order to make the seated practice more comfortable and longer lasting.
6. The Caretaker
This meditator has a family with needs. Whether it’s kids, pets, elderly parents, or someone who needs extra care, certain obligations to those in need take precedence first thing in the morning. But, once everyone’s taken care of or off to school, this meditator knows the cushion is waiting for them to start their me-time.
7. The Nature Lover
This seeker doesn’t care when or with what beverage accompanies their morning meddie time, as long as it’s outside. On a log, under a tree, in a tree, on a beach, near a creek, or in the grass, this meditator loves being in the presence of nature.
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