It’s the 22nd of September, 2024. One of the 2 days of the year when the day and night are almost equal in length. For the last couple of days, I set the alarm to wake me up at 3:30 am. And somehow, I could not.
But today was different.
Today, I did hear the lovely notes of my bird-chirping alarm loud and clear and woke up at 3:30 am sharp. The world lay still, wrapped in the velvety duvet of the night. It was Brahma Muhurta - that sacred time before dawn, when darkness begins to yield to light and silence beholds the promise of a new beginning. In that tranquil hour, the air is charged with subtle whispers from the Universe to transcend the ordinary and touch the divine.
In the ancient yogic and ayurvedic practices, this period of about one and a half hours before the local time of sunrise, is revered as the time when the veil between the physical and the spiritual worlds is at its thinnest. During these fleeting moments, the mind is calm, the body is rested and the soul is open, making it the ideal time for spiritual practices, introspection, creativity. And that any work you do during this time is guaranteed to yield results.
According to Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, Brahma Muhurta is a time dominated by the Vata dosha ~ the energy of movement and transformation. This ethereal force enhances clarity, creativity, and spiritual awakening. It is a time when nature itself is in its highest state of balance, offering us a precious window to align our internal rhythm with the one of the cosmos.
In yoga, waking during Brahma Muhurta is considered a gateway to deeper states of meditation and self-awareness. The mind, free from the distractions of the day, is more receptive to the subtle vibrations of the Universe. It is believed that the benefits of the practices performed during this timer magnified, setting the tone for the day with a foundation of peace, focus, willpower and inner strength.
I’ve known about Brahma Muhurta for a couple of years, from the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda I was blessed with while I was training to become a certified yoga teacher. And I must confess that (as I am yet to be an early to bed), never have I ever been able to wake up that early, just to spend time with myself.
But today was different.
Today, I woke up to make the most out of that deafening silence as I wanted to record for my upcoming face yoga course. And I’m so grateful I did, because the experience was one of a kind.
Wondering what can you do during this sacred hour?
Imagine stepping outside into the cool pre-dawn air. The world is quiet, so quiet that you can almost hear the soft rustle of leaves and the distant songs of the early birds. This is the perfect time to engage in a series of gentle practices that nourish the mind, body, and soul. Such as,
1. Meditation: Sit in stillness and let the silence embrace you. Breathe deeply and slowly, feeling the rhythm of your breath harmonize with the heartbeat of the world around you. Allow your mind to settle, and listen to the whispers of your own soul. This is a time for connecting with your inner self, for reflecting on your dreams and aspirations, for planting the seeds of intention in the fertile soil of your consciousness.
2. Pranayama: The air at this hour is fresh, infused with prana, the life force. Practice gentle breathing exercises like Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) or Bhramari (bee breath) to cleanse the energy channels and calm the mind. Feel the prana awaken every cell in your body, bringing clarity and vitality to your being.
3. Yoga Asanas : Perform a series of gentle yoga postures to awaken your body. Focus on movements that promote flexibility and balance, such as gentle twists and forward bends. Let your practice be a prayer of gratitude for the gift of movement, for the strength and grace of your body.
4. Face Yoga Rituals : Gently awaken your facial muscles with yoga for face, as if caressing the dawn onto your skin, with massages, face yoga poses, deep breathing to enhance blood and lymph circulation and bring a natural glow.
And you’ve got a loving certified face yoga teacher in me.
Allow me into your world with the face rituals inside ‘Rise & Shine’ - the 28-day morning face yoga program that you can access online, right here. And let go of the tension and emotions that have created impressions in your face expression. Waking up during this time is guaranteed to give you the opportunity to give your face some more TLC and prepare you to face the day with a radiant, serene expression.
5. Reading Sacred Texts: In this serene atmosphere, the words of sacred texts resonate with a deeper meaning. If this resonates with you, read a passage from any text that inspires you. Let the wisdom of the ages seep into your consciousness, guiding you on your path.
6. Journaling or Creative Writing: The mind is fresh and free from the clutter of daily thoughts. This is a time when inspiration flows effortlessly. Write down your thoughts, dreams, or creative ideas. Let the pen dance across the page, capturing the essence of your soul’s deepest musings.
7. Gratitude Practice: As the first light of dawn begins to kiss the sky, take a moment to reflect on the blessings in your life. Express gratitude for the simple joys, for the love that surrounds you, for the opportunity to begin anew each day.
My intention is to start with just one or two of these practices while for now I record for my upcoming face yoga course. And, perhaps one day soon, waking up during Brahma Muhurta will transcend from a daily practice; into a pilgrimage to the innermost sanctum of my being. An invitation to commune with the divine, the source, the universe, my inner self, to greet the day not with hurried steps, but with a heart full of stillness and wonder. And if this resonates with you, I wish the same for you.
But for now, as the day goes on, may we remember that we are not just beings of flesh and bone but magical sparks of the eternal, forever seeking to awaken to our true nature.
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