If you are best in the morning,
Cultivate Tao in the morning.
If you are best in the evening,
Cultivate Tao in the evening.
Whatever the optimal time of day is for you, you should devote it to the cultivation of Tao. For example, dawn, when it is quiet, the world is fresh, and the mind is untainted by the day’s events, is an ideal time to devote yourself to study. Morning, the time of birth, should not be wasted on a quick breakfast, a hastily read newspaper, and a manic rush to work. It is far better to awake from peaceful sleep, wash yourself, drink clear water, and immerse yourself in the rising energy of the day.
If your optimal time is evening, there are two propitious intervals: twilight, when day and night come into balance, and midnight, when the first breath of the coming day arises. In the night, worldly cares are put aside, rest and relaxation are paramount, and the entire world withdraws into nocturne. Night is the time of regeneration, and it should not be wasted on wanton entertainment, indulgent sexuality, and too much sleep. It is far better to retire from the cares of the day, bathe, and immerse yourself in the gestating power of the dark.
All things, material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they were one family. The past, present, and future are all contained in the life force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved through the optimal process of unification and harmonization.
— Morihei Ueshiba
Sorry, but I’ll take indulgent sexuality or wanton entertainment any day, so my best time to cultivate Tao must not be evening! I can do without the quick breakfast and manic rush to work though, since I gave that up, so I guess my optimal time for Tao is the morning. Dawn, well, I’m sleeping then, thanks anyway. I like to have my cup of green tea, peruse my blogroll, and do a little Tao meditation in the morning. It seems to work for me. I usually feel pretty low in energy in the mornings, so it’s nice to relax and do my contemplation of the world then. I catch up on the news and see what’s happening in the world, forward along any interesting tidbits to my political list or my other email lists, and ease into the day.
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