Balancing Sleep and Meditation: Which is Better for You?

When I first came across meditation, I was a firm skeptic. It seemed like a waste of time and involved an almost impossible task—emptying one's mind completely for hours at a stretch. However, dedicating just a few minutes a day to meditation has revolutionized my life.

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After a lifetime of meditation, I agree with Dominic Novielli, who said, Are you sleep deprived? Take a nap. Are you rested? Meditate. Meditation involves focusing on a single object, which magnifies an inner state of oneness. We withdraw from our senses, but instead of completely losing awareness, we maintain conscious awareness. This results in brain activity similar to deep sleep, characterized by theta waves, yet you remain aware—this is known as the fourth state or superconsciousness (turiya).

Benefits of Meditation and Sleep

Most often, will we feel rested and refreshed after meditation? Yes, we frequently do. However, it’s important to distinguish between meditation and sleep. While sleep involves surrendering awareness and entering a subconscious state, meditation is based in awareness. Therefore, if you fall asleep while meditating, you are not engaging in true meditation.

Instead, if you are tired, it’s best to take a nap. However, there is a unique approach: suggest to yourself that you are meditating as you fall asleep. Upon waking, you can meditate. Over time, this practice can transform your sleep quality to resemble meditation.

Too Much of Anything is Not Good

Regardless of whether we favor sleep or meditation, balance is key. Too much of either can have unintended consequences.

For instance, sleep to the extreme can lead to an increase in dreams, followed by weight gain and other byproducts. Conversely, meditation in excess can lead to an endless spiritual journey, which may not suit everyone. Patience and time are crucial in such a journey.

Striking the Right Balance

We must find a balance between meditation, sleep, and work. Overindulging in either can disrupt our lives. Therefore, it is essential to be cautious. During meditation, we must ensure that we are not overstepping our physical and mental limits. Meditate only until we feel energized, refreshed, and focused.

Both meditation and sleep play crucial roles in our overall well-being. Meditation enhances our concentration, strength, and emotional balance, while sleep rejuvenates our physical body and mental health.

By striking the right balance, we can enjoy the benefits of both. Perhaps the answer lies in our individual circumstances: if we are sleep-deprived, we should take a nap; if we feel refreshed and energized, we should meditate to enhance our spiritual growth.

In conclusion, the choice between more sleep or more meditation depends on our current state and needs. Balancing these two aspects of our lives can greatly enhance our overall well-being.