This is quite a normal experience in the beginning because of the rhythms of Time that affect us. The energies in the morning are most conducive to spiritual progress, especially to the awakening of aspiration. The rhythm of work and effort starts thereafter and continues till evening. Evening, especially as the sun sets, the time is for quiet contemplation. With the coming of night the tamoguni Prakriti, the forces of inertia begin to pull the consciousness downward towards rest. But it is also the time when all minds of negative influences become active. If the evening is not spent in quiet contemplation, even if for a few moments a sense of boredom sets in. It is then that one opens most easily to forces of desires and various attractions which degenerates into the dark night life of the cities as night takes over.
It is important to organise our time in a way so that it keeps in sync with the cosmic rhythm. Mornings are good for aspiration, quiet meditation. Day and afternoon should be for the practice of karmayoga, doing all works with a quiet inner dedication to the Divine. If one can cultivate the spirit of nishkama karma, practice equanimity and do the work as a worship and sacrifice to the Divine by remembering and offering oneself then it is a tremendous help. As evening sets in then some physical exercise followed by quiet contemplation, reflection upon the goal of one’s life greatly facilitates the inner journey. Finally, night is best for reading, listening to some nice music and a short meditation before sleep keeps the consciousness preoccupied in a way that automatically avoids distractions.
However it is not always easy to follow this because of another reason. It is this that we are all composed of different parts and aspects in our nature. They come up from time to time and raise quite a circus. One has to treat them like little children making unreasonable demands. These parts have to be explained, with the help of our higher reason, the necessity of turning their energies in a better direction. Instead of forced total control, which besides is hardly possible and brings its reactions at your age, one should train them into moderation, uplift them by bringing in balance and beauty, channelise the rough energies through games and sports, sublimate them through art, music, poetry, refine them through a more sattwic enjoyment and offering them to the Divine for the needed change.
It is not easy, even for the best. Slowly with persistence and perseverance they begin to yield to the growing mental discernment and will. But each little forward step paves the way for the victory. The secret lies in never giving up, in persevering and enduring with faith and, above all in an unwavering trust in the Divine Grace that alone can truly harmonise. If the psychic being takes the lead then the path becomes easier and one leaps instead of crawling. Still a crawl is better than accepting the sliding and falls as permanent. Victory comes to the most persevering.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
