Just Get Out of Bed

I have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. Most days I just don't want to move after I've turned the alarm off. Like this morning. Alarm went off at 5:30a, I turned it off. I thought about getting up, but I just couldn't resist the magnetic pull of the cool softness of the 600 thread count sheets!! So, when I came across this exchange between a student and Shunryu Suzuki Roshi I just had to take it on as a personal teaching meant just for me.

---

Student: When I am fully awake I have, maybe, a little control over my desires, but in the morning...

Suzuki Roshi: In the morning you have trouble. I know that. So that is why I say, "Get up!" [knocks on the table]

Student: How do you do that?

Suzuki Roshi: Just do it! Or else someone will come and hit you! [gives a kind of humorous growl]

Student: I did just get up a couple of times - I jumped out of bed. But it was such a big thing!

Suzuki Roshi: Yes. A big thing. So if you can get up pretty well, I think your practice is almost okay. That is a very good chance to practice our way. Just get up. Okay? That is the most important thing.