TOP OF THE MORNIN: DAY TWENTY SEVEN WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE?

Boy am a lover of sleep. My mama told me once how Pope John Paul II used to be able to rejuvenate himself by taking 5-15minute PopeNaps, and have always been fortunate to be able to take a little nappy anywhere since I am all over the place. I used to even sleep in the front row of Algebra II class as a senior in high school since I worked the night shift at an Irish Pub called Timmy Nolans as an asst cook ie. professional dishwasher. Damn dishwasher's hands. Back in the day when I was unaware that sleeping with your neck tilted to one side on your belly and with your arms underneath you was unhealthy, I would experience the art of my arms and legs falling asleep. The bell rang in Math, Mr. Krose thanked me for my alert mature focus in his class that day, I jumped up out of my seat and hit the floor immediately since both my legs were completely dead. I am mean plain dead. Drool down my shirt, books scattered, being the principal's son, great example of being a straight A student huh? What goes on through your head early in the morning after a night of snoozing? How much true deep sleep do you receive each night? Are you aware the real importance of good quality sleep? How do you sleep at night? What kind of pillows do you enjoy? Due to my racing and determined mind I fight getting into bed since I feel that I have more to do whatever it maybe; more emails or Facebook, more TV, more organizing, or back in my playing days, more basketball or NOW more running. Little do we know, just like eating we should do our best to keep these types of activities to a slight minimum or not at all about 2 hours before hitting the hay. It allows our brain and body to prepare for that deserved shut eye. When we are sleeping there is so much going on (half the stuff I will investigate another time) but I do know there is a lot of resting, digesting, and dreamin of course. Through the years I have been sleep deprived, dealt with recycling dreams, and when I was young used to hear my brother Patrick talk in his sleep so I would just talk back until he woke up upset that I was speaking to him. I have slept on train depot platforms in Monte Carlo since there was a train strike and in Torino during the Winter Olympics since I made it my home for a week. I even used a bathroom stall as my home for a week during one of my adventures to the Little League World Series but that is another great story to tell another time. I know when I get a great night's rest I am a new man. I am focused, alert, determined, dedicated, and sweeter. What I do struggle with though with my ADD mind is getting out of the house in the morning. Today I had my whole day planned to go out and meditate the whole day and then practice yoga into the night, but I am here catching up with all of you, dealing with the IRS, thinking about my preparation of my Vision Quest in Texas next month, and of course thinking about my usual day to day rapport with myself; future career, vision of the future, responsibilities, love, food..I guess all my vices/fears that I must face to continue my quest of becoming a grounded man in this world. So when you get up in the morning seek out some delicious water (hydrate first thing), freshin up a little, look yourself in the mirror, smile, take a deep breath, and be joyous/thankful/gracious towards yourself. Realize that you are a unique loving soul that can conquer anything you put your focus towards. No matter what others say you have the power to choose and create your desirable path. All you have to do is take the action and lead yourself into your promising/inspiring life for you and all that you adore- RVB