Since Labor Day, I’ve been experimenting with being an early riser. This has been a huge test of mind over matter for me. I’ve always been a night-owl, as long as I can remember. My natural state is to nod off around 2am, wake around 10am. So shifting my body clock by 4 hours is pretty significant.

Former TV star turned zen priest Susan O’Connell claims she’s still a night person after years as a Zen priest getting up at 4am. But she also claims that despite it still not being natural, it’s been worth it for her. I’m feeling similarly these days.

Only time will tell if it’s rising early that I’m enjoying, or if it was just time for a temporary lifestyle change.