Are You More of a Night or Morning Person?

Are you more of a night or morning person?

Are You More of a Night or Morning Person?

The age-old debate between being a night owl or an early bird has intrigued philosophers, scientists, and storytellers alike. Each preference comes with its charm, challenges, and peculiar rhythm. For me, the answer isn’t straightforward, for my disposition has evolved with time, circumstances, and even the weather!

A Morning Symphony

There is an inexplicable serenity in the morning hours. As the first rays of sunlight pierce through the curtains, it feels like nature itself is nudging one to wake up and embrace the day. Mornings are a canvas of opportunities, where one can paint aspirations, schedule tasks, or indulge in quiet introspection. The stillness of dawn, interrupted only by chirping birds or the distant hum of life awakening, is a melody that resonates deeply with my soul.

In my years as a school Principal, the mornings were sacred. They began with hymns, assembly addresses, and the cheerful energy of young learners. Preparing for the day’s challenges with a hot cup of tea, penning down my thoughts, or planning lessons always felt invigorating. These rituals were not merely tasks but acts of reverence for the hours gifted to us anew each day.

The Allure of the Night

Yet, there’s something magical about the night that cannot be ignored. When the world sleeps, the quietude of the hour fosters creativity and deep reflection. The night sky, adorned with stars, seems to whisper secrets of the universe. It is at night that I often lose myself in the labyrinth of music, writing, or even revisiting my childhood memories.

During my youth, nights were companions to dreams and desires. Living in boarding schools under Jesuit discipline, sneaking a book under the blanket with a flashlight was an occasional indulgence. As an adult, the silence of the night became the perfect time for crafting poetry or listening to Jim Reeves crooning about distant shores and tender love.

The Changing Tides

Life, however, seldom allows one to remain steadfast in their habits. With age and responsibilities, I have learnt the value of adaptability. Retirement has brought its own rhythm—sometimes, the mornings are for productivity, while the nights serve as a cocoon for leisurely pursuits.

Philosophically speaking, every hour has its own essence. The mornings bring hope, a promise of new beginnings, while the nights carry the charm of closure, urging one to reflect, recharge, and prepare for another cycle of life.

What Does Science Say?

Interestingly, whether one is a night owl or a morning lark is partially dictated by biology. Our internal circadian rhythms, influenced by genetics, dictate our peak energy levels. While this predisposition explains preferences, the beauty lies in our ability to mould habits when needed.

My Takeaway

To claim allegiance to one time over another feels like choosing between two precious jewels. Both have adorned my life differently, enriching my experiences and providing solace at different stages. If pressed for an answer, I’d call myself a dawn-lit night owl—a paradox that thrives in the quiet beauty of both extremes.

The real charm, however, lies not in being one or the other but in savouring the uniqueness of each hour. After all, time, whether morning or night, waits for no one but offers itself abundantly to those who cherish it.

As William Blake wrote,
“To see a World in a Grain of Sand,
And a Heaven in a Wild Flower,
Hold Infinity in the palm of your hand,
And Eternity in an hour.”

It isn’t about when you shine the brightest—it’s about embracing the light whenever it graces your life.

Meat on the Menu: A Feast or a Frown?”

What are your feelings about eating meat?

“Meat on the Menu: A Feast or a Frown?”

Food, they say, is the most personal expression of culture, choice, and sustenance. For many, the aroma of a sizzling steak or the delicate flavour of a Sunday roast evokes comfort and celebration. For others, the sight of meat on the plate stirs ethical, environmental, or spiritual discomfort. Eating meat, a practice as old as humanity itself, sits at the crossroads of tradition and modern sensibilities, inviting debates that span philosophy, ecology, and morality.

The Carnivorous Craving

Growing up, I was introduced to a myriad of cuisines, thanks to my multicultural upbringing in Nepal, my Odia roots, and later, my exposure to Punjabi flavours. Meat, for me, was more than a dietary staple; it was a symbol of familial togetherness. The tangy fish curries of Odisha, the rich butter chicken of Punjab, and the simple yet divine mutton soup prepared during festive times were not just meals—they were memories plated with love.

Yet, even as I relished these dishes, there was a lingering awareness of the life sacrificed to sustain mine. As a school Principal and later as a consultant, I observed how food shaped the attitudes of young learners and their families. Meat-eating for some was a status symbol; for others, a tradition; and for a growing number, a subject of moral conflict.

The Ethical Enigma

The philosophical question looms large: is it right to consume another sentient being when alternatives exist? Ancient Indian texts often revered vegetarianism as a pathway to non-violence (Ahimsa). Similarly, many Western thinkers like Pythagoras echoed the sentiment. However, history also acknowledges meat as a source of strength and sustenance in societies where agriculture wasn’t always bountiful.

Environmental Concerns

Modern debates often steer towards the environmental implications of meat consumption. Studies reveal that the meat industry is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and water scarcity. As stewards of this planet, can we justify the ecological footprint of our dietary preferences? This question, I believe, must guide our decisions in an era of climate consciousness.

A Balanced Plate

Personally, I find myself at a crossroads. While I continue to savour certain non-vegetarian dishes, I increasingly lean towards plant-based options. The quails we recently purchased, the grilled fish we often enjoy, and the occasional biryani are now savoured with a sense of gratitude rather than mindless indulgence. Moderation, after all, is the golden rule of life.

The choice of whether to eat meat or abstain from it is deeply personal, shaped by upbringing, beliefs, and circumstances. For those who eat meat, let it be with reverence for the life given. For those who abstain, let compassion guide their stance, not judgment.

Final Thoughts

Food unites and divides, but at its heart, it nourishes. Whether meat finds a place on your plate or not, let your choices reflect not just your preferences but your principles. As the old adage goes, “We are what we eat,” and perhaps also what we think about what we eat.

So, what does meat mean to you—a feast or a frown?