gentle, soothing zen alarm clock

How would you feel about waking every day to a siren sounding in your bedroom? Or how about the crashing of cymbals right next to your head? This is the stuff of nightmares. Yet it is not that far removed from most folks’ actual morning experience.

The alarm clock is a form of violence. It jars us at the time when we are most vulnerable and helpless. Sometimes we respond in kind. My childhood friend, Guy, had a collection of guns. When his clanging alarm clock went off one morning, he threw it out the window and shot it with his rifle.

In many cultures, it is believed that the soul travels when we are asleep. Thus, it is very important that the sleeper is brought gently to wakefulness so that his or her soul might find its way back. For traditional peoples around the world, this is a matter of life and death.

Carved Wooden Thai Buddha with Singing Bowl

Of course, we know that people awaken suddenly every day and do not die. But to dismiss the experiences of innumerable other civilizations out of hand would be to miss the point. It is clear that something gets lost when we are awakened sharply and suddenly. It is our dream consciousness that loses its way back to the waking state.

zen alarm clock for a gentle awakening

It seems that only in the West do people have difficulty recalling their dreams. Only in the West is there such a thick wall between our dream consciousness and waking consciousness. Part of this is due to the way we, unlike other cultures, undervalue the importance of dream consciousness other than in the psychotherapeutic context. The other reason is that the alarm shocks us out of the dream state and into our rational minds. Our dreams simply don’t have a chance to catch up.

There are, of course, historical reasons for this morning dream death. There is a context to the alarm clock.When the steel and textile mills of the early Industrial Revolution drew in the farmers of the countryside, the clock was the ruler. Time was money. No longer was work driven by the seasons. Instead it was divided into measurable units of time, and the clock became the final arbiter. It was the factory whistle, not the rising of the sun, which moved the people to work. And the alarm clock replaced the rooster.

Our lives today are still dictated by the clock. We don’t even think about it. Train and plane schedules, television and movie programs, restaurant reservations, school, doctor and dentist appointments are all clock-driven.

But what about dream time—that delicate different reality? Dream consciousness is a shy consciousness. It won’t stand being shaken or abused. It simply vanishes.

Alarms are connected with danger and for good reason. They are used in all kinds of disaster situations: burglary, fire, air raid. In their small but significant way, alarm clocks may well have contributed their part to our culture of fear.

Waking Me Softly
There are, however, small islands of hope. Natural and gentle ways of awakening are available and gaining popularity. Intention is the most important ingredient in waking up peacefully. The less we want to get up, the more difficult it will be. But clanging sirens are not the answer. Below are some less alarming possibilities.

Chime Clocks: These quiet, old-fashioned clocks move the sleeper into wakefulness with a softer sound than an alarm buzzer.

Zen Clocks: Gentle Tibetan bell-like chimes strike once, then again 3-1/2 minutes later. The chimes become more frequent over 10 minutes, eventually striking every 5 seconds until you shut it off. They also come in a digital style and in a brass-bowl version with a series of subtle gongs.

soothing zen alarm clocks by Now & Zen, Inc.

Good Morning, Sunshine: Studies by the National Institutes of Health show that waking to light can help people with Seasonal Affective Disorder, certain forms of depression, and sleep disorders. This clock has a built-in light that fades in from zero to full intensity over selected time intervals.

Kids and Pets: For those of us fortunate to have young children or pets in the household, there is a ready-made wake-up service. The hugs of a toddler or nuzzling of a dog are preferable to electronic buzzing. Starting around age three, you might even enlist the child in the service of waking you. You can tell her to shake you gently or speak to you softly or even just to stand there looking at you. If you approach it as a game, the kids are in.

Morning Sounds: In the city or the country, the sounds of the morning world are those that you can anticipate and can help you to awaken softly. Consciously tune in to these. In the country, the birds are the first to welcome the day. And of course, if you live near a rooster, you have a built-in waker-upper. If you live in the city, the sounds of morning are legion—cars and buses rev up, neighbors slam doors, or someone upstairs starts the shower. Learn what these morning sounds are. Select those that are regular and expect them. These are the ones that can serve you daily.

Your Stereo: Most stereo systems can act as timers. Use the CD changer and pick a piece of music that is soothing. Picking a frantic percussion riff or heavy metal cut definitely defeats the purpose. Set the system for the time you want to wake up. Radios aren’t so great for this. We have no idea what’s going to be played. And waking to talk is disconcerting.

use your inner alarm clock

Your Inner Clock: Most of us are so conditioned to the clock that we don’t even need alarm clocks to wake up at a specific time. Here’s how to wean yourself from reliance on the clock.

• Tell yourself that you will wake up before the alarm. You can set your clock, but at bedtime, instruct yourself to wake up before it goes off.
• On a non-working day, try waking without an alarm at all. Just tell yourself that you are going to wake up at a certain time.
• Alternate days. Use an alarm clock every other day. Use your own inner alarm on the other day.
• Keep a record of how you feel on the alarm clock days vs. non-alarm clock days. Any connection between the alarm and getting up on the wrong or right side of the bed?
• Compare how well you remember your dreams on the alarm vs. no-alarm  days. Is there any difference at all?

Gentle Alarm Clocks, don't be alarmed!

Digital Zen Alarm Clock Testimonial

Customer Testimonial:

“My friends call me a Zen diva. I’ve made a lot of investments in calming equipment, and this is by far one of the best ones. The sound is so soothing, not overly loud, yet strong enough to wake you up. My house has children and pets and I try to avoid anything that’s going to cause chaos. Most loud alarm clocks are truly… alarming. This beautiful clock is exactly what my family needed. In Alaska we have dark throughout the entire day during the winter- so there’s no natural sunlight to wake up your system. An abrupt beeping is not necessarily a ‘bright and early make-you-feel-good’ sort of thing. This alarm is the complete opposite. You literally feel happier waking up to a peaceful chime. It starts your entire day off on the right foot.

I have birds in my bedroom that used to get spooked every morning by the sound of my other alarm clock. This clock allows them to wake up peacefully with me- not terrified. We also have a baby in the house and as anyone who has a child knows, even the slightest sound can startle the poor thing into a screaming cry. We quit using our old alarm clock but still needed something to wake us up in the morning. This was the perfect alternative.

calming alarm clock with chime

I personally like the walnut colored clock. It has more of a ‘cabin’ vibe to it. Looks very pretty in our darker colored interior décor. The lighted digital display is a plus for the naturally dark mornings in Alaska. It’s always nice to be able to conveniently check the time without turning on a bright light. It’s battery-efficient. I personally love that it works by batteries (no reprogramming after the power goes out).

All in all this clock is perfect for homes with children and pets. It’s also great for not-morning-people. The sound makes waking up a whole less stressful. The design is gorgeous. And the clock itself is an absolute darling addition to any home. I would rate this cute little thing 5 out of 5 stars.“

from loneakgypsy…

calming zen clocks come in bamboo, walnut, and maple

Now & Zen Headquarter Store

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Zen Timepiece with Singing Bowl

We have created the perfect yoga, meditation and bodyworker timer!

Our Zen Timepiece with Singing bowl  has been specifically designed with yoga practitioners in mind. The clock can be set to produce a beautiful Tibetan bell-like chime repeatedly at any set interval.

We know that many yoga practitioners use beeping kitchen timers to
signal periodic position changes.  However, the Zen Timepiece’s acoustic pure-tone chime is more appropriate for use in
spiritual practices such as yoga.

Meditation timers with chime singing bowl make a beautiful acoustic sound

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

zen clock review

from a real Now & Zen customer:

“Hello, I don’t typically do this, but…

I received my digital clock yesterday.  I felt it was a bit decadent of me to spend so much for a clock, but I have wanted one for some time and finally can afford it.  I just want to say that after waking up so pleasantly this morning, after not wanting to throw my alarm across the room, after smiling as soon as my feet touched the floor (and I am not a morning person), I am certain that your product is worth every cent I put into it.  I look forward to using it for yoga and any other reason I can think of to hear its sweet sound.

3 cheers!“

Kari May

gentle chime clock review

Now & Zen Headquarter Store

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Bamboo Meditation Timer with Elegant, Soothing Chimes

Our Zen Timepiece’s acoustic 6-inch brass bowl-gong clock is the world’s ultimate alarm clock, practice timer, and “mindfulness bell.”

Our Zen Timepiece’s acoustic 6-inch brass bowl-gong clock is the world’s ultimate alarm clock, practice timer, and “mindfulness bell.”  It fills your environment with beautifully complex tones whenever it strikes. In the morning, its exquisite sounds summon your consciousness into awakening with a series of subtle gongs that provide an elegant beginning to your day. Once you experience the Zen Timepiece’s progressive awakening, you’ll never want to wake up any other way. It also serves as the perfect meditation timer. Available in 5 wood styles, including bamboo (shown).

If you like the sound of the bar chime on your original or digital Zen Clock, this is the perfect opportunity to upgrade to our bowl-gong clock, which resonates longer and sounds even more complex. The Zen Timepiece also makes for a unique and culturally sophisticated gift.

meditation chime timers

Now & Zen Headquarter Store

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Now & Zen

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Real Now & Zen Clock Review

Real Customer Review:

“I recently purchased the Zen Clock for my meditation practice.  I enjoy the way the calming, gentle chime ends the time I have put aside for practicing stillness.  I also love using my clock to wake me in the morning – it reminds me of the ongoing need to be clear my mind of things that are bothersome and annoying.“

Body and soul in balance

Now & Zen Headquarter Store

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Zen Alarm Clocks and Meditation & Yoga Timers

Sometimes the fastest way to speed things up is to slow down. Try this slow-motion hand meditation to clear your mind.

However, you can learn to tune in to prana when you’re awake and to build reserves of it.When you remove obstacles to free-flowing prana, you feel more alive and present in your life. Think of how great you feel after a yoga class or a night of dancing or making love. Movement can awaken both prana and awareness.

Slow-motion movement slows your mind. Just a few minutes of it before sitting is an excellent segue to a more subtle meditation practice. Try lifting your arms overhead and slowly releasing them to your sides, concentrating on the micro-movements of your hands as they flow through space. Just a minute of this helps you move into pratyahara, sense withdrawal.

Paying attention to slowing down helps you be mindful during the day. Try brushing your teeth or washing dishes more slowly and see how that brings your mind into the present. Slowing down a yoga pose also helps draw you into a dynamic flow of sensation, breath, and awareness.

A fascinating paradox emerges when you allow yourself to become absorbed in the small details of any physical action. Embracing movement, you are inexorably drawn to the stillness within.

Try Your Hand

1. Sit comfortably and shake out your hands, as if you were flinging water off your fingertips. Deepen your breath slightly. When your hands feel energized, place them on your thighs, palms facing up. Take a few moments to focus on the sensations in your hands. Feel, if you can, the pulse in your fingertips.

2. As your breath deepens, see if you can activate your belly, diaphragm, rib cage, and upper chest. Breathe deep into your belly. Fill your upper chest with air at the top of the inhalation, then see how much you can relax with each exhalation.

3. Imagine a light at the core of your being. As you breathe in, let the light pulse a little brighter. When you exhale, let it pulse a little dimmer. You can even give it a temperature or assign a color to the sensations in your belly.

4. With each breath, imagine this energy filling your chest and shoulders. Feel it flow down your arms and into your palms. Notice light and warmth filling your chest cavity, your rib cage, your arms, your hands.

5. Rest your awareness in and around your hands. Feel the air touching your palms, fingers, and thumbs. Feel the outline of your hands and the space between your fingers. When you’re ready, gently lift your hands off your body just enough to release them into the air, then let them be perfectly still. Relax your shoulders, arms, and palms.

6. Then lift your hands as slowly as possible, almost imperceptibly. Feel the smallest movement in your awareness as you continue to life your hands. See how much you can slow down. Imagine the molecules of air rolling between your fingers. See if you can slow the motion down so much that your hands feel as if they’re moving by themselves.

7. When it feels right, turn your palms toward each other. As your hands come together, pulse them ever so slowly. Imagine, if you can, the edges of the energy field between your hands. You may feel as if you’re holding a ball of pulsing energy, or as if your hands were opposite poles of a magnet. Your mind is relaxed but also aware, witnessing the flow of sensation into your hands.

8. For the next few minutes, let your hands move naturally and your mind observe the smallest details of sensation. At some point, bring your hands to a place on your body that needs healing or attention.

9. In your own time, let your hands come to rest in your lap and sit for a few more minutes in silence.

Yoga and meditation timers and clocks

Now & Zen, Inc.

1638 Pearl St.

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383

Adapted from Yoga Journal.com by Jonathan Foust, M.A., who is a senior teacher and past president of Kripalu Center in Lenox, Massachusetts, runs yoga and meditation retreats and trainings internationally.

meaning and joy

Exhaustion Cause: Lack of Meaning and Joy

Exhaustion Cure: Keep a Journal
Start by recording your sources of disconnection and stress. At the end of each day, write down all the things that created stress in your life, how you reacted to them, and the result of your actions. “After a while, you’ll start to notice patterns,” says Merrell. Then record all the things that bring you joy and pleasure.

Now plot your own route to a more meaningful life. Do less of the things that bring you unhappiness and anxiety, and more of those that make you feel good. You might find, for instance, that a nightly chat with your spouse keeps you grounded, whereas watching TV drains you. You could discover that making time for that dance class is worthwhile even when you’re tired, because you always leave energized. Or that you feel renewed after attending religious services or sitting down to meditate using your Zen Meditation Timer. Follow the trail of the positive, and you’re guaranteed to feel a charge. And if you don’t already, consider practicing random acts of kindness. “Giving to others without expecting anything in return is the highest form of connectivity,” says Merrell.

adapted from Body + Soul, September 2009

Singing Bowl Meditation Timer and Clock

Use our unique “Zen Clock” which functions as a Yoga Timer.  It features a long-resonating acoustic chime that brings your meditation or yoga session to a gradual close, preserving the environment of stillness while also acting as an effective time signal. Our Yoga Timer & Clock can be programmed to chime at the end of the meditation or yoga session or periodically throughout the session as a kind of sonic yantra. The beauty and functionality of the Zen Clock/Timer makes it a meditation tool that can actually help you “make time” for meditation in your life. Bring yourself back to balance.

Now & Zen – The Singing Bowl Meditation Timer Store

1638 Pearl Street

Boulder, CO  80302

(800) 779-6383