How should the day be started and ended?
Rise everyday as if you are rising from death. Say, “Thus I am born. Make me speak soft sweet words, make me behave coolly and comfortingly towards all, let me do deeds that shower happiness on all and form ideas in my mind which are beneficial to all. May this day be worthwhile by Thy Service” – pray like this, sitting on your bed, before you start the day’s schedule. Remember that pledge throughout the day. When you retire at night, sit up and examine quickly all the experiences of the day, see whether you have caused pain or displeasure to any one by any word or deed. Then pray, “I am now dying and falling into Your lap. Pardon me for any lapse; take me under Your loving shelter.” After all, sleep is a short death and death a long sleep.(SSS Vol 7, pg 23-24)