Hi elektralsole!
Oh, definately! That's one of the most prominently taught techniques out there - wake up early in the morning, perform some kind of slightly grounding activity, mental activity, a good tinkle, whatever, and then set intent and either drop back into sleep or try to exit through meditation. Your focus on the mental activity may just be the best way for you to do it.
At that time in the morning it's particularly easy to meditate, since our body is still so close to sleep. If you can wilfully keep your consciousness from drifting back into sleep, you have a good chance of AP in this state, and the best way to keep your consciousness awake is to occupy its attention for a moment or two fully without stirring your body (at least so I've found). This sounds pretty much identical to your technique. Let me know if you ever find any other additions to this that help you!
JP
Oh, definately! That's one of the most prominently taught techniques out there - wake up early in the morning, perform some kind of slightly grounding activity, mental activity, a good tinkle, whatever, and then set intent and either drop back into sleep or try to exit through meditation. Your focus on the mental activity may just be the best way for you to do it.
At that time in the morning it's particularly easy to meditate, since our body is still so close to sleep. If you can wilfully keep your consciousness from drifting back into sleep, you have a good chance of AP in this state, and the best way to keep your consciousness awake is to occupy its attention for a moment or two fully without stirring your body (at least so I've found). This sounds pretty much identical to your technique. Let me know if you ever find any other additions to this that help you!
JP