In our household waking to the blaring sounds of 1970s classic rock is an everyday occurrence. Each morning I am jolted from sleep by wailing guitar riffs or the screechy voice of Robert Plant (our station happens to favor Led Zeppelin). I've tried to explain to my beloved — the master of the alarm clock — that beginning the day in such a rough fashion can't possibly be good for the heart or mind or even the emotions. So he switched our wake-up to the generic alarm function. I am now ripped from my dreams by an impersonal, high-piched "beeeep beeeep."

Isn't there something between the two?

In a strong anti-alarm clock essay for Beliefnet, Sarvananda Bluestone campaigns for the end of the traditional alarm clock. "The alarm clock is a form of violence. It jars us at the time when we are most vulnerable and helpless. . . .We in the West have been shocking ourselves into wakefulness for a long time," he writes. "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."

Bluestone suggests several alarm alternatives that offer gentle solutions for regaining consciousness and stepping into the day.

Chime Clocks: Softer than an alarm buzzer, these clocks only look traditional.

Zen Clocks: These 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. Also available in a digital style and in a brass-bowl version with a series of subtle gongs.

Light, Sound, and Scents: The Peaceful Progression clock uses a gradual increase in ambient light, stimulating aromas, and sounds from nature to awaken sleepers.

Good Morning, Sunshine: With a built-in light that fades in from zero to full intensity over selected time intervals the Soleil Sunrise Alarm Clock may also treat Seasonal Affective Disorder, depression, and sleep disorders.

Good Morning, Sunshine: Alarm Clock

Cost: $79.00

Where to Buy it: Amazon

[via Beliefnet]

Image: everyonecan.org