I have found that there is nothing quite like waking up to meditation. Because the mind is not so active and has just come out of the subconscious from sleep, rest and relaxation. Therefore the consciousness is more receptive to the peace, often long sought for, that comes from meditation practice. It can be more difficult to settle the mind during the day; once it has been activated to solve the challenges of daily living. If we live with others it is very helpful to meditate with them. However if they do not and we can wake up before them and meditate we will easily recognize the mixed feelings in others that comes from waking and the restlessness of indulging in food immediately upon awakening.
If we connect with the inner peace of rest from the previous nite we can carry it over into the days activities.
We may find ourselves still absorbed in that inner tranquility after meditation as well and find it a good time for reflection and perhaps spiritual reading. In this meditative state we just have come out of we can often see clearer to challenges we face and can respond to others from an understanding that may not be possible when the mind is churned up by activity.
Over the years I have noticed places, times and conditions conducive to meditation for me.
1. Natural places the ocean, bodies of water, the mountains, sand dunes, streams, rivers and forests are very helpful for calming us and enhance the meditation process.
2. Meditating at spiritual places is very helpful... where masters or saints are buried, where Masters or saints meditated or inhabited especially in their presence.
3. Meditating with others especially spiritually elevated humans.
4. Keeping company with other spiritual aspirants that meditate.
5. Meditating at the golden hour; twilight before the Sun rises or before it sets.
I have much to add to this thread. Hope some of you participate. Next I intend to include conditions favorable and unfavorable for meditation.