Why Wake Early

Hello sun in my face:

One of my favorite poets has a wonderful poem and collection titled: “Why I Wake Early.” Mary Oliver is a lover of nature and she wakes early to enjoy it. At the end of this piece you will hear her read this poem. If you do not live in nature, she will take you there. As we begin a time of increasing darkness and colder weather for some, we are reminded of how we must seek light. Put yourself in places where you can get some sun–inside or outside.

The miserable and the crotchety:

Several years ago I remember I experienced a lack of sleep created by my elderly cat Tabitha’s cries. Perhaps she was suffering from senile dementia. She was awake all of the time and that is abnormal for a cat. There is no rising early when you are up all through the night.   

Arianna Huffington recently wrote a book on sleep called “The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time.” One of her key complaints is all the technology we are surrounded by – iPads, iPhones, TV’s,  and computers. She says “turn them off and read poetry before bed.” This will help you sleep well.

Burning the candle at both ends:

My mother stayed up late to read and watch or listen to her sports’ teams. And then she woke early to listen to the BBC and because  to “wake early” was her preference. I don’t know how she burned the candle at both ends, but she always said she needed only 4-5 hours of sleep. I know I need more than that.

At this time we give thanks for the blessings we have been given–the sun in our face. And we pray for all those suffering and those who need of food and a home. Awaken in us the seeds of generosity.