A reflection on a sunrise

Jul 28

Greetings from D.C.

I couldn’t sleep last Wednesday night. Unfortunately, I don’t sleep well many nights, but that particular evening was especially challenging. Eventually I threw in the proverbial towel and decided to do something I don’t do often enough—watch the sunrise.

How breathtaking! As I sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with a few tens of people, I became mesmerized by the sun and her glory and overwhelmed by what she represented to me that morning—a sense of peace and calm…the hope and promise that comes with new beginnings.

When was the last time you viewed a sunrise? Maybe it was this morning, to which I say good for you (and I do mean this!). For me, it was last week. Before that? Umm…I remember trying on New Year’s Day (only to be met by a cloudy sky). Every living thing on Earth is dependent upon the sun rising for the nourishment that she provides, and we have an opportunity every day to relish in her beauty. And yet…more times than not I choose to sleep through the alarm (or more likely, to not even set one at all, at least not for this purpose).

The same is true with the breath. When was the last time you consciously were aware of your breath (aside from this exact moment after reading this question)? We as human beings breathe more than 20,000 times* per day, passively connecting to our life force (or prana) with each and every inhale and exhale. And yet…more times than not I go hours on end without consciously being aware of my breath at all.

What if instead… I chose differently…I chose to watch a sunrise on a more regular basis, or to breathe more consciously throughout the day. Might I find this sense of peace and calm more accessible to me on a more regular basis? Might I find myself more hopeful and grateful to the possibilities that lie ahead? What else might come up for me if I just allowed myself to sit and be in the beauty that is around and within me?

I am reminded of Nayyirah Waheed’s poem, as you are | you are the prayer.

‘as you are.’ says the universe. ‘after…’ you answer. ‘as you are.’ says the universe. ‘before…’ you answer. ‘as you are.’ says the universe. ‘when…’ you answer. ‘as you are.’ says the universe. ‘how…’ you answer. ‘as you are.’ says the universe. ‘why…’ you answer. ‘because you are happening now. right now. right at this moment and your happening is beautiful. the thing that both keeps me alive and brings me to my knees. you don’t even know how breathtaking you are. as you are.’ says the universe through tears.

I encourage you to watch a sunrise this week. You will not be sorry. In addition, try this as a simple breathing practice: a) set an alarm for every four hours (I set mine for 10a, 2p, 6p and 10p); b) set a timer for two minutes; c) consciously breathe—count to 4 on your inhale, pause for 4, count to 4 on your exhale, pause for 4; d) repeat for two minutes or until your timer goes off.

Remember—we are all breathtaking and beautiful and exactly as we should be at this moment. As always, please reach out to connect.

With gratitude,

*From WebMD