Being mindful by watching the sun as it rises:
Today I woke up at 5am. Feeling tired but too wired to go back to sleep, I climbed out of bed to open the curtains.
And was treated to the most magnificent sunrise.
So this is what I woke up at ridiculous o’clock for, I mused.
I love a good sunrise, and a good sunset too. I can sit and stare at them all day long as each changing moment brings new beauty to admire.
Sadly, I haven’t seen either for a good while. In the midst of British summertime, with a very early sunrise and a very late sunset, I’m usually in bed for both.
And while I am absolutely delighted summer is here, I do miss seeing those awe-inspiring skies.
So this morning was a very special treat for me.
As I observed the wonder of this morning’s fiery sky, I felt reflective.
I thought about how uncertain life can sometimes be. But we can always be certain that the sun will rise and that the sun will set. Even if it is hiding away behind those infamous British grey clouds.
I was reminded of how today is a new day, as Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield wrote:
“Each morning we are born again.
What we do today is what matters most.”
Today is a beautiful new day. And I choose to make a good one.
So with this in mind, my happy for today is being mindful by watching the sun as it rises.