In front of the east facing window of her third-floor bedroom she sits in a large living room chair long ago moved to her room. The sky is blue-black and the whole world seems to be in a deep slumber. Sometimes she sits here because worry blocks sleep. At other times, she awakens to complete work, but most times at this hour, she is seeking stillness for prayer and meditation.
It is 5:15 a.m. On the horizon of the black-navy sky is a thin tangerine orange colored line of light. All else fades from her mind as the muted brightness of the line captures her attention. Without any effort her mind rivets on the brilliant streak of light. Gradually, the light widens and becomes the color of the meat inside a tangerine; all the white web-like strings make the sections look a powdered orange in color. The sky above the orange is a dark purple now. In long peaceful sections, the orange becomes diluted. In minutes, a periwinkle blue fills the heavens.
A quiet is yet in the air and it fills her. In her stillness and solitude, she has met the dawn. The strength and hope for another day are hers because she met the dawn.
It is so with the dawning of consciousness from sleep. In gentleness we must awaken if we are to see the first streaks of our virgin thoughts. These have not yet been tainted by our faulty logic and misguided behaviors. They come from the essence of who we are, and if we are wise, we sense these gifts are seeded beyond ourselves. These musing are fragile; they can be lost if we are too abrupt in our awakening. If we slowly surface to consciousness and note what occurs within, we invariably find a treasure of solutions, guides, and understandings that assist us immeasurably with the demands of the coming day. These first moments are an extraordinary source of clarity, creativity, motivation, and perseverance. The insights are momentary. Be still. Note this empowered consciousness at dawn. It can transform your life.
Reflections
Are you a morning or night person? At which time are you most attuned to life? Sunset/Dusk can be a time of stillness, too. Find your time and note what thoughts furnish your interior being. Jot them down before they vanish.
Keep a notepad and pen on your bedside table. Upon awakening, write the key words of the thoughts that are present. Later fill in the details.
Dorothy W. Tatem, D.Min., ACC
Senior Associate
Next Step Associates, LLC
Cassandra W. Jones, Ed.D.,
CEO & President
Recent Comments