Daybreak

I quite often pause to notice a sunrise or sunset, but daybreak is another matter. Depending on the time of the year, and where in the world you are located, it is not always easy catching the first light of morning. In August, I started heading outside about forty-five minutes before sunrise in order to experience this magical time of the day. Folded into a soft blanket, sitting back in a comfy chair, drinking a big cup of steaming coffee or tea, I have now witnessed daybreak on a number of occasions and in a few different locations. I found I was not only witnessing daybreak, but also the last moments of night. I get goose bumps just thinking about it.

You don’t need a view to experience this phenomenon, but I must say it enhances the magic. Recently, while traveling in Switzerland and staying at around the 5,000 ft. level, I was able to fully appreciate the Lauterbrunnen valley and surrounding mountains in a different way. Observing the stars punctuating the night sky, and the silhouette of the snowy mountains at daybreak, was jaw-dropping beautiful. It brought tears to my eyes as the sun kissed the tips of the peaks. All I needed was the sound of a choir hitting a high C note. For lack of a choir, I clapped my hands with joy.

When I initially began my daybreak quest, I had not realized how much it would involve the senses. Here are a few observations of mine from home:

• Quiet, as if someone said, "Shh"
• Moon and stars vividly mark their time then fade as the morning light seeps in on a clear night
• Contrast of dark and light as the silhouettes of trees come into view
• Light fog rising and falling above the ground
• Cool dampness producing the sharp smell of dried leaves and grasses
• Faint foghorns from the ferries moving through the water miles away
• Heavy dew falling from the trees like rain
• Ebb and flow of muffled train whistles in the distance
• Light stretching and yawning across the morning sky
• Bats flit about before they retreat from the light
• Spiders leave the center of their webs, as if on cue
• First bird song of the day
• Small flocks of birds taking flight here and there
• Croak of a nearby frog
• Roosters heralding the morning
• Full light of morning reminding me it is time to start moving with the rhythm of the day
• Tummy growls telling me it is time for breakfast
• Drops of dew shining like a million diamonds across the lawn
• Sense of peace and calm settles over me as I begin a fresh, new day full of awareness and inspiration

Creating space for ourselves is not easy, especially if it means setting the alarm a bit earlier in the morning. If I can do it, so can you. Involve your senses and join me and the rest of the menagerie of birds, frogs, spiders and bats, and hit a high C note, crow like a rooster or just clap your hands with joy as day breaks in your corner of the world.

Daybreak photo courtesy of Mary Anne Enriquez