First Light: August 31 - September 6

Sunrise at Rehoboth Beach

When I was a Franciscan novice, a bell called us to prayer every morning, noon, evening, and night. Back then, I can't say I loved heading to chapel throughout the day but it did instill a habit of honoring the hours of the day. I no longer live in a monastery but I do consider the first minutes of the day to be sacred. My bedroom becomes a chapel. My bed becomes a choir stall. My breath becomes a psalm.

These days, my morning ritual goes something like this. I never set an alarm but wake up naturally as light begins to peek through the shades. While in bed, before I open my eyes, I stretch out my legs and set an intention.

May my feet walk gently on the earth this day.

I slowly open my eyes.

May I recognize the gift of the new day

and use it mindfully.

I consciously pay attention to breath.

Everything I need this day has already been given.

May my heart remain open.

Many mornings, Patrick and I hop on our bikes and head to the beach. We greet the sun, the ocean, and the shore before heading home to work. And life becomes a prayer.

Practice

Create your own morning ritual. Set an intention. Bring mindfulness to an everyday activity like taking a shower or making coffee. Develop the habit of honoring life in all of its forms. Bring a sense of gratitude and loving kindness into the rest of the day.