How often do you do anything at sunrise? Me rarely. In winter the sun comes up to late for me to do anything as I am usually at work and in the summer it is the middle of the night.
However, once in a while there is something quite magical about getting up before sunrise, to watch it happen.
When we are out of our usual day to day or even out of the country on our holidays, it is much easier to make the effort to watch the sunrise. Being abroad makes watching a sunrise more appealing as you are there to relax and enjoy out with your usual surroundings. Plus you are not in a rush to be anywhere and can always go back to bed afterwards.
Why do we find sunrises appealing?
Sunrises bring in the new day and with it a new beginning filled with many possibilities. It can change the way we look at a landscape, as the light grows and the darkness fades the shadows retreat and we see the land and sea before us in all its beauty. Whilst time is moving forward, in that moment, watching the sun appear above the horizon, it is almost at a standstill. Nothing else can match the beauty of a sunrise. Every day will be different.
What can sunrises teach us?
To slow down – take a moment and watch. Stop the rushing and focus on the beauty it brings. Pay attention to the light and where it lands and what shapes or areas are still in the shadowy dark. We take it for granted every day the sun will rise. Unless you live in a place where darkness befalls you for 6 months or so of the year. For the rest of us, we will see the sun and assume each day it will be there. Every so often, stop what you are doing and enjoy the sunrise.
To begin again – each day brings with it an opportunity for a new start. What are you going to do with yours? The possibilities are endless. The likelihood is you will be doing your usual day to day with little room for manoeuvre. But could you create a small window of opportunity to make a change to your routine every once in a while to give yourself a new beginning you deserve. It could be as simple as drawing a line under what has gone before and from that moment, that beautiful sunrise it is onwards and upwards.
To look at things differently – You might have been there a hundred times before, but watching the sunlight appear can change how it normally looks, giving you a new perspective and a new experience.
Here are some ideas of how you can enjoy a sunrise:
- Look out of a window and watch. You might be lucky enough to look out to the east where the sun will rise and watch. This is the easiest way to do it. But for many of us, our windows may not point in easterly so you may need to watch from your garden instead. Wrap up warm and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the moment.
- Go to a beach and watch. I always think there is something very magical about being close to the sea when the sun is rising. It sets up a calming environment as you listen to the waves crashing or calmly lapping at the shore as the sun begins it ascent. The feel of the sand on your feet and the sea air on you. It is a full on sensory experience.
- Climb a hill and observe from up high. I know this might not be possible in your area, but there is usually always a hill of some description nearby, where you can observe all around. Think how spectacular it will be to watch as the light envelopes you. You could take a 360 photo to remember the experience. If it is cold, you could always take a hot chocolate with you to stay cosy.
- Go to your favourite place – whilst you may not be in the right spot facing east to see the spectacular sunlight appear on the horizon, you can notice how your favourite space transitions from dark to light. Showing you a different perspective and perhaps enhancing your experience. Giving you a lovely memory of your favourite place.
- Make it a ritual – I’m not talking about chants and head pieces or dancing in a circle. Make it your own. It might be something you look to do once a year. Where you make a promise to yourself, or you celebrate loved ones you have lost, or you take a deep breathe in and out and move forward from what’s been holding you back. You might decide to do it on a particular date each year or watch it on a significant date. Do what feels right for you.
Sunrises are special and everyday they appear, making us forget how wonderful they truly are. We all require sunlight as it provides for us in many ways, and for that we are all grateful. But watching a sunrise, can really make you stop and think as to how amazing the sun is, how amazing you are and how amazing it is to be on this earth.
Slow down and take a moment every once in a while to watch a sunrise. It can be as simple as opening your curtains or as thought out as a breakfast picnic on a hill as you watch the magic of the day begin.
Don’t forget the sun can damage your eyes so always wear sun glasses when watching the sunrise.
Have a wonderful day and week ahead. The sun will be waiting for you tomorrow.
Take care and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 