A couple of days a week, I rise at 4:35 a.m.; that blurry, fuzzy time that feels like neither night nor morning.
I often have difficulty sleeping soundly on those nights I know I need to get up that early, as I abhor the sound of an alarm clock buzzing away in its terrible nasal-y tone, waking me up and rattling my nerves first thing.
So I anticipate the inevitable most of the night, tossing and turning, and glancing at the time periodically in order to beat the alarm, and to check how much longer I have the comfort of my warm bed.
For the past few years now I've been rising that early in order to give myself the gift of gently rousing myself and preparing for my day ahead at my client's home, which entails a long morning drive and a stop at the market before arriving for a few hours of cooking.
It's a time for contemplation, and for silent conversation with my Creator, and it's when I remind myself that all is possible if I choose to stay open and grab a hold of, with both hands, each moment...
And even though I would much rather be in my cozy and comfortable bed, sleeping for an extra couple of hours, there is something soothing about that early morning time when Los Angeles still slumbers and is at rare peace, with only the chirps of a few birds and the gentle slap of the neighbor's morning newspaper delivery being tossed onto their driveway, breaking the silence.
It's that quiet time before the dawn breaks, that darkness before the light.
It's that time of bleariness and in-between-ness, of extreme vulnerability and fragility.
It's during that stillness that I feel the flutter of the wings of those butterflies that permanently reside in my belly, which represent my hopes, desires, and those things I care about and that matter most to me, or make me slightly nervous.
The quiet darkness before the dawn has become a sort of sacred time for me, one in which I take pleasure in the little things, like a strong hot cup of French press coffee that slowly brings me to life, and watching my little dog Lola as she slips into deep slumber next to me on her soft blanket (oh how I envy her at times).
It's a time for contemplation, and for silent conversation with my Creator, and it's when I remind myself that all is possible if I choose to stay open and grab a hold of, with both hands, each moment in my upcoming day and release any fears or doubts that bubble up.
I am so grateful for the quiet darkness just before the dawn, even if I am experiencing it through a still-sleepy, half open lens.
I am grateful for its welcoming arms, for its encouragement, for its kindness, and its gentleness.
I am thankful for the peaceful beginning to my day that it offers me, and for that sacred space found in those few moments as I sip that delicious coffee, gathering myself a little before the world around me awakens, gaining a merciful head start.
I need the softness of the early morning, before being thrust into a jarring world.
At 4:35 am, light begins to be ushered in...
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing 'from the heart' with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
tree
Thank you for sharing this. I too spend time with my Source in meditation before day breaks. It is a time for me to remember that separation is an illusion. I am one with my Source and all other beings. As I breathe in i breathe in my Source; and as i breathe out my Source breathes me in. A few minutes later there can be mantras - i like the long form of the Gayatri mantra, some mindfulness and I restate my yummy vows. Life is awesome.
The Cozy Apron
Hi tree, life is awesome, indeed! Thanks so much for sharing your lovely method of centering yourself.
Jess Hughes
Beautiful. Thank you!
The Cozy Apron
Jess, thank YOU! 🙂
Deborah Behney
I just loved this post. LOVE IT!
The Cozy Apron
Hi Deborah, thanks so much! ❤️