It’s dark. It’s early.
And I’m prepping coffee to assist in pumping caffeine through my veins.
Awake and reflecting and writing in the early hours. Stealing time out of my sleep schedule. Pushing my body and mind out of the bed and into creativity. Striving for more. Striving for productivity. Walking away from rest.
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It’s dark. It’s late. It’s a world of hush outside.
The lights are on and the TV is chattering. Fast talking and flashing images. My body is tired and asking for rest, but my brain is awake–chasing images across the screen and empathizing with the people and stories.
I’m pumping my mind with more information and stimulation in the name of Entertainment. I am not at rest.
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What if I let the rhythm of creation set the tone and time for the rhythm of my day? What if I stilled myself as dusk whispered its light lullaby over the earth? And what if I didn’t stir myself until the birds and creatures began to stir at the sun’s song?
What if I accepted the night for what it was meant to be? A time of stillness and quiet and rest? And I let the day be the day, all flurried with life and survival and activity?
I wonder what would happen to my mind, heart, soul, and body if I followed the rhythm of life instead of fought against it… I want to find out.
Mama and I have been up since 6AM! Aiiiii !! I woke with her turning on the computer and going to a bible reading program. They read the scriptures aloud and mama reads along silently with her bible open. We discussed Revelation 3:20 afterwards. Christ standing at the door knocking (who is this man? Is he a stranger? Is he homeless? Why is he at the door?) is an interesting scripture, who he is surprised me this morning. Now an hour later she is out preparing b’fast and singing/humming old hymns she is listening to – oh I am so lucky to start a day like this! May God bless you as you start your day with him. Hey, do I hear him knocking at your door?
Morning’ Mandy!
I can’t help but think that’s ultimately the way God designed it. We now have supplements to make our body produce the hormones needed for sleep when they naturally occur with the darkness and setting of the sun (well … OK, i regress, I really don’t know that for sure, but that’s what I hear about melatonin)
I too am full of those “what if’s”.
Great questions to ask. One of the top 3 factors for health issues in our society is lack of quality sleep.
A few tips:
- Get a full 8 hours of sleep.
- Sleep in a fully, dark room.
- turn off all electronic gadgets at least half an hour before bed (the blue light messes with your circadian rhythms).
- ENJOY rest. Fight for it! Guard it! It could be a huge factor in quality of life in your later years. For all the lost hours early in life, you pay for it later!
Winding down befor bed is a great idea. Candles make it even easier to relax and move towards sleep. Read a chapter or two of your favorite book as you unwind.
Did I mention ENJOY your rest?!
I. Love. Rest.
I support you in following the natural rhythms of life.
I love early risings! It’s quiet everywhere and what an amazing opportunity to sit and listen
It is a struggle to bring our own personal Circadian rhythm into sync with that of the society we live in.
To function we need to work by the rhythm of the world. I think we do our best work when we “march to the beat” of our own drum. At least that has been the case with me.
I am a night owl who had to work in a world of mostly early birds. In think I have done my most creative work once I retired, and could throw away societies clock and calendar.
I never got a restful nights sleep until I followed a friends advice, don’t go to sleep until you are tired. Most nights that meant three or four hours sleep, but that beats tossing and turning.
I wish you success in finding the best rhythm to live by.
Finding your rhythm is key. Flowing with that rhythm is a wild ride.
I call it a dance.