Since childhood in Florida, I have been an early riser, especially on weekends and in the summer. School days, not so much. My first impression of dawn was the light changing in the eastern sky as cicadas and night frogs faded into singing birds.
I usually woke up before the rest of my family, sitting on the porch waiting for daybreak. Soon, I was climbing trees, checking for bird’s nests, making sure bees were doing their job, and monitoring morning glory seeds I had planted alongside the garden fence. The freshness of dew and rich dampness smelled of humus, as an occasional green tree frog jumped on my leg as I passed in wet grasses.
Morning light begins earlier in Wisconsin as the northern hemisphere tilts toward the sun. Do you know what bird you hear singing in the dark of morning, as early as 4:00 a.m.? Even though it is still dark out, the robin knows daybreak is coming soon for us. The Robin and I are of kindred spirits.
Over the years, our dogs were accustomed to my schedule and expected early feedings like our four infants. I learned to wake up earlier to beat the rush of their demands, waking up earlier than the Robins.
I have continued my schedule of early mornings into my older years. Rising earlier is more important to me now than when I was younger. Although winter mornings are quiet, still, and beneficial, I welcome Robins' first sighting or sound because they are the sentinels of the morning, symbolizing happiness, optimism, and joy. Rise Up!
Robins sing joyously to one another, rounding up a chorus to celebrate the coming morning! However, I am not singing, but I am listening.
So, why do I get up so early? Regardless of the season, the precious time of the small hours prepares my heart for the day. I pour a coffee, sit quietly, and give myself time for devotion and prayer while preparing my heart and mind for the day. In Julia Cameron’s book The Artist Way, she focuses on nurturing self, which is what dark mornings mean for me. A quote from Cameron is, “Creativity…like human life itself…begins in darkness.” It’s a time for me to be creative, write, sketch ideas, and jot down thoughts that can be used in a book, blog, or artwork description later in her workday. Cameron refers to the benefit of writing “morning pages as a stream of consciousness.” It’s comforting to know there is no wrong way to do it.
Are you an early riser? Do you enjoy Robins’ songs loudly welcoming the day? Or when you hear its joyous morning celebration, do you cover your head with a pillow? I would love to hear your thoughts.
