[Mischka]

Just wanted to share a little something I do pretty much every day and I have found it helps with my depression symptoms.

I am fortunate enough to not have to exit the home into the workforce so I guess I am afforded this luxury, however, I think anyone who wants to give it a whirl can try it on days off...

I awake naturally now, no alarm clock scaring the you know what out of me, and I get up, get dressed, use the loo, etc... come down to the kitchen, put on the kettle, check my email, run to the kitchen with the kettle whisles loud enough to wake the neighbourhood, then put on a pot of tea... come back to the email, let the tea stew. Once it is done, I take my tea outside, regardless of weather, and watch the sun come up.

Now Dr John can jump in here. I have read and heard that being in that transitional state of sunlight can help with waking up, something in the body/mind gets triggered by sunlight. I don't know what it is specifically (suppose I could Google it) however, I do know that my day seems to go much smoother, happier, and peaceful when I practice this little "tea drinking ritual" in the morning.

For me as far as the Spirituality part of this goes, it connects me with what I have my faith in and I sing songs to greet the day (Spiritual songs, not Billy Idol ones).

I'd love to hear from others who do similar things.

Blessings
Mischka

[pachyderm]

I have to get up early to let my cats in/out and/or feed them. This is before daybreak, at least this time of year, so I don't know if it fits with your story.

Mischka

I have found peace in the morning if you can have it helps alot
Does not always happen that way
But when it does its a good thing
The outside can give so much to the spirit
and its all free
The sun, the flowers the trees, the birds , the landscape
and a good cup of coffee((well that may not be free))
lack of sunlight can cause seasonal affective disorder....
a link
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/08/30/how-sunlight-can-improve-your-mental-health.aspx

finding spirit I think what ever works for each person is great.
For me its outside..........Sometimes its just meditating very quietly by myself
Peace to you
muffy

[Freya]

Very interesting. I know there is a connection between sun exposer (or lack of) and depression (SADD) but I had never really thought about the physical act of watching the sun rise.

Thank you.

[SeptemberMorn]

I have a similar ritual only for me, the coffee us usually already made. I'll get a mug full and go outside to look at my plants and feed the fish in the pond. There's usually a spiritual song going round in my head that I feel God gives to me. Sometimes it's the same song for days and sometimes it's a different one. I'll meditate on the words of the song while doing some minor picking at my flowers and the fish pond.

There's a song that goes "I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses; and the Voice I hear falling on my ear, the Son of God discloses..." That's pretty much how it feels to me.

I don't do early mornings but on the occasional early morning, there's no doubt that I'll find peace in it... listening to the birds and creatures... the world waking up... to a whole new opportunity to make it a good day.

When i used to get manic, my favorite calming thing was sitting on the little rooftop outside my apartment bedroom window. I'd sit there and let the sun rise, listening to the city wake up. Its very tranquil in the mornings.. And a feeling of fresh starts, a time to begin again!

[littlehands]

well,don't know if this is considered awakenings...but, I work 3rd shift in an alzhemiers unit as a CNT, and come home and take care of my 8 month old grand daughter, while her mom (my 16 yr old daughter) is in school. So to be awake and alert is a necessity. LOL... found putting soft music and reading is calming to us both, since she loves music anyway...knowing all my hard work and sacrifice is worth it, to have such a healthy grand baby, and knowing she loves me so much, by the smile on her face when I walk through the door and my daughter getting to stay in school
I am a writer anyway, so writing while overlooking the valley (in Tenn), lots of them since I live on a ridge..deer all over the place, nature takes it's course. hope this fits here?

[nowheretorun]

i enjoy sunrise with coffee, if possible i love to hear the doves or morningbirds.. i watch the day bring life to the land and the life around me... i feel the change between night (and things that go bump) to daylight in a spiritual and psychically connected way as much as a m able to feel it without further complications.. good thread

[Mischka]

Wow... I love all your responses. I like them all. that is awesome that we can find some solace in our busy lives and schedules.

I have added coming here to PC in the mornings and chatting with you all. It is a nice way to start my day, while the tea is brewing and the kids are still sleeping upstairs.

I am wondering what I am going to do come winter when it is just down right cold out there, esp at 6am and the sun doesn't show up until around 8. I guess I will get my heavy winter gear out of hiding, clean it up and put it by the door so I can venture into the freezer that will be my outside not to far from now.

Blessings
Mischka