Rise and Shine
We refer to the sunrise as that time when the upper edge of the sun appears over the horizon. It’s really a beautiful event, seemingly regardless of where you are.
But contrary to the notion, and to the words we use to describe it…a sunrise is nothing of the sort. You see, the sun isn’t moving at all (relative to our observation). and it certainly isn’t “rising”.
What we’re experiencing is a result of our own point of reference, the earth’s rotation, and axial tilt. Because our point of view is fixed, these factors combine to give us the illusion that the sun is “rising”.
So right now, you’re thinking one of two things:
1. That’s really interesting…you know, axial tilt and all.
— or —
2. Must you ruin the vision of a beautiful sunrise? Just enjoy the damn thing.
And in my humble opinion, both thoughts are spot on!
There are so many awesome thoughts and metaphors that come to mind when we think about or look at a beautiful sunrise.
Thoughts of birth and beginning and renewal. Thoughts of the chance to start anew. Feelings of warmth and wonder, as the sunlight fills and warms everything around us.
And a few other thoughts dawned on me this morning as well (couldn’t help myself)
First…
I think sometimes we look at our hopes and dreams and goals and aspirations…as we look at the sunrise. We sit and watch, and we wait for them to “rise”.
We do this, instead of realizing that by taking control of our own thoughts and actions (dare I say our own rotation and axial tilt), we can and will in fact produce that incredible rebirth and renewal that the sunrise symbolizes. Different as it may be for each of us.
Second…
We shouldn’t take for granted, all of the beauty that precedes the sunrise.
Think about it…sunrise isn’t a sudden transition from darkness to light, in the snap of a finger. It isn’t like turning on a switch.
It’s a gradual effect. We start to see the light, more and more and more… And as we do, the warmth of the sun starts to find us.
I think our own journey should be the same way. We mustn’t forget to enjoy it, and to share it, along the way. We must not believe that it is only at that moment of reveal, that our own sunrise can bring light and warmth to those around us.
And…
The sunrise is available to us, every day, no matter where we are, no matter what we’re doing. Whether we’re talking about the literal or figurative sunrise, it is always there, if we’ll only recognize it and embrace it.
But how often do we take it for granted?
I hope your day is starting off as good as mine is friends.
The sunrise is always a work in progress. Just like all of us.
