When I started my sun rise experiment in 2020, I did not understand how a simple practice could lead to such a big shift in perspective. I believed people who lived close to the land probably felt a deep connection, probably understood life differently than I ever would.

I started to walk to see the sunrise because I wanted to prove to myself I could do it. I could get up in the morning and dedicate my first minutes of the day to watch the sun rise. My biggest barrier was the doorway. I wanted to avoid getting close to the doorway in my weather-appropriate clothing. I have enough clothing I can be warm on the coldest days, but I remain avoidant of being cold, of shivering. If I stayed away from the doorway, I would feel the pull to open the door to the outside.

After three months, I felt the hang of it. It was still February and cold, but I didn’t have to rise too early and my legs were used to the route. I noticed, still, how impatient I felt on the walk to the ridge. I didn’t want to miss dawn and all the colours, I wanted the best part to last the longest.

By the end of the year, I didn’t mind the walk. I’d gotten used to letting go of my nighttime dreams during the walk, thinking a bit about my intention for the day- to serve love- and the flowing movement of walking.

Seeing the sun rise everyday didn’t become my habit. Appreciating the sun rise each day has become a way of life for me.

My testimonial for engaging with life as it’s unfolding: You’ll feel. Your body will feel lighter. Your mood will shift. The sun as teacher is warm and kind, consistent and radiant.