Somewhere along the more mystical side of my personal journey I read the advice to turn to the sun. To invite the sun to be a part of your daily life. To rise with the sun and to pause and notice the sunset. I took that advice to heart and started to pay more attention first particularly to sunsets.

When I was younger I remember fondly many beach sunsets with Jason’s parents in Florida. Jason’s dad, John, loved walking down to the beach at sunset. And when I was a child I have pictures of me dancing and singing on the beach; clearly inspired by that magic of the sunset light on the beach. I needed to learn to pay attention to the sunsets when I wasn’t at the beach. I started to notice the watercolor paintings at sunset no matter my location. The magic of sunset colors can be found even among the tall buildings of a city and certainly beyond the rolling farm fields of Wisconsin.

My relationship with the sunrise took me a bit longer to develop. Just recently, I established a relationship with the sunrise, inspired by my dad. My dad recently turned 80 years old and has prolifically shared with his family via text photos his appreciation of the sunrise and all the possibilities it inspires. Follows is an example of one of the many texts my dad has sent his family.

I really can’t imagine a more beautiful sentiment to start my day with. So now I too rise with the sun most days and leash up my dogs and head out to see the sun. I walk without music or the news and try my best to just be in the moment enjoying my time taking my dogs for a walk. It works great until we see another dog then all bets are off on the calm and peace. Fortunately, at sunrise I rarely run into any other dog walkers. There are a few other walkers but that doesn’t elicit the five alarm fire from the trio that another dog on their street does. I am not proud of their antics and we are working on not completely freaking out when we see another of their species.

It is amazing how starting my day with my dogs, the movement and the sun gives me a purpose and peace that lasts. Turning to the sun gives me a connection to nature that is grounding. Following the rhythms of the earth, moon and sun just feels good to me. Connecting to nature can be an amazing guide when we allow it.

This past Christmas we compiled sunrise and sunset pictures for my dad in a book with quotes from the family. It was one of my favorite gifts I’ve ever given. Follows is a celebration of turning to the sun. Thank you dad for reminding us of all that is possible in each new day.