This week, as I do when I’m able, I’ve been for early morning walks in local woodlands and forests. The walks start between 6am and 7am, and last between 40 and 90 minutes. I’ve seen peregrine falcons, voles, robins, umbrellas of mushrooms, and even a weasel-type creature. I’ve seen squirrels and pigeons and herons and rabbits and ravens. I’ve seen Southern Hawker dragonflies (oh, the brilliance of green on black!), red admiral butterflies, and jewel-like dew. This is quality me-time before the world properly wakes. A pre-coffee wonderland. Magic.
Now, I recognise that just because I enjoy doing something, doesn’t mean everyone will. But I truly believe that the early morning is a special time to clear the head and experience nature’s charm. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not easy to get up at this time and get myself going. Migraines and muscle pain make this challenging but often worth it. Today, it took 40 minutes of walking before my headache lifted, and then things were really good. It was worth persisting.
It seems like fellow humans have been banging on about an early start since the beginning of time, and if you find the right thing to start your day (the right thing for you), then your days could (I stress could, not will; there aren’t any concrete promises here) be transformed. Try it once, see what happens.
If it helps, you could have a goal during your strolls (if this is indeed what you choose as the start to your day). Here are some suggestions:
💕Collect 3 images/noises/smells in your mind to make into a poem later. For example: a butterfly with sunset colours, the sound of squirrels scrambling up a tree, the antiseptic smell of pine.
💕Capture special images with your phone/other camera. If using your phone, put it on aeroplane mode to remain undisturbed. If you wish! This Aussie photographer’s blog is good inspiration. The images I like best are haunting but beautiful.
💕Aim for a certain number of steps/distance.
💕Aim to discover a new route or something new on the same route.
Whatever you decide to do or not do with your mornings, I hope you’ve found at least something useful in this post! I already can’t wait until my next morning adventure. It’s like wishing on a star. Anything is possible.
The Dark Alive 