Wednesday, November 21, 2007

This morning, because I slept late (5:00 a.m.!), the skies were beginning to lighten as I did my brisk walk up and down the hilly street in front of my apartment. It felt strange not to be exercising in the total dark – to actually be able to see the early sunlight start to spread across the sky. I think I prefer the darkness. I like the time of morning, around 4:30, when night seems still in control. Under the black sky it’s a quiet time, with almost no cars passing, and thus more useful for meditation. While I pace to the top of the long hill and then down again, over and over, I allow my mind to settle down to an enjoyment of each moment. I’m not trying to get anywhere or accomplish anything special; I just listen to my footsteps and appreciate the silence of the morning. Today, under a brightening sky, my mind seemed more industrious than usual, more eager to get the busy day moving forward. I wasn’t as serene as I usually am while I exercise.

Tomorrow, I’ll set the alarm clock earlier.