Why Catching the Sunrise is Good For You

Can something so simple be so positive? There is nothing like waking up in the morning and going to out to see the sunrise.

I caught the sunrise in a small town along the transcanada highway. The morning was crisp, and the cool breeze from the harbour juxtaposed with the warmth of the mixed palette of light from the sunrise. The restorative qualities of the natural light show that sunrise is like a deep massage for the soul.

The Benefits of Sunrise on the body

As you bathe in the beauty of a sunrise, you catch yourself remembering the science. The sun does not move. It’s the Earth’s rotation toward the east that makes it seem that way, as well as the unique oblate spheroid shape of the Earth, much like a round cushion squashed at both ends. It is a spectacular moment filled with peace.

“Every sunrise is a blessing, it’s an opportunity to learn something new and to create something that can benefit others. It also gives a chance to make amends. Use it wisely before sunset.”

Eugenia Herlily

Colour and Frequency

The research is falling in with what our body already tells us – Sunrise is good for the body. There are various aspects which bring the whole together. One of the main keys to the benefits of sunrise is the frequency of light and colour.

The colours produced during Sunrise are caused by a phenomenon known as scattering. This is a change in direction of light caused by particles in the atmosphere. Various ‘scatterings’ are named after the scientists who discovered them, Like the Rayliegh scattering and Mie scattering.

Each colour works with energy frequency in our own body. Our brain reacts to the colours as it goes through the changes. My personal favourite is purple, which said to promote a sense of calm and peace.

Additional benefits

• Direct sunlight is a main source of vitamin D.
  
• It helps to set our circadian rhythm.
  
• It makes you feel good via a boost in balancing the chemicals in the brain which elevate your mood.

Spiritual Connections

The artist J. M. W. Turner (1775-1851), whose depictions of nature often captured the essence of light exuding through landscapes, is said to have declared “The Sun is God.” on his death bed. Did he perhaps gain some deeper insight during his last hours to our spiritual connection to nature?

Every living creature, wherever they are world, will experience the benefits of the Sun.

There is a reason why contemplatives rise early to pray or meditate. Each sunrise is marker of our continuous existence, a reminder of our return to our corporal body to make adjustments and improve our lives.

“Nature unfolds her treasure at the first ray of sunrise.”

Kishore Bansal

In the West, with industrialisation and the move away from agricultural spaces, there is less time to be in nature, which includes ceremonies celebrating events in nature.

In North America, many indigenous nations still gather to celebrate with a Sunrise ceremony which consists of prayers of gratitude for all creation, and sacred plant medicines, such as sweet grass and cedar may be used to smudge. The Cherokee have a beautiful song for the morning:

How to make the best of Sunrise

To be fully present at a sunrise is an Aha moment which works with the our energy. Here are some ways you can make the best of it:

• Early to bed early to rise.

• Find an east facing window at dawn.
  
• Give yourself time away from electronic devices before going to sleep.

• Ground yourself to the Earth at sunrise and recharge your body.

• Take a walk at sunrise.

The sunrise is available to all who seek it. It is the charging station for the body and a chance for us to align ourselves with nature.