Walk Into The Sun
Every morning, I walk into the sun. There’s something about the angle of the morning light–rising in the east, peaking just over the horizon–that releases the tension in my face. I don’t wear sunglasses, and if I have a hat, I turn it backward. With a squint in my eyes that makes me look suspicious, I see the white-hot ball in my periphery, and its rays caress away the morning puffiness beneath my eyes. In the afternoon, after the sun has breached the cloud line, the magic window closes.
When sunlight enters your eyes in the morning, it triggers a cascade of health benefits that align your body’s internal clock – the circadian rhythm. Morning sunlight contains blue light wavelengths that signal to the brain it’s time to be awake. This suppresses melatonin (the sleep hormone) and boosts cortisol and serotonin levels, which help improve mood, focus, and energy. Exposure to morning light resets your biological clock, helping you feel more alert during the day and fall asleep more easily at night.
Beyond regulating sleep, early sunlight supports emotional well-being. The increase in serotonin – the “feel-good” neurotransmitter – is linked to reduced depression and anxiety. Studies show that people who regularly get morning light have better moods, more stable energy, and even improved metabolic health. My experience has confirmed the studies, and shown that your creativity and ability to learn will also increase.
Unlike artificial means, natural sunlight provides the full spectrum of light your body was designed to respond to. A short walk or run (or even just sitting on your back porch) with 5-30 minutes of sunlight through the eyes is a powerful, natural way to boost both mental and physical health. It’s like we’re super-charged machines dependent on solar power. Although, you guys know not to stare directly at the sun… right?
Walking into the morning sun signals a new day, and a new beginning. The air is cool. It’s peaceful–quiet. The sun is your morning guide, let it lead you through the dawn chorus of chirping birds as they remind you that you have the permission, and ability, to change the future and release the past.
As I walk into the sun I will also pray. Even if you’re not spiritual or you’ve never prayed before, I’d suggest you try it. There’s no wrong way to do it. You don’t have to be eloquent or speak out loud. The maker of the sun will hear you. Let God read your thoughts–the things you fear and the things you desire. Just ask, and He will hear you, even if you’ve never spoken to Him before.
Every morning, as you walk into the sun, pray–then wait. The Son has risen and will reveal Himself to you.
