Seattle winters can be rough, weather wise. Some days you don’t see the sun at all. During the first winter of the pandemic, my husband and I started a practice that gave me a boost of energy and hope to navigate the figurative and literal gray days. It’s called sunrise chasing. If you follow me on Instagram, you have probably heard me preach this list practice in my stories and if not, welcome. :)
In the depths of winter, the sunrise is around 7:55 am. These days, I am waking up around 6 am so that I can fit in my writing. As I sit by candle light to write, I look out the window and watch the night sky slowly morph like transition glasses when coming inside from a sunny day.
That’s when I know time is getting close. I throw on my jacket over my PJs, grab my closest shoes and head out the door to greet the morning sky. I get excited to see the sunrise because to be honest, on certain really gray days, it’s the biggest light shift my eyes might witness.
Not only are there numerous mental health and circadian rhythm benefits to meeting the morning light (you can learn more about the science on the Huberman Podcast), but this morning dance also activates a childhood wonder that gives me a boost of endorphins for the rest of the day.
I walk out my front door on the west side of a hill and look up to notice the shades of colors projected on the morning sky. I feel like a dog hound sniffing for clues. I head east out of logical instinct, yet the magical aspect of sunrise chasing is that sometimes that’s not where the most light comes from. I get to stay present. Curious.
I wonder through the neighborhood without an agenda. I feel my body alive as I walk with an excited bounce in each step. I feel anticipation build—the same way a toddler dances in place with eagerness as their parents unwrap a lollypop. I examine the streets and sky like it is the first time I am seeing them. Even the most unimpressive sunrises are still beautiful. Any amount of light during this season feels nourishing.
Awe pours out of my mouth as I walk up the hill with my chin high, staring at the sky. Streaks of pink emerge. I start salivating because I know it is going to be a good one. I pause and turn around and see the early rays of the sunrise bouncing off of the Olympics in the west. The snow top mountains glow with a baby pink ruby color. My heart opens at the reverence of nature. I turn back around and continue to climb to the top of the hill— chasing the source of light.
At the top of the hill, I pause again. Going left is the logical choice where I know I will be able to see the sunrise and head back home in a more efficient manner. Yet, taking a right is where the most light is coming from and where my intuition wants to carry me.
I resist the urge to let my logical brain hijack the childhood wonder. I take a right and follow the longer route. A mini morning adventure awaits. Each second that goes by, each step I take, the sky morphs and changes. A reminder that nothing stays the same and life happens quickly.
I arrive at the source of light. Orange burning embers crackle behind the Cascade Mountains—illuminating the southern range. I pause to breathe in the beauty and pause to breathe out. I feel like a plug getting juiced up by the electrical socket of the sun. My whole face smiles as I stand there, soaking in the rays. I feel connected to something bigger than myself. Inspired by nature’s creative consistency. My eyes get wider as the morning light glows brighter.
I observe the sunrise for 2-10 minutes before feeling the need to return home and begin the workday. I head back with a full battery and so grateful to be alive. This practice gives me so much life that I notice on the days I don’t make it outside because of the excuses in my mind:
“It’s too dark of a morning. The sunrise and effort is not worth it.”
“Ughh, It’s raining so hard, I don’t want to put on all of those layers.”
“I don’t have enough time. It isn’t worth it”
I always regret it. I get a headache because my first breath of fresh hair then doesn’t happen until the afternoon. Cooped up energy suffocates my brainpower and spirit.
Sunrise chasing has become my daily(ish) morning pill to counteract the winter blues and carry some playful energy into my day. I start this practice when Daylight Saving time begins in November and I usually wind it down when spring arrives in March.
If you are looking for a boost of energy during the winter months, I welcome you to join me for some magical sunrise chasing adventures.
Directions for your Sunrise Chasing Adventure:
Ask Google what time sunrise will happen for you in your place in the world.
Head out the door 5 minutes before and activate your childhood wonder as you look for the light to guide you. Try to let go of the logical brain. Let curiosity lead as you chase the light.
Follow the light until you get as close to the morning source as possible. You don’t have to be on a hill or high point to see the morning light. Maybe you see streaks of sunlight illuminate in between buildings. Maybe you notice the light bouncing off of windows and casting shadows. If you live in an apt that can see the sunrise, then I welcome you to pause and watch the sunrise from your window or balcony. If you live in a relatively flat area, maybe you just look up and see the shades of color and shapes of clouds transform.
If you are commuting or taking the kiddos to school during the sunrise, see if you can get yourself and each other to pause and savor the light while in transition mode.
Pause for a few moments to soak in the energy of the sunrise and charge your batteries. If it feels helpful for a dose of accountability and community, take a picture and share it with me on Instagram @OneWade #SunriseChasing.