Dawn

Photo: Somraj Gupta

I looked through the skylight this morning as the East became pearl gray with charcoal-smudge clouds. Several months ago at the same time the sun was up as I readied myself for an onslaught of contractors. Later this morning I looked out my back door and saw lights on in many of the surrounding apartments.

 

The contrast between the natural light of dawn and the golden light of electric bulbs in rooms made me aware of how artificial urban life has become. We are a species removed from Nature. However, Nature surrounds us and ultimately influences our lives. Storms overcome our defenses. Natural resources are limited. Our Sun itself is a temporary phenomenon.

 

Living in awareness of Nature in the urban environment takes mindful practice. It helps to walk. It helps to stop regularly to listen to the sounds of the wind, the birds and other animals.

 

Being out of touch with our own nature can lead to disease and dysfunction. We are animals, not exempt from physical laws. My practice of humanism (being fully human) entails being in touch with my normal biological needs. This is the way to maintain health, the basis of any sustainable human progress. My normal biological needs are linked to my natural environment. They change with the seasons. They vary with the amount of daylight in my environment. It is important for me to educate myself about these needs to promote my personal health in order to be a mindful and compassionate human being.