Calling the Earth at Dawn

The breezes at dawn have secrets to tell you

Don't go back to sleep!

You must ask for what you really want.

Don't go back to sleep!

People are going back and forth

across the doorsill where the two worlds touch,

The door is round and open

Don't go back to sleep!

Rumi

When I awakened early this morning, the waning moon was dancing almost directly overhead, and Jupiter, Mars and Mercury formed a luminous planetary trinity just above the eastern horizon. It had rained steadily during the night, and there was a light patina of moisture on the deck, but I sat there quietly anyway, just breathing in and out.

I didn't realize until later that my position with one hand up toward the morning and the other down on the old wood was almost exactly what is called "the earth witness mudra", (also known as "calling the earth to enlightenment").  It is one of the most beloved of all Buddhist images, and that made me smile.  There is as yet no Buddha here, but hopefully one who is on her way and easy in her mind with the exercise.

There's a refreshing coolness in the early morning air in late July, hints of surprises, fey wisdoms and adventures not encountered on the trail so far. Methinks sky and earth touching each other at sunrise is a grand metaphor for this meandering journey through the world, for our connecting with each other here and there as we go blithely along.

Now, heaps of cloud along the horizon are backlighted by the rising sun, and they look for all the world like the towering distant Himalayas.  There is espresso swirling around and around in my mug, and Chris Botti's exquisite Italia CD is playing on the sound system.  I know I haven't expressed it very well, but this morning's wakening was lovely and peaceful with just a soupçon of grace and grandeur, and it was one much needed - although I didn't know it when I opened my eyes in the dark hours before dawn.

Sometimes one needs such awakenings to start a hot and humid day off in late summer, and having this morning come together as it did is something special. I think of the kindred spirits who are here with me and those have already gone on ahead, and I am so thankful for everyone, for each and every one.