Why I Wake Early Hello, sun in my face. Hello, you who made the morning and spread it over the fields and into the faces of the tulips and the nodding morning glories, and into the windows of, even, the miserable and the crotchety – best preacher that ever was, dear star, that just happens to be where you are in the universe to keep us from ever-darkness, to ease us with warm touching, to hold us in the great hands of light – good morning, good morning, good morning. Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.

Rhythm is one of the most powerful of pleasures, and when we feel a pleasurable rhythm we hope it will continue. When it does, it grows sweeter.

Walks work for me. I enter some arena that is neither conscious or unconscious.

If you suddenly and unexpectedly feel joy, don’t hesitate. Give in to it.

Come with me into the woods where spring is advancing, as it does, no matter what, not being singular or particular, but one of the forever gifts, and certainly visible.

The stars began to burn through the sheets of clouds, and there was a new voice which you slowly recognized as your own.

Every morning I walk like this around the pond, thinking: if the doors of my heart ever close, I am as good as dead.