Early Bird Sun Gazer

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Early Bird.”

Upon completing WordPress’ Photo 101, I took a hiatus from blogging to reprioritize my life. Managing my blog, creating content (shooting images) and actively interacting with other aspects of my life became quite a challenge. My tendency to multitask to the point of drowning in a sea of projects didn’t help either. Living in the present has become a life-changing tool in moving my consciousness into a state of being and less from thinking.

Living in the present moment requires mindfulness. According to the Greater Good Science Center, “Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment.” Through acceptance we realize there is no “self” and “other.” Everything is one. You accept what is with no need to act upon thought in any particular way.

This image was taken from my second day of sun gazing. Watching the sun ascend in the morning guides me into full participation of the current moment. I feel safe to let my guard down and just be.

Modified sun gazing is one method of mindfulness I recently began practicing. People often practice sun gazing for spiritual and religious reasons. Under no circumstance do I advocate sun gazing. If you decide to sun gaze under your own volition, first speak with you medical practitioner, do your research and listen to your body.

Hira Ratan Manek developed one of the most popular sun gazing methods known as the HRM method. You can learn more about the HRM method here. You can find seven sun gazing tips on Optimal Health Secrets’ blog.

While I do question some of Manek’s claims about the benefits of the HRM method of sun gazing, I have experienced a tremendous sense of peace and stillness. While sun gazing on the beach, nothing else matters but what is around me. The glowing orange orb rising above the cool blue Atlantic Ocean commands my attention. I MUST look at it. When my eyes are reluctant to comply, they will rest on the area around the sun or a nearby cloud. When thought erupts into my consciousness, the crackling waves receding back into the ocean carry them away from awareness.

All spiritual practices have pros and cons. What keeps you present today may not tomorrow. Mastering stillness is a progressive and conscious effort. Sun gazing is just a step in my spiritual ascension. I don’t know if I will complete the sun gazing program. So far, I have completed two sessions. All I know is that helps me to joyfully engage with the present point in time.

Apparently, humans are not the only ones who sun gaze.

If you are a sun gazer or have found effective methods in mindfulness, please share you experiences below.