Someone asked me the other day, about my habit of regularly getting up early in the morning and spending the first hour or so out walking. At the present, most of that time its in the dark, as the sun doesn’t raise its sleepy head until around 7:30am.
My walk takes me along a bicycle path besides the Werribee River among some wonderful old Red River Gums. My answer to the question probably was a bit profound for the uninitiated, but I responded. “I like walking at that hour of the morning as I can hear the trees breath”.
Lao Tzu suggests in one of his famous verses that a harmonious life is built around a sense of awe and acceptance. Walking at the hour helps me build that sense of awe.
In the 16th century the mystical poet, St John of the Cross would write a somewhat similar thought of awe and acceptance.
My beloved is the mountains,
And lonely wooded valleys,
Strange islands,
and resounding rivers,
The whistling of love-stirring breezes,
The tranquil night,
At the time of the rising dawn,
Silent music,
Sounding solitude,
The supper that refreshes and deepens love.
The light skipping through the trees weaves its dance of shape and form and is miraculous. Unhindered, it scatters its rays of brilliance, plying shape and shadow without thought or favour. Working it magic in the natural course of the universe.
Lao Tzu would say, enjoying the moment “You will never weary of the world”.
Birds as Poetry —— Just because I WANDER - --doesn't mean I'm LOST 
A wonderful image, David. I love early mornings although don’t often get out that early. The peacefulness as the sun rises accompanied by the New Hollands, Black Birds, Sparrows and , yes, even the Wattlebirds is a splendid way to start the day.
I had a beaut morning at Truganina Park Laverton Ck. today, including a Striated Fieldwren.
Have a peaceful and happy Sunday.
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All good. Striated Fieldwrens are always a most excellent find.
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What a wonderful tree. It and the kangaroos are clearly enjoying the early morning peace also. A lovely poem too – I had not come across it before.
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The shot always reminds me of the South Australian painter Han Hysen (not comparing just enjoying the connection with the light)
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Beautiful scenery to walk by David, thanks for sharing. The words of the poem and your story, are so very true. I haven’t been out for way too long, life keeps getting in the way so to speak, but one of my favourite things is to go and ‘sit in the bush’ for a few hours and just look and listen. Love seeing your storys , Aileen xx
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HI Aileen, understand the difficulties that life presents. Enjoy the small parts that come your way.
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Yes David the morning just before sunrise, along with the morning chorus of the birds is the best and most energizing part of the day. Lovely tree in the morning light, even the roos are all looking at it, thankfully this good rain today will spell salvation to our many stressed and dying trees due to the long drought. Have a great week as you mindfully absorb the wonder and awe of it all!
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Hello AB, thanks for dropping by.
I have several versions of this shot, but the one with the roos all standing up is by far the most appealing. May you enjoy your rambles during the week.
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G’day David and thanks for your beautiful description and depiction of the magic of mornings. That’s how I feel it too.
Wishing you many more of those…
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Thanks Adam, have to say the past few days have seen me snuggled under the doonah, but looks like a bit of a ‘cold’ change coming this week.
Enjoy the journey.
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