"What I take from my nights, I add to my days."
~Leon de Rotrou, "Vencelas," translated
As a citydweller, my night experiences are more about lit skylines and nightlife than pondering life under the moon and stars. Due to light pollution, you can rarely see the stars at all. The buzz of activity decreases from day hours a bit but I would rarely describe a NYC night as silent or dark or contemplative. A NYC night is much like a New Yorker going out for a night on the town: excited and sparkling. A NYC night has its own intrigue but it is important to find quiet country nights too.
I am out of town for work and enjoying the change of environment that has more spacial country surroundings. Having grown up in quiet Pennsylvania, I am happy to remember what it is like to be under the dark cloak of a night sky with the moon and stars as my companions. I used to drive home on summer nights with the moon-roof open to carry the night's sounds along with me. I never needed the radio. I also remember navigating those dark, winding roads with the moonlight as my guide.
I sense the night has weight and it grounds me. It brings a certain inner focus and offers silence to listen clearly to my heart, even when the crickets chime in with their tune. Sharpened awareness, clear pathway, grounding, and tuning into my heart are lessons the night provides me which I can take into my daytime living. It seems that country nights suit me best right now as I am preparing for the busy season ahead.
Take this Monday Mantra into your evening hours and learn from the summer nights.
What do you like about the night? What does the night teach you?