At the start of each day, I open the mirrored medicine cabinet to grab my toothbrush. As I reach for the toothpaste, I silently read the lines of a poem I taped to the inside of the door more than two years ago called, “Salutation to the Dawn.” Kalidasa, who wrote the poem in Sanskrit 17 centuries ago, reminds me daily to embrace the new day and live it well.
I don’t need coffee to face the morning, because she is my friend. This is the time when I prepare for the day ahead: the challenges and opportunities, the obstacles and the gifts, the chaos and celebrations. From the moment I open my eyes I feel the pulse of possibilities. I take a few deep breaths and Kalidasa does the rest. His words set a tone of hope for what lies ahead and allow me to absorb the magic of each new dawn. You may not want to forego your daily Starbucks, but try reading this between sips and see if it helps you love the morning.
Look to this day!
For it is life,
The very life of life,
In its brief course
Lie all the verities
And realities of your existence,
The bliss of growth,
The glory of action,
The splendor of beauty.
For yesterday is but a dream,
And tomorrow is only a vision;
But today well-lived
Makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope.
Look well, therefore, to this day!
Such is the Salutation to the Dawn.
–Kalidasa
Thanks for sharing!
Brings back amazing memories of the Ranch and our meditation hikes. Thanks for reminding me. Sending inspired energy your way!
Thank you for posting this one, it is very timely and much appreciated.
What a beautiful way to start each day, but I will also have coffee. Thanks.
I am posting this where i see it each morning.
Thank you.
E