I rise at 4 a.m. as do many monks in their cells around the world. I am grateful for another day to bring pleasure to God and to serve others with resources for their spiritual journeys.

I repeat a phrase from my Christian youth, "Rise, shine, give God Glory," as I make my way to the bathroom. The soothing darkness vanishes as I turn on the light. I pray that during this day, I may use my time and my talents to create as much light as I can through my words and deeds.

I sit down in a chair as I recite a gatha by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn: "Twenty-four hours are before me. I vow to live fully in each moment and to look at beings with eyes of compassion."

I slip into my slacks, close the belt, and put on my socks, shoes, and shirt. As I stand before the mirror I touch my head, shoulders, chest, stomach, groin, thighs, calves, and feet. As I do so, I pray: "May the loving touch of God heal my body, mind, and soul, sending me peace, love and happiness as I walk in the Spirit." I feel energized and refreshed by this daily body practice.

I walk to the end of our loft to feed our five cats. Two of them lead the way; the others emerge from their sleeping spaces to join us. This daily ritual is my first act of kindness toward others; I pray it will be just the first of many such kindnesses to come this day. The cats are so grateful that their purring sounds like a creative piece of improvised music.

While they eat, I prepare my breakfast of cereal topped with blueberries and flax. I bless all those who make it possible for me to enjoy such a healthy breakfast. As I take my morning meds, I thank the scientists who created these pills that help keep me going.

As I turn on my computer I ask God for the discipline and the wisdom to make the best use of this marvelous machine today. Sipping my first glass of water for the morning, I savor the pleasant feeling of the cold liquid streaming down my throat. Like the Native Americans do, I give thanks to the water for making its way to me and to my dry mouth.

My early morning routines complete, I realize how grateful I am to all the teachers from different traditions who model for me an everyday spirituality that singles out the body as an avenue of encounter and connection with the Great Spirit.


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