Lingering clouds from last night’s rain soften the severity of the red sandstone cliffs, making them feel more approachable this early morning. The air is unusually cool and moist. Lying just above the horizon, the sun is obscured by clouds, but radiant sunrays splay out beyond the cloud’s margin. A momentary blink reveals the sunrise imprint in reverse – sunrays dark, all else lightness under my eyelids.
The notion of darkness and lightness stays with me for a while, bringing with it, a vague sense of aloneness that clutches at me on this solo journey, cycling my way up and around each switchback. With each turn, another glimpse of the sunrays splayed out and another contemplation of lightness and darkness.
As I near the final switchback, I see evidence of another soul – a parked car, off to the right. Who is this early morning kindred spirit? Curious, I look as I ride by and see a woman perched on a gigantic sandstone boulder, taking in the same splayed sunrays.
And she is journaling…
The image of this early morning writer contemplating her world brings me fully into the present moment. Perhaps, through journaling, she has an intention of a commitment to a better life, a better world. This notion uplifts me and creates a hopefulness in me. Another soul sorting out lightness from darkness.
A warmth begins to surround me. I surrender to that warmth. I find that I am not alone as I realize that every one of us is in the process, in our own unique way, of sorting out lightness from darkness.
