I love my quiet mornings alone on the screened porch of our little house. Although, if I'm honest, I'm never alone, and it's never truly silent.

This particular morning, raindrops fall on the stone path outside my door. I write while the frogs sing their low morning songs, happy that the drought is finally over and the rainy season has come. Little bunnies rustle in their hutches and wash their long ears. The cat curls up in the next chair over, pleased to have me for company. I faintly smell citronella and lavender along with the dampness of the rain, and I check on my small collection of potted herbs growing on the porch, so pleased that they have not met their demise under my care. A pair of mourning doves land in the yard, seeking breakfast. A squirrel shimmies down the palm tree, competing with the doves for food. The sweet birds give up and fly away. Rotten squirrel.

Hours later, after the morning chores are done and breakfast has been cleared, I return to the porch, sit beside the peace lily and listen to the rain continue to fall. Listen to the frogs singing a little higher, a little longer, a little more distant this time. 

And I feel a little higher, I can stand up a little longer, and my troubles are a little more distant now too.

A reminder to myself: make time for these not-so-quiet, not-so-alone mornings. Whether on the beach or on the screened porch. These mornings are restorative to my mind and refreshing to the depths of my heart. 

Do you have a favorite time of day? A few minutes of time that you prioritize each day? I'd love to know how you refresh your heart and mind.