As suburban dwellers of the Bay area, we hardly ever see stars in the night sky. Those who study astronomy and space call this “Light Pollution.” Sobering to consider is the notion of children growing up without marveling at the stars in a clear night sky.
This is further compounded by the considerable time we spend looking at artificially let screens on our electronic devices. This kind of activity, while part of everyday life, is said to create cognitive overstimulation. All of us have experienced difficulty shutting down. I know I have. Sometimes the best thing for me to do is shut down and sit by the fire with the lights out. Within a short time, I am ready to turn in for the night.

I also know that, if I short-change myself in sleeping, I feel fatigue, depression, decreased creative energy and lower productivity overall. As a composer, this might lead me to periods of low creative output. I also fail to recognize beauty, goodness, and holiness around me. These are God’s gifts, and crucial to the process of creating, singing, dreaming, and living in a way that is fully alive and present.

I think I’d like to take a nap now.