I spent a fair amount of time this morning immersing myself in my new Sunday morning routine…reading…really reading the newspaper!  As I digested articles about the concerns and controversies surrounding our Presidential candidates, a recent surge in opioid overdoses and the outrageous interest rates charged by the payday loan industry I began to wonder…why am I spending my time reading this!?  Yes, I need to be informed.  There is no doubt that it’s important for folk like me to become educated and engaged so that the problems of our society might be addressed and people’s lives transformed for the better.  But is this really the way I want to start my day?  Perhaps the beginning of one’s day might be better spent reading something that uplifts and enlightens like Buddha by Karen Armstrong.  Maybe, just maybe, the dawning of a new day of life might be enhanced by processing birthday party pics and reflecting upon the joy of watching a grandson chasing a balloon or a photo of a graceful dive (well, okay, how about a chaotic toss) into the pool.  First thing in the morning, how about taking a walk and listening to the birds rejoice as the sun slowly rises?  Then again, what if we decided that we would begin everyday by being intentional about opening our eyes to the beauty around us?  I’ve always been a news junky…but you know…maybe I should save it for later in the day after I’ve bathed my brain and my soul in the positive, the beautiful, and the sacred.  I think I might just give it a try.