Lighting

Light, such a gorgeous gift from God!

Ever sat in the sun and just felt alive? There’s something so healing about it. Sunshine brightens our days, pushes back darkness, and works quiet wonders in us.

Sunlight + Sleep

Sunlight sets our circadian rhythm—our body’s internal clock that guides when we feel awake and when we feel tired. Aligning ourselves with natural light cues leads to deeper sleep at night and more energized days. And the deep sleep at night is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing, recovery, memory, brain function, energy, and vitality.

Sunrise + Sunset

Morning sunlight carries more blue light, which helps wake you up and boost alertness. Getting natural light within 30 minutes of waking—outside where the sun can directly reach your eyes rather than through a window—gives your body a clear signal of the time of day. This light exposure sets your circadian rhythm, priming your body for energy, focus, and a stable mood. Step outside barefoot if you can, even for just 5–10 minutes. Feel the morning sun and the earth beneath your feet.

Early light also starts the countdown for melatonin, the sleep hormone. Roughly 14–16 hours after morning sunlight hits your eyes, your body begins releasing melatonin to make you feel naturally drowsy. Melatonin helps you know when it’s time to rest and supports healing as it is a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells, reducing inflammation, and helping the body repair during the night.

Infrared light is stronger at sunrise and sunset, offering support for skin health, tissue repair, and a calm nervous system. While both times of day are restorative, sunset carries a unique invitation to rest. Stepping outside as the day closes is receiving nature’s lullaby—it eases cortisol, quiets the mind, and signals the time to wind down. Pause at sunset for a few minutes. Let your eyes rest on the horizon, take a deep breath, and notice your body softening. It’s a natural reminder that the day is ending and rest is near.

Daylight

Step outside or open a door! Our modern indoor lives are filled with artificial light, especially from LEDs that flicker in ways our eyes may not consciously notice—yet that flicker keeps the nervous system on edge. In contrast, natural light offers a steady, gentle stream that resets and refreshes both mind and body.

Every 60–90 minutes, take a brief light break. Step onto your balcony, patio, or just look outside for a minute or two. Your body will thank you—those small moments help calm stress hormones and give your system a gentle reset.

Sunshine also delivers vitamin D, vital for bone strength, immunity, mood, and hormone balance. It supports heart health, reduces inflammation, and sharpens brain function.

Beyond the physical, light itself lifts the spirit—it brightens mood, encourages optimism, and reminds us of our connection to the world around us.

Light conquers darkness

It’s bright, life-giving, and good. God created light to illuminate the world, and He places His light within us too. Light represents hope, courage, and persistence. Even in seasons of struggle, His light calls us to look toward what is good, to keep moving forward, and to trust in His enduring presence.

Each morning, take a few mindful moments to notice the light around you—watch how it moves through your home, warms your skin, or filters through the trees. Let it become a daily meditation on His goodness.

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5, ESV

When negative thoughts, heavy moods, or daily frustrations creep in, step outside for a quick dose of sunshine. Remember, the moon lights up the darkest night. This is the gift of God—light will always outshine and overpower darkness.

“No one after lighting a lamp covers it with a jar or puts it under a bed, but puts it on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light.” - Luke 8:16, ESV

Do not hide from the light—step outside each day and bask in it. Receive the light God gives you, and walk forward with Him. Fill your life with light: step into the sunshine, let it warm your body, refresh your mind, and nourish your spirit. In His light, we find a more vibrant, joyful, and whole way of living.

Get your sunshine. Live brightly, and love deeply. ☀️❤️