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Sankofa Sabbath Meditation: Returning to Sunrise + Curiosity Haiku, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- May 1
- 7 min read
Updated: May 11
Today, we welcome Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah) with open hands, curious minds, and contemplative hearts. Sankofa is drawn from the Ghanaian culture, where the Sankofa bird turns back to retrieve what is precious, even as it steps forward.
Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah) means “to retrieve” or literally, “go back and get it”—a living reminder that teaches the wisdom, courage, curiosity, and compassion it takes to return for what was forgotten, lost, or left behind, especially when it holds value for our present + hope for the future.
As Mental Health Awareness Month unfolds, we move with Sankofa’s rhythm—slow, reflective, and kind. Each day, we will pause to listen for the echoes of old wisdom, to tend the gardens of our hearts with holy haikus + peace prompts.
In this current season, may we let curiosity itself become a Sabbathing Rhythm—a sacred, recurring invitation to rediscover what is good + nourishing in our lives.
Embracing the spirit of Sankofa, we will revisit what has been overlooked to rediscover, cherish, and explore it anew.
A Holy Haiku - Sankofa Sunrise
Yesterday's dew calls
Leaves reaching memory’s light
Past nourishes now.
This haiku invites us to notice, with curiosity, how the soft dew from the past—encompassing our experiences, memories, and lessons—continues to call to us in the present.
Like the sun's light that awakens our attention to the intricate details at dawn—the sparkling dew on grass blades, the gradual unfurling of petals, the subtle hues of morning sky—our curiosity awakens us to the beautiful details of memory, inviting us to see our past with fresh eyes at the beginning of each new day.
The line, "Leaves reaching memory's light," reminds us that, just as leaves instinctively seek sunlight for sustenance, our souls also reach with curious longing for sources of warmth + light when we pause to take the time to be deeply + unhurriedly nourished.
My Morning Practice: Sipping, Sunbathing, Naturebathing, and Birdsong as Sankofa in Motion
Being neurodivergent and a sensory seeker, I have spent the last eighteen years incorporating mindful morning sunbathing and nature bathing (nature immersion) to greet the dew of a new day. This practice is especially grounding + restorative. Personally, it promotes bliss, calmness, and a deeper connection to my body + spirit.
Each morning, I begin by sipping my first sip—whether water, tea, or hot cocoa—at an east-facing window in my Goldie’s Oasis room (named after Big Momma, my mom’s mother).
This quiet moment is a gentle invitation to greet the new day as the sun rises, allowing the early light to kiss my skin + spirit. It’s a sacred pause to receive the dawn’s promise + savor the present, drawing nourishment from both libation + light.
I approach this moment with fresh curiosity, noticing what new sensations, thoughts, or emotions might greet me today.
[Sabbathing Sidebar: If rising early to witness the sunrise doesn’t feel right for you, consider welcoming the day’s close instead—allow the sunset’s glow to offer its sacred pause, inviting reflection, rest, and gratitude.]
Whether your sacred pause occurs at sunrise or sunset, the invitation remains the same: to Sankofa, return to an inquisitive, intimate sense of childlike wonder as you bask in the sun light.
Later in the morning, I step outside to my small garden. I lay out my mat or sit in my chair, get comfortable, and allow myself to simply be. In this space, I attune to the melody of birdsong, feel the dew beneath my feet, and soak in the sun's warmth on my skin + soul.
I let curiosity guide my attention: What new bird might I hear? What subtle shift in the wind might I notice?
This practice is embodied Sankofa in motion—reaching back to ancient rhythms of nature, and returning again and again to curiosity as a form of Sabbath rest.
As I’ve welcomed these rituals into the sanctuary of my days, I’ve come to see how the gentle gifts of morning sun + nature touch the soul deeply. They are delicately woven with grace into the very core of our bodies + brains, creating a sacred garden where spirit + science converge, and fascination is always welcome.
A Neuroscientific Note: Sunlight, Nature, and the Neurodivergent Brain
Early Morning Sunlight: The gentle + golden light of early morning serves as a soothing balm for our bodies. These first rays softly communicate with our circadian rhythms, offering emotional regulation, promising a melatonin reset for better sleep, and weaving a sense of stability throughout the day. Serotonin, the messenger of ease, stirs within—inviting transitions to soften, overwhelm to ebb, especially for neurodivergent souls attuned to the subtle shifts of morning light.
Didya Know: The soft blue light of morning serves as a gentle hymn for awakening, while the midday blue light offers a lively call to action. Each brings gifts to the soul—one to gently awaken and the other to invigorate. Let us learn to embrace each in its time, respecting our personal rhythms + the sacred interplay of light on our skin + spirit.
Mid-Morning Nature Bathing: As the natural blue light broadens. Take a moment, even briefly, to ground yourself in a lush, green space. This setting helps lower cortisol levels + boost dopamine, enabling the brain to find its creative, regulated rhythm.
The concept of grounding, or earthing, is similar to discharging static electricity at a fuel pump. When you place your bare feet on the ground, your body absorbs the earth's negatively charged electrons. These electrons help neutralize the positive charge buildup in your body, which can accumulate from exposure to electronic devices, stress, or other factors.
The practice of grounding is said to help decrease inflammation, enhance sleep, reduce anxiety, relieve pain, and foster feelings of safety + belonging—indeed, nourishment for sensory sensitive, creative souls.
Reflect + Reach for the Light, Uniquely As Yourself
Find your sunlight: Whether at a window or going outdoors, allow the light to touch your skin, even for a few moments. Approach this with curiosity—how does today’s light feel different from yesterday’s?
Tune in: Notice the sensations—the warmth, the gentle breeze, the tapestry of birdsong, the texture of grass beneath you. Let your senses gently anchor you to the present. (I always put on insect repellent oil before going in the grass.)
Breathe + Bless: As you breathe in, take in what sustains you; as you breathe out, let go of what no longer energizes you. Whisper a word of gratitude.
Sensory Sanctuary: The combination of sun, fresh air, birdsong, and the grounding feel of your mat offers a multi-sensory sanctuary—supporting nervous system regulation + inviting your whole self to rest, reflect, and replenish.
Let curiosity be your companion as you embrace these rituals—allowing them to become sanctuaries, and letting your questions, wonder, awww (and awe) be part of your Sabbathing Rhythm. They serve as means to honor your unique ways of sensing + being, and to gather the goodness that is ever-present, ready to be retrieved + treasured.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner, the dew + sunlight of yesterday call: From the garden of the past, what forgotten strengths or pleasures are ready to be nourished today? What might you uncover by returning to curiosity?
A Blessing: May you move through today with open hands, a daring curious spirit, and a contemplative heart. May you return again + again to curiosity as a sacred rhythm, gathering the warmth of memory, and the dawn of a new experience nourish + illuminate your holy path. Amen + Asé
For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, affirm: "Through empathy, I/we return to our belovedness + reclaim in the spirit of Sankofa, to go back and get it, by the enablement of the Holy Spirit”
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring The Garden-themed Charcuterie Gift Box
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Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
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Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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