Driving in early, a hint of eastern light, the lyrics and Les Paul's guitar loud in my head: "Dear one, the world is waiting for the sunrise..." We are creatures born to be intrigued by sunrise and sunset both, but aren't we less likely to wait for the sunset? Nevertheless, both waking and sleeping are active states, one preparing for the other. Both absolutely … [Read more...]
William Wordsworth Quote Invokes Thoughts on Sleep
I was re-reading a William Wordsworth sonnet and was struck by this couplet about the peacefulness of London at dawn in 1802. Dear God! the very houses seem asleep; And all that mighty heart is lying still! - William Wordsworth But in our 24-hour sleepless world I wonder what William Wordsworth would say today? … [Read more...]
Reading a Good Book – “Dangerously Sleepy”
I've been reading "Dangerously Sleepy" by Alan Derickson. The book describes disrespect of sleep as part of late 20th century emphasis on work flexibility, being able to tackle anything in a "manly" way; need for sleep as a weakness; disregard of human rights; disastrous consequences such as oil spills, nuclear reactor problems, transportation accidents. I am also … [Read more...]