Exposure to Natural Light Helps Greatly with Depression

What if your eyes, your skin and your brain are tiny solar panels connected to your brain?

In ancient times, Native American tribes held an annual Sun Dance around the summer solstice. Indigenous peoples worship the sun, and as part of the ceremony, the sun watchers would dance, fast and gaze directly at the glowing orb in the daytime sky. It was meant to be an act of union and rebirth with the vibration of the Earth

For many years people have been reporting that after gazing directly at the sun for 30-60 seconds early every morning, they enjoy more strength, energy, an uplifted mood, alertness and focus.

You may be wondering, “But doesn't that hurt your eyes?” Many of us remember our mothers telling us, “Don't look at the sun, you'll go blind!”

I couldn't find any evidence to support this claim. In fact, sun gazers report sharper vision and even eye regeneration.

Exposure to the sun also boosts production of serotonin, a neurochemical targeted by many popular antidepressants on the market today. Just one minute of gazing at sunlight at sunrise and sunset is enough to help you sleep better, give you more energy and even make you feel happier and sharper, both mentally and physically.

There is one more interesting benefit of sun gazing: improved function of the pineal gland. On MRI images, many ordinary subjects show a pineal gland that has atrophied or calcified. On the other hand, many of those considered highly spiritual show something entirely different: in MRI scans performed on monks during deep meditation, the pineal gland is seen pulsing with an ethereal blue light. Shamans develop their pineal gland by gazing at the sun, and this is another way we can increase our spiritual energy.

Studies show that gazing at the sun early in the morning makes it easier for many people to fall asleep at night and get better-quality sleep. It improves the circadian rhythm, which is linked to better sleep and overall well-being.

The magic of golden hour

Golden hour isn't just about breathtaking photos; it's when the sun is at its most beneficial. During this time, sunlight passes through more of the Earth's atmosphere, scattering the blue and green wavelengths and leaving you with that soft, warm, golden glow. Golden-hour sunlight is especially rich in red and orange hues. It can penetrate your closed eyelids and flood your retina.

This gentle kiss of light stimulates your pineal gland, a small but powerful organ in your brain.

The pineal gland is like the conductor of your body's circadian symphony. It orchestrates your sleep-wake cycle, regulates your mood and even enhances your creativity. When you expose your eyes to the gentle morning or evening sunlight during golden hour, your pineal gland receives the light energy it needs so much, and in return your mood gets a delightful lift.

Gazing at the sun at the beginning and end of the day helps our bodies produce more serotonin, the “feel-good” hormone. A boost in serotonin means a boost in our overall mood, energy and focus.

Now that you know the magic behind it, let's talk practicalities. Golden hour usually happens in the first hour after sunrise and the last hour before sunset. So grab your most comfortable chair and maybe your favorite book or playlist. Find a spot where you can soak up those rays without annoying interruptions.

Close your eyes, breathe deeply and let the sun's rays wash over you. Imagine that warm, golden light seeping through your closed eyelids and filling you with positivity. You'll find that even a few minutes of this daily ritual can work wonders for your mood, and if your bare feet are also on the ground, the effect will be far greater.

Looking directly at the sun: Sun Gazing

Wait for the moment of sunrise, when the sun peeks out and rises above the horizon.

When you begin this practice, aim for ten seconds on your first day and add another ten seconds each day, up to one minute.

Wait for sunset and look directly at the sun when it is one finger-width above the horizon until it sets. You can also start at half a finger (a lower sun) until it sets.

Do not do this while wearing glasses of any kind or any contact lenses.

You're also welcome to watch the open evening I held together with Chen Rapson Harel on colors and frequencies:

https://www.rankalif.life/colors