How much does artificial light affect our natural rhythms?

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Ever caught yourself mesmerized by the dance of moths around a porch light? 

It turns out, there's more to this nightly ballet than meets the eye. Recent research in the Costa Rican cloud forest has shed new light on why insects are so captivated by artificial light sources at night. 

The findings? It's all about orientation and the confusion caused by our man-made "skies."

Insects, it seems, are hardwired to navigate by the brightest light – historically, the moon and stars. 

But our artificial lights throw a wrench in their natural GPS, leading to their dizzying, sometimes fatal attraction to bulbs and beams. This fascinating study not only offers a fresh perspective on an age-old mystery but also serves as a poignant metaphor for our own lives.

Just like these insects, we too can become disoriented by the artificial "lights" in our lives – be it the glow of screens, the buzz of notifications, or the constant hum of city life. These distractions pull us away from our natural rhythms, often leaving us feeling exhausted and out of sync.

So, what can we learn from our six-legged friends? Perhaps it's time we consider taking a step back from our artificial lights. Here are a few ways to reconnect with the natural world and find our way in the dark:

• Embrace the Night: Spend time outside after dark. Let your eyes adjust to the natural light of the moon and stars. You'll be amazed at what you can see – and feel – when you give yourself a chance to truly experience the night.

• Digital Detox: Designate time each evening to turn off screens and dim the lights. This not only helps prepare your body for sleep but also offers a moment of calm and reflection.

• Candlelight Evenings: Try spending your evening by candlelight. The soft, natural light is soothing and offers a stark contrast to the harshness of LED and fluorescent bulbs.

• Stargaze: Make a habit of looking up at the sky. Whether from your backyard or a local park, observing the stars provides a sense of perspective and wonder.

• Mindful Mornings: Begin your day with natural light. Open curtains and windows to let the sunrise gently wake you, aligning your internal clock with the world outside.

By taking cues from the insect world, we can learn to navigate our lives with a bit more intention and a lot less interference from artificial light. It's a small shift that can lead to profound changes in how we feel, think, and connect with the world around us.

Who’s up for trying it?

Xoxo

Sue

P.S. We’re eagerly watching the weather, looking for a weekend when it’s not going to be snowing, hailing, or pouring rain. Why? 

Because we can’t wait to go see the barn in person! And start putting stuff in it. Like, construction stuff from here in Alabama. You know… so we can build something cool for you.

Getting about a showing a day here at the house, no real offers yet. But the buyer is out there - the one who thinks this place is exactly what they’ve been looking for. We’re looking forward to meeting them across a table in a title company’s office. 🫠 

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