b'THE DAILY PRACTICE OF LIFE 15was still very dark, so I needed to start my day very early and become a so-called morning person. Second, Jesus went so far out that his friends had to hunt for him. (And he did not have a car!) Therefore, I needed to exercise. I chose morning runs as my preferred form of movement. Third, he spent time in a deserted place, so I needed solitude in a special place or places to be developed over time. Finally, he prayed, so it was essential for me to be prayerful with thanksgiving and petitions, not only for my own day, but more especially for others in need. As a footnote, Jesus met with key friends at the close of his routine. Thus, if I could add a good friend or two for the start of my day, it might augment my experience and preparation for the rest of the day.I continue to work on how to best translate the early morning foundation for the more effective life that I found in Mk 1:35. Currently, I start with coffee on a quiet porch with my faith-ful dog, who always models being and living in the present. I then move with a second cup of coffee in hand and dog in tow to my favorite chair in our small study, otherwise known as my room. Usually, I read a chapter or two of the Bible and some pages of a favorite book. The best book for me is one about being focused and mindfully alive. I then pray in word and silence and as simply as possible. I try and sit still for a bit before heading out to run (mixed now with more walking as I age), endeavoring to keep a prayerful mind-set. I particularly value running easy and walking on remote and varied trails in woods but can make neighborhood streets work if necessary. Sometimes, I meet a good friend for all or part of the run but more so for good company, conversation, and shared silence.After many years, I now truly enjoy and embrace my predawn time. Like everything with significance, it is a work in progress and varies in quality. Sometimes, it is almost magical. Other'