awake
as Pippa did, with a joyous song of praise? Do we pour out our hearts in
gratitude that it brings a new day, a new life? Do we give thanks for
the new opportunities given us, the new possibilities of enjoyment, the
new share in the life of the world?

Usually we have no thought about these things. Most of us entirely
forget the significance of the way or "the side we get out of bed."

Attention is rarely paid to the spirit in which we awaken children. It
is often by means of an angry demand or an indulgent whine. They rise
with the impression that it is a sin to awaken them and they begin the
day with the feeling that the world is cruel.

If we could spend the first few moments of every morning as Pippa spent
her first moments, the character of the whole life would be determined.
It is the most important time of every day. Is it not also the time when
we are most apt to be tempted?

Has not man seemingly lost the significance of this sacred hour? Why do
so many, on waking up, begin to worry over the difficulties of the day?
How many look back with regret to the preceding day and forward with a
frown to the one newly born! Why not smile as Pippa smiled and meet our
blessings with thanksgiving?

There are certain physiological reasons why people feel so sluggish on
first awaking:--the position in bed is cramped, the limbs are
contracted, the circulation is impeded and the breathing is greatly
hindered. When lying down, all the functions of the vital organs are
lessened.

Many people are entirely too careless regarding the air of the room. It
needs to be even purer and fresher during one's hours of repose than in
those of waking.

Certain simple movements are taken by practically every animal on
awaking under normal conditions. Among these are yawning, deep
breathing, expansion and stretching. These exercises form a part of the
process of awaking. It is the change from the position of lying down to
that of standing up. But we find that man rarely takes these exercises.
Between the moment of awakening and standing erect man possibly takes
more time, whines more and does less than any other animal.

Of all the provisions of nature to meet this crucial moment in animal
life the stretch seems to be most important. Why men neglect the stretch
is curious. Man seems to lack something of the vigor of the animal
instinct on awakening. He lives a more rational life, and it is
necessary for him at this time to make c