AN ODE TO THE BEAUTY OF SUNSETS

Ah, sunset. Since ancient times, it has signaled the end of a long days work for humans and many other day-loving creatures, while serving as a wake-up call for the nocturnal. Sunrise, sunlight, and the hours in-between have long served as bounded periods of work, rest and leisure. Speculation, philosophy and spiritual purpose.

Lately I’ve been watching the sun go down often. It’s become a sort of meditation, you know. Focusing on the orange and yellow, red and gray – as the sun gradually drops out of sight leaving behind its peaceful pastel rays and the sweet promise of a brand new day. In fact, some of this years most profound lessons and feelings have been digested in the most unexpected places, and one of them is the setting sun.

“Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky.”
― Rabindranath Tagore.

Sometimes the sun is completely obscured by the stormy clouds; but no matter how hard the storms may rage, the sun will always rise again.

I’m sure I’m not unique to my obsession with sunsets. Everybody loves a good sunset. They’re romantic, inspiring, energizing and generally good for well-being. The perfect sunset could make even the most stringent artist swoon with inspiration. That time the evening sun dances across the sky and an endless array of possibilities await. Moments frozen, painted by the sun – without prejudice or instruction.

Lately, with lockdown implications and various impacts of the Corona virus pandemic, I’m grateful Sunsets are the one thing we can all still enjoy. Whether it’s making a conscious effort to see one or appreciating the ones in our backyards that we’ve taken for granted.

Here’s hoping you get out to enjoy the sunset in your neck of the woods this evening, and for many evenings to come.