I love a good sunset.
Well… everyone does, I’m sure.
Sunsets always leave me wondering at how such vivid colours could possibly come to blaze across the evening sky. I know there are scientific explanations for the brilliant purples, blues and pinks but I just love being in awe of a stunning sky. Sunsets make me feel small. In a good way.
They remind me of the beauty that’s out there when our world can seem so ugly at times. Full of conflict, strive, greed, selfishness. Or even just stress and wrong thinking. Negative stuff that I let myself get sucked into as well.
I’ve been a bit cranky of late, partly because work is somewhat draining at the moment but mostly it’s because of my own attitude that has allowed negative thoughts take hold of my outlook. Instead of encouraging and lifting others up, I’ve been the one whinging and whining, letting things get to me.
Sunsets Make Me Happy
Sunsets have a calming power for me. A gloriously setting sun can wipe away crankiness, restore a sense of peace, and remind me that I am only a small part of a much bigger picture. That life is so much more than my crankiness and bad attitude, and the stuff I get irritated with is usually not worth sweating.
Sunsets remind me that I want my life to be about inspiring others, walking in kindness, extending grace and seeing other people, not through my eyes, but through my faith. And choosing to do that even when I don’t feel like it. Which has been all too often of late.
So I’ve waded through some sunset shots that I’ve collected over the years and thought I’d share them – in chronological travel order – for some anti-crankiness inspiration. Maybe you don’t need it but this was therapeutic for me. 🙂
SUNSET PHOTO JOURNEY
One of my first sunset photos was taken in South Africa, more than ten years ago. I don’t have a ton of photos from Cape Town but this one takes me back there instantly. It’s not the typical Cape Town shot but I still know exactly where I was and who I was with…
I also remember that night in Paris vividly when my sister and I strolled around the Louvre and along the Seine basked in glorious evening light. Or when the husband and I drove along some back-country roads in the almost Outback, madly trying to avoid hitting kangaroos and cows whilst getting sidetracked by the fiery red skies…
It’s amazing how mesmerising and calming sunsets can be.
[Excuse the quality as some of the shots were taken before I even vaguely had a clue about how to use a camera… I’ve done minimal editing though so what you see is basically what I took.]
So here’s to many more beautiful sunsets that inspire, lift up and help us rise above the small stuff and live life more abundantly. Every day, not just on holidays.
What do you do to deal with negative thinking or crankiness? How do you appreciate life around you and not let small things get to you?
FAQs
Watching the sunset can be a great stress reliever. Research suggests that exposure to nature, especially natural light, can reduce stress and anxiety levels. Watching the sun set slowly behind the horizon can help you slow down, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature, which can help reduce your stress levels.
What is the calming effect of sunset? ›
Nature can reduce stress, boost creativity and improve your mood. Watching the sunset and sunrise includes benefits such as: Reduced Stress: The vibrant hues of a sunset can be incredibly calming. They act as a visual cue to slow down and unwind, lowering your heart rate and easing muscle tension.
What is the best quote about sunset? ›
The best sunset quotes of all time
- Sunset is the opening music of the night. ...
- Every sunset brings the promise of a new dawn. ...
- Every sunset is an opportunity to reset. ...
- Twilight drops her curtain down and pins it with a star. ...
- It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream.
Numerous people look at sunsets as the expression of a lost loved one, feelings of comfort, safety and calmness. To people grieving a lost one, these sunsets symbolize the end of one's life and the start of a new journey. Sunsets take place at the end of the day, symbolizing a sense of completion and finalization.
What is the meaning of glorious sunset? ›
glorious suggests radiance that heightens beauty or distinction. a glorious sunset. sublime implies an exaltation or elevation almost beyond human comprehension.
What God says about the sunset? ›
“Blessed be the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore! From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!” (Psalm 113:2-3, ESV). “May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice” (Psalm 141:2).
Why are sunsets so relaxing? ›
So, by looking up to watch the sunset we activate the same area of the brain as meditation. This may account for the feelings of calm often associated with watching the sunset or staring up into the treetops. Activating the same part of the brain as meditation can have many positive health effects.
Why does sunlight reduce anxiety? ›
It elevates mood by boosting serotonin levels — also referred to as the “happiness hormone” — making you calm yet alert. It improves sleep. The brighter your exposure to the sun in the daylight hours, the more melatonin you produce at night, which improves sleep, synchronizes your biological clock and lowers stress.
What is the meaning of sunset? ›
1. : the apparent descent of the sun below the horizon. also : the accompanying atmospheric effects. 2. : the time when the upper limb of the sun disappears below the horizon as a result of the diurnal rotation of the earth.
What is a positive message about sunset? ›
Catching a sunset can often leave you feeling inspired so there are dozens of uplifting quotes here—take Kristen Butler's words, for instance: "Sunsets are proof that no matter what happens, every day can end beautifully." For when you're feeling at one with the great outdoors, there are plenty of nature quotes, too, ...
Opacarophile (n.) - A person who loves sunsets. . It is no surprise that how much I love watching sunsets.
Why do sunsets make me happy? ›
Research shows watching the sun pass over the horizon stimulates the pineal gland as the direct sunlight hits the eye, moves through retinal-hypothalamic tract and then hits the brain. This boosts the secretion of melatonin and serotonin, our “feel-good” hormones.
What does sunset mean in love? ›
"The sunset is beautiful isn't it?" There's a meaning behind this phrase. That it is a way to explain to someone you love them but you're also letting them go.. "Sunset means, the day has ended but the memories still remains" #SunsetIsMyTherapy #ilovesunsets #fyp.
What sunset teaches us? ›
Sunsets teach us to enjoy the simple things in life that are absolutely free. Take time to notice the many gifts nature offers us. The laughter of a child or observing a honeybee busily buzzing from clover to clover in a delightful meadow. Sunsets are just one part of experiencing the good parts of life all around us.
What is the moral of sunset? ›
As the sun sinks below the horizon, it reminds us that everything in nature takes a rest. The sun doesn't stay high in the sky shining it's light 24/7, and we don't have to either. It's ok to disappear for a while behind the clouds or beneath the horizon line. In fact, it's not only ok.
Why are sunsets so powerful? ›
When the sun is setting, its light must travel through the thickest part of the atmosphere. This causes more scattering to occur. As a result, longer wavelengths are reflected (red, orange, and yellow), creating beautiful colours in the sky.
Why do sunsets bring peace? ›
The serene beauty of a sunset can help reduce stress levels and promote inner peace. Mindfulness and presence: Watching a sunset encourages us to be fully present in the moment. It draws our attention to the present experience and assists us in letting go of worries or distractions.
What are the spiritual benefits of watching the sunset? ›
Benefits for the Mind and Spirit: Watching a sunset at the beach can have profound effects on the mind and spirit. It offers a moment of quiet introspection, a chance to savor gratitude, and an opportunity to foster a deep sense of wonder and joy.
What vibes do sunsets give? ›
It has been proven that watching the sunrise or sunset gives you a better sense of gratitude for the earth. When you are caught up in the natural beauty of the Earth (like a sunset), you rid yourself of any distractions and feel higher levels of satisfaction and gratitude for what's happening in front of you.
