I absolutely love watching the sunset or sunrise. I’m not a morning person, so the sunset is much more realistic for my body clock. Sitting and watching the sun go down, the colours changing in the sky is one of the most magical things. So today I thought I’d note some of the reasons why it’s so magical, the best ways I’ve found to experience a sunrise/sunset and how they’re a reminder of a few other things too.
Why are sunsets and sunrises so good?
There’s more to sunrise and sunset than just a pretty sky. These daily transitions carry deep emotional weight.
A sunrise symbolises hope, new beginnings, and fresh energy. It’s the world’s gentle way of saying: “You get to try again.” Watching the first light spill over the horizon, birdsong in the distance, and everything still hushed.
A sunset, on the other hand, offers closure. It marks the end of the day. Whether that day was good or bad. It allows us to reflect and understand what we can do tomorrow.
In both cases, these moments are small but so important. You can stop, forget your problems and try and enjoy a quiet 10 minutes to yourself.
How to Fully Experience a Sunrise or Sunset
There are some very simple steps to being able to enjoy a sunrise or sunset.
- Check when they will be. The times change throughout the year, so it’s worth checking to make sure you don’t miss it!
- Find an open view. Rooftops, hills or beaches make the best viewing spots, but parks or even your window will do.
- Leave your phone aside. Feel free to set up your camera or take a few quick shots, but try watching with your eyes instead of your camera.
- Take a few deep breaths. Let the shifting colours calm your breathing.
- Note the little details. Notice the birds flying home and how the darker sky brings a slight chill to the air.
A Daily Reminder to Be Present
In a life that often pulls us in a hundred directions, sunrises and sunsets remind us to return to the moment. They don’t last long, maybe 10 to 15 minutes at most, but in that time, they manage to speak volumes. About beauty. About change. About the quiet rhythm of the earth turning.
So the next time you catch a glimpse of that golden sky, take a moment. Let it be a pause. A breath. A beautiful reminder that even in the chaos, there is calm — and the sky is always there, painting its quiet masterpiece.