My favourite time of day is late afternoon. For some reason, the waning sunlight, crisp mountain air and lengthening shadows over green rolling hills bring a sense of nostalgia. Maybe it was the regular family driving holidays, where the afternoon light was a herald to new discoveries. Or the camping trips where early evening signaled the time to light the campfire and share deep, meaningful (and mostly funny) stories with a steaming mug of tea in hand.
One default during these moments, is to look back. To remember, to reflect, to wonder 'what if'.....
Sometimes these can be good reflections. Reflections that help make today better...or more bearable. Memories that bring smiles. Though looking back is not always helpful. Some memories of what was or what might have been can have an derailing effect and cause today's blessings to be overlooked or undervalued. Some memories can breed discontent.
Another time I might be sitting facing the setting sun, light on my face and cool breeze at my back and just drinking in every delicious moment of beauty around me. For one perfect moment, the chaos of day to day life is forgotten. Or, I might be looking out with regret that current situations can't ever match the perfection of the scene before me, longing for answers to be found amongst the shadows.
Occasionally, looking around at the rolling landscape carved out by long shadows of ancient gum trees can give hope for the road ahead. A brighter tomorrow and the comfort that it will get better. Through all the storms the trees stand firm, continuing to grow, providing food and shelter and still having the ability to evoke wonder at their magnitude.
Life can be a struggle. For some, it's downright hard work with challenges that cause the positive perspective to get lost in the tousle.
A wise friend once summed it up like this: "Learn from the Past. Live in the Present. Believe in the Future".
There is a precedent to do all three, but in a way that brings the best, not focusing on what hasn't been done, or isn't achieved. Or can't be decided, or articulated, or resolved. Life will always have the propensity to be negative and it is our choice of perspective that brings mindfulness to the positive - to the things that matter.
Next time I see the sun set, I will be remembering the lessons learned, be thankful for the blessings of today and will live in hope for the road ahead (though not necessarily all at the same time!).
Most of all, I will be marveling at how the weakest moment in the sun's day can create the greatest beauty.
