There's a passage I've always loved in Barbara Kingsolver's The Bean Trees in which the characters discuss whether they like sunrises or sunsets more. I agree with the protagonist, who says she loves sunrises because, no matter how many insurmountable tasks are on her to-do list each day, at sunrise, she still has hope that she can accomplish them all. I love the hope-filled perspective that comes with sunrises, both literal, like the one above, and figurative, like that which she's talking about in the novel.
In last week's post, I wrote about the joy of counting down to help us appreciate every moment along the way, but as is often true, I believe in the opposite suggestion as well. I think that counting up to something can help us enjoy the future event more by fostering anticipation. Looking forward to a big moment and getting ready for it often help me appreciate it more when it actually happens.
Are there big events you're anticipating? Have past events been better because of your work in anticipating them? Please share any responses in the comments.
“as is often true, I believe in the opposite suggestion as well.”
The world and life, is complex, martivariate, with multiple causes and effects.
Yin-Yang—
yin-yang[3][2] is the concept that there exist cosmic principles or forces that are opposites but complementary, which interact, interconnect, support and perpetuate each other. Together they form a dynamic system in which the whole is greater than the interdependent components, and both parts are essential for the cohesion of the whole. (Wikipedia)—
A taijitu of a particular style that is often named a “yin and yang symbol”, the black area representing yin, with the opposite white side representing yang. The dots are representative of one within the other.—
or the multiple Contraditions throughout individual, oganizational, and socal life.
I like this idea. Thanks!
I really appreciate sunsets more. Sunrise is full of hope, but sunset is full of completion. It is an opportunity to reflect on what the passing day taught us. Sunset is a countdown towards something exciting. In an expectation of something amazing we can’t wait for that one sunrise that brings that excitement, and yet it won’t come without the sunset the previous day. Sunset can feel like a beginning of an exciting day, but it is a promise. We hope the day will be amazing but it may also bring the disappointment. Sunset is full of reflection. The day had already passed. There are no surprises, but a steady reflection.
I like the idea of taking every sunset as an opportunity for reflection. That way, no matter what did or didn’t happen during the day past, we can learn from it and plan for the day ahead. Thanks for the great counterpoint!
When I was younger, I loved sunsets. I loved counting down the days to Christmas or an anticipated event. I have always been a morning person but not many others were so it was a bit lonely until everyone else woke up so it wasn’t always a good thing. I am now on the other side of young, and I take joy in counting up. I appreciate the numbers in my age increasing, and oh, how I love the sunrise. I get up early to witness it, feel it, and celebrate it. Counting up means there is no limit, no end point, and the possibilities are endless . Though in reality, all we have is now. So stop counting and go out and enjoy life.
Yes, I agree. Too much time counting in either direction isn’t great and every day with a sunrise and a sunset is a victory!