Dusk

One of my favourite times of day is just as the sun is making its way down below the horizon and the world becomes quiet again. The busyness that charges the daylight hours recedes, and the air is often still. I don’t feel squeezed, hustled, or misconstrued. I’m breathing easier. Peace is in the air.

As well-being doesn’t often happen on its own, I aim to align the rhythm of my evening activities with the slower rhythms of this time of day. I cut down on screen time, and if I watch anything I try to make sure it isn’t something that will interfere with sleep. I also cut myself off an hour and a half before I intend to turn in. I might do a little journaling, but beyond that it’s just about relaxing and restoring–– an attempt to introduce a little self-care to compensate for any tension that may have accrued while going about my day, and to just be nobody doing little or nothing for a while.

Being in sync with such natural cycles feels good and can lead to the development of some quiet evening rituals. My dearest is a candle lit bath, nothing too elaborate; a beeswax tea light, maybe a few flowers, some naturally scented salts or just the elegant simplicity of steamy hot water. What can make it more of a ritual is the heightened awareness, focus and care one brings to each ordinary act one does––treating it as though it matters, because it really does. It’s a quiet time and a beautiful time as well; a moment to savour the end of the day, appreciate the calm, and open to the depths of one’s inner life. For me this is balm to soothe the muddled soul.

Winding down in the evening and enjoying the quiet can be a habit that introduces a little sanity and beauty back into our lives after a day fielding the madness at work in the world. Being a little more aware and creating space for sanity to speak, is crucial.

Love and courage.