So I am lucky enough to have a house with lakefront property, and I very much enjoy the times I can sit out on my front patio with my mom and dog and look out over the rippling water to witness some beautiful sunsets.
Even if I am indoors watching through the window; even if it is not summer, but during those long, frigid, winter months. Although the snowy cold season can cloud cover the sun, I have caught an occasional magnificent setting over the ice of the lake.
Over the years, from lived experiences of challenging
barriers and talking with others, I have gained a slightly different
perspective on things. I learn and grow all the time. And I have come to
appreciate another type of sunset, an inner dwelling one, what I call ‘the
mindful sunset’.
“Close your eyes and breath,” I tell myself. “Recall the
beauty and laughter, know that you are not alone and that it doesn’t have to be
THAT terribly hard… at least not in this moment. Allow the fog to clear and the
sunset to begin.”
I have a disability that follows me wherever I go, and some
days are harder than others. The struggle can be overbearing at times. My
feelings can become overwhelming. I’ve gotten pretty good at the disguise, not
letting people see in. I vent through my writing, (shared or not) and to my
social worker. At times I just stare and let the darkness in and then….
Stop!
The hurt only goes as far as my mind allows it. My
disability only affects my life as much as my mind allows it. I am not
handcuffed to that darkness… though I often forget.
The mindful sunset helps bring me peace… even if it is only
momentary it is welcomed. Because I know that I can find it again.
The struggles and challenges are like waves; they will come,
but they will also go. And beyond them, will always be a calming and beautiful sunset.