Many people like to appreciate the sunrise as well as the sunset hours. I do too and have made photos of it whenever I could.
I shot this one while sailing in the Amsterdam canals, at the beginning of spring. We had a long winter and a sunny day like that, couldn’t have closed better without this relaxing and magic view.
Yesterday I read the quotation below from the late psychologist Carl Rogers, who adds more insights to the sunset appreciation.
In his time, psychoanalysis was prominent and he opposed to what he called a cold and detached form of therapy. In his approach, instead, he applied more empathy and emotional authenticity.
“One of the most satisfying feelings I know — and also one of the most growth-promoting experiences for the other person — comes from my appreciating this individual in the same way that I appreciate a sunset. People are just as wonderful as sunsets if I can let them be. In fact, perhaps the reason we can truly appreciate a sunset is that we cannot control it. When I look at a sunset as I did the other evening, I don’t find myself saying, ‘Soften the orange a little on the right hand corner, and put a bit more purple along the base, and use a little more pink in the cloud color.’ I don’t do that. I don’t try to control a sunset. I watch it with awe as it unfolds. I like myself best when I can appreciate my staff member, my son, my daughter, my grandchildren, in this same way.”
— Carl Rogers
Sunsets remind me of the light and dark moments of our life, which are unquestionably an essential part of our evolution and renewal. We struggle sometimes though, with accepting the set backs, as if they were unnatural to our existence. We also struggle to accept our failures and of others.
‘Let them be’, says Roger. I remind that to myself every single day.
What do you think?
I love the line: people are just as wonderful as sunsets. But in my experience…few are. You are! Did I tell you I like your new(ish) title…sights and insights…excellent.
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Hi Badfish, good morning and thanks for your kind words that made me smile from here to Abu Dhabi.
And if there are only a few wonderful ones, you are surely one of them.
I changed the name a while ago as I got tired of the old one. Thanks.
How’re you and where have you been?
Cheers!
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I totally love this quote Lucile, it is a different way of thinking. I’ve never thought of comparing people to sunsets before! Thanks for making me see sunsets and people in a different light.
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I’m glad you like it, Debbie. It was new to me too.
Let’s appreciate a sunset together very soon!
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Yes indeed!! Looking forward to it ❤️
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❤️
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. . . you can control the sunset . . . if you take a photo of it and process it. You can often enhance it, making the memory of it greater than it was.
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Your comment shows your unique views which we can appreciate, expands Carl’s insights and proves his point. Thanks.
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What a wonderfully accepting way to look at the world, Lucile. I was at the home of a girlfriend last night and it’s rather nice to picture her in that way, as we chatted about life. Not so easy with people we don’t like, but I shall try it. 🙂 🙂
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It’s an equally wonderful and difficult way, indeed, Jo.
It’s a daily exercise of acceptance, particularly of those we may not appreciate.
Sometimes it pays off to try to erase our perceptions of those people. Brings peace of mind.
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I was wondering how I’d ever apply it to Trump. 🙂 🙂 Hugs, darlin!
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Haha that seems to be an impossible task as the man is not to be underestimated.
Hugs back at you my dearest!
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Isn’t that such a wonderful thing: “I watch it with awe as it unfolds.” We should all do that. No judgment, no control. Just sit back and watch in awe. I love this, Lucile.
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Hi Lois, so nice to see you around. I’m happy that you too liked it. Cheers!
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I love your concept–sunsets are the dark and light in life. I think so many answers to questions are in nature if we are up for looking for them. This is an example.
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You’re so right. Nature has a lot to teach to those who can stop and observe it.
I for one am fascinated with the hibernation process. Plants and animals enduring extreme weathers and returning renewed.
We, humans, struggle with our ‘extreme circumstances’ and mostly judge it unnatural to the course of life, instead of accepting, retreating and coming back recharged.
Thanks for your insights.
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Thanks for your insights as well. I also marvel at ducks gliding along on a pond no matter how cold it is outside.
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I’m very sorry for my late reply. Thank you too!
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#Wisdom Wish Is carried a camera when sailing Amsterdam but I’m blessed to have your beautiful pictures. Will bring my camera when I sail back ⛵️🌅❤️
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My wish is to sail with you at least in Amsterdam. ❤️
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😍 Looking forward to it!
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🙂
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I get his point, but sunsets don’t talk back! Love seeing you back here, especially with a positive message (and beautiful photo )like this one.
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And I’m happy to see you visiting here! I’m loving your photos in Italy. What a beautiful trip.
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Such good advice Lucile. And a lovely photo. X
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Thanks, lovely. Xx
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A beautiful sunset indeed, Lucile! Now that we are back at the delta on weekends, we get an array of amazing sunsets. Funny, though, some have a similar quality, so I take them for granted once in a while (especially if it is really windy and cold)!
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Hello Terri, lovely to have you here.
I can understand your perception, as windy and cold weather does not make one stop to appreciate nature’s uniqueness.
How wonderful to restart the windsurfing season! Enjoy it!
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Fascinating quote, Lucile. And a lovely photo. A shame our paths didn’t cross that weekend.
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