Unwind and Recharge: The Surprising Benefits of Sunset Gazing and Nature Immersion

The Heavens Unfold: The Transformative Power of Sunsets

When was the last time you stopped in your tracks, gazed at the sky, and simply admired a stunning sunset? For many, like artist Jayde Hopkins, the vibrant hues of dusk evoke a profound sense of peace and wonder. Jayde, who identifies as a Gurindji and Woolwonga woman residing on Larrakia lands in Darwin, shares how sunsets inspire her artistry. "While I don't consider myself religious," she mentions, "a sunset makes me feel an incredible sense of awe about the universe."

It's the colors that captivate Jayde. "Warm hues speak to me on a deeper level," she explains. In fact, she often takes the time to point out beautiful sunsets to strangers at the gas station, embodying her belief that "you’ll never see the same sunset again. It’s fleeting, so it’s up to us to notice and appreciate it before it vanishes." Through her abstract paintings, she aims to capture that exquisiteness, as well as the emotions these magnificent scenes ignite within her. For Jayde, sunsets symbolize the close of a workday, a gentle reminder that "now your life is in your hands."

For Carmen Cubillo, a clinical psychologist and fellow Larrakia woman, sunsets also represent a personal haven. "Sunset is my happy place," she shares, emphasizing how being immersed in nature, especially during sunset on the beach, fosters a multi-sensory experience that promotes reflection and well-being. "Nature is a true escape from stress, bringing us back to the essentials that ground us," she explains. "We have to prioritize that connection."

Carmen has observed how spending time in nature nurtures resilience before facing future challenges. The moments spent watching the sunset from Bulgul, her Wadjigan grandmother’s homeland south of Darwin, carry great significance for her. "I was there in my mother's belly, and now I get to take my daughter there," she reminisces with warmth and pride.

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