
Yesterday was a magnificent sunset; It was particularly captivating. I am prone to noticing magnificent sunsets as my room view is positioned directly west, and due to the geographical landscape of my area, I have the privilege to witness some of the most heavenly skies I've ever seen - only when I notice them, of course. For the longest time, I didn't recognize beauty where it was -- it's only there for those seeking it. Now, however, I am more aware of it.
Yesterday, the sunset bore remarkable resemblance to a galaxy. It was scary how much it resembled photos of the Milky Way. Perhaps I'm just passionate about it, but I am not exaggerating as much as you might think I am. Unfortunately, I couldn't snap any photos of it. Rest assured, I enjoyed it immensely -- and that's really what's important. But the story I wish to tell is about today's trip to see a nice sunset.
So let is begin from there now.
My intention was to witness a nice sunset -- perhaps like yesterday's, if I was lucky.
My plan was to go to the top of Centennial Hill so I have an unobstructed view for gazing and photography purposes. Unfortunately due to sloppy planning, by the time I left, the sun had almost set.
Against my parents' protests about the futility of venturing on such a cold eve since it was already late, I decided to go anyway.
What started out a simple trip, turned into a profound meditation into the human condition.
It seemed like the wind was tempting me to quit, endlessly lashing gusts of cold air in my face.
Admittedly, I was probably underequipped for such a cold eve; nevertheless, it was too late to turn back now. I chose to bike there, which has both pros and cons in a sense. It meant I would arrive at my destination faster. The con...well, if you've ever biked fast against the wind for a prolonged amount of time in a very chilly day, then you would know. I had come for a reason, and for better or worse, I would get there anyway; pain couldn't discourage me.
Finally I arrived. I made my way to the top of the hill. The now barren, desolate, landscape of the top that once blossomed with greenery seemed unusually empty. I stood alone beside a tree, stripped of its leaves; its naked branches flailing in the wind. Here I was, with an unobstructed, 360 degree view of many of Toronto's Landmarks. Directly east, I faced the CN Tower, and not far from my gaze, was the airport. And, of course, there was the sunset - the real purpose of my trip.
It wasn't anything special by my standards, but then again, these things are either a hit or miss. The clouds in the sky, each with their unique characteristics and shapes, and sunsets, are like snowflakes - each is unique. So I stood on the top of a hill, civilization below me, gazing at the slightly disappointing sunset. And then, it happened. I thought the sun had set, but all of a sudden the clouds grew illuminated with a deep rich colour. Their essence was infused more and more with fiery colour as the red rays of the sun permeated more and more within them, and I stood in awe at this transformation. Such pleasant, bright, fresh red, it was. And then I looked around, gazing far at the other directions, which now stood much darker and gloomier.That's when I realized something else.
Despite the gloomy darkness that covered the vast majority of the skies, my attention rested solely on the burning red specs of light that burst through the clouds. In other words, I didn't focus on the dark, I focused on the LIGHT. It struck me that life is no different - filled with both its positive and negative dramas. The only thing we REALLY have control is where we place our FOCUS. And sometimes, especially in difficult situations, when darkness seems prevalent, it's so hard to notice the light - the positive, the beauty that exists. But nevertheless, it is there if you seek it; if you focus on it.
Something wonderful also occurred. The darker the rest of the sky got, the brighter that focused patch burned. How is this relevant to anything else? I saw it as an existential metaphor for the powerful ability we have to turn around any situation. The worse things get, the more potential for good arises. The darker things seem, the more potential benefit there is to gained; Powerful lessons can be learned in such a situation.
With this realization and with the gorgeous sunset almost, but not entirely gone, I descended downwards on my bike, self-assured, and glad that I ventured, despite my many doubts. The mundane can really offer us powerful metaphors and lessons for existence.
- August 18th, 2011.