Written by Online therapist Dr. Gloria Vanderhorst, Ph.D.

SUNSET

Ritual, Reflection, and the Everyday Miracles We Miss

Sunsets aren’t just visual poetry—they’re reminders to pause. For individuals in Maryland and DC, this reflection explores how the awe of nature can inspire gratitude for the quiet gestures that shape our lives.

Anytime we go to the beach, we make time to watch the Sunset. Groups gather on the sand in certain places along the coast to marvel at this beauty. This orange orb sinks slowly into the horizon. As it goes, the colors in the sky run a range of orange and yellows, sometimes mixed with blue and purple. The sight is exciting. You can feel the anticipation in everyone standing on the sand or sitting on the deck as they wait for this ball to sink below the horizon. This nightly ritual is fascinating. Sometimes the entire group breaks into applause!

Yet, when I return home, I care less about this orb. What is happening? The setting of the Sun is an event at the beach. People gather as if to worship this orb or, for sure, to celebrate its falling beneath the horizon. At home, I barely notice that it is gone. This is the same Sun, right? Why am I so complacent in my own yard? Or, truthfully, I am not in my yard. I am in my office, my kitchen, or my basement. This orb that I depend on for its day and night cycle passes without notice.

And it makes me wonder what else is passing without notice. How much of my day-to-day functioning deserves celebration and passes without notice? When my husband warms the car on cold days, how often do I say “thank you” or even notice the gesture? When my daughter brings a meal, so we do not have to cook, how frequently do I thank her and tell her how good it tasted or how grateful we are not to have to cook? When a friend calls to check in, do I say thank you or think I deserve the care? In truth, all these gestures are like the Sunset over the ocean. They are small miracles of love and care.

I want to celebrate those miracles just like the Sunset on the beach. I want to take time to notice them. Those that repeat with frequency need to be anticipated. Just like walking to the water’s edge in anticipation, I want to think about that “thank you” for warming the car. When I pause to review my day and notice the thoughtfulness, care, interest, and sacrifice of those around me, I want to celebrate all those gestures. I know that if I made a list of these things, pages of my pad would be filled. So many of them are simple gestures of care. My water glass is empty; you pick it up and fill it automatically. We entered the mall, and you opened the door for me. I never have to set my alarm because you wake me up carefully every morning. My granddaughter phones to invite me to play a board game. The neighbor brings the trash can up to the garage. This list is long. The Sun is shining.

Want to explore how sunset rituals foster emotional connection and mindfulness? Visit Spiritual Ark’s guide to sunset reflection, NeuroLaunch’s insights on sunset and mental health, and EyeFeather’s breakdown of sunset symbolism.

If you’re reflecting on gratitude, emotional connection, or daily rituals, therapy can help. Learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that support insight, healing, and relational growth.