For as long as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by the sun, ever searching for the perfect lookout point to watch it say goodbye as it slowly (then rapidly) disappears under the horizon and staying up all night, usually bleary-eyed, moderately elated with a slight hint of seediness, to greet it as it overcomes the darkness to bring in the new day, hoping for the light and warmth of the sun to wash away the sins of my night.
I have always been enchanted by fire and the sun, mesmerised by its unpredictable movements, its enlightening presence whilst ever weary of its potential danger, and even more enthralled by my connection to fire and the sun as a fire sign and the sun as my ruling planet. Perhaps I was also an Egyptian or Zoroastrian in a past life.
…Recently, whilst on a plane browsing through a travel magazine neatly tucked in the seat pocket in front of me, I came across a profound quote hidden amongst the mass amounts of advertisements:
To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted – Bill Bryson
We are all blessed with a sunrise and sunset each and every day. Yet, at least for me, it’s daily movement is often ignored. Through reflecting upon all my travels, photo by photo, I was astonished at that which I had just discovered about myself, this gravitation towards the sun. Sure enough, no matter where I was in the world, there was a photo of the sun, rising or setting.
With each photo of the sun, I recall feeling overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude and appreciation, a sense of joy and contentment linked with that feeling of stillness and an absolute, complete presence. I feel blessed having re-connected with a intrinsic passion and love of mine, a part of who I am. Perhaps now, my wish for you is to re-discover your love for an everyday moment.
Until then, enjoy my collection of the sun.
Photos taken from Australia, New Zealand, Tanzania, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Iran, Bosnia & Hercegovina, Croatia, Slovenia & The Netherlands
