My bedroom window faces the west, inescapably exposing me to the resplendent shades of neon every evening. Initially, the avid Instagrammer in me gawked, gaped and yielded to swiftly capturing all the moments on my phone. However, as we immersed deeper and deeper into the lockdown, I gradually settled down to just blatant aimless gazing. My emotions fluttered from being overwhelmed, to being incredulous, to struggling to rekindle my connection with nature, to finally being immensely grateful. I reflected on the wise words of Kriss Carr: “If you struggle with mastering patience, acceptance or any lesson, look to nature as your teacher.”
Embarrassed, I realized how much I had taken the sunset for granted. My habitual staring outside the window (while sipping on my evening chai) forced me to mull over life. With that said, I humbly present to you some reflections and life lessons every parent can learn from the ubiquitous yet majestic sunset viewed from households all over.
1. Be non-resistant and accepting:
The sun shines strong in the sky. Clouds, rain, thunderstorms, all may conceal its light. However, the sun doesn’t resist or actively fight back. Instead, it stays firmly rooted in the sky, surrendering to the laws of nature, patiently waiting for its time to brighten the world again. As a parent, the lockdown will continue surprising you with bizarre routines and unprecedented problems. Be patient, strong, unwavering, majestic, poised and of course shining bright. Don’t fight back with frustration, anxiety and worry. Appreciate each phase of your life. Accept and surrender to this new law of the Universe. Come what may keep the trust that it is for your highest good.
2. Be predictable:
Like clockwork, the sun rises and sets every day. Not a day goes by when the sun hasn’t risen or set. Similarly, as a parent, chose to become the stable and predictable “sun” of your family. Don’t let external actions and reactions affect your moods or daily routines. Most children are anxious and fear-filled as the lockdown has upended their normal school and play activities. Your predictability will not only reassure and comfort them, but they will also be able to deal with this new lifestyle change with fewer tantrums and be calmer.
3. Be resilient:
No matter how many storms and cyclones come, they all are transient for the sun. After the rain, the sun doesn’t shy away, instead, it makes a comeback, shining even more brightly, sometimes bringing with it the gorgeous rainbow. As a parent, currently, there may be a lot of chaos, changes and discomforts in your life. However, don’t dwell in a space of fear and regret in the future. Instead set a positive example for your children by embracing what you are doing with enthusiasm and determination. Show grit with your actions rather than just talking about it, that whatever lemons life may give you, you will always make lemonade.
4. Be mindful:
he sunset will display a magnificent array of colours. There is a majestic aura of positivity and energy vibrating around it. Parents too can be mindful with what they surround themselves with. Use this time to recalibrate, replenish positive energy and create a new space for clarity and creativity. Allow a newer, improved, more positive version of yourself to emerge. Take up a new hobby and it doesn’t have to be some rocket science. Simple small activities like journaling, kitchen gardening, yoga, painting, cooking, reading, knitting…anything that brings positivity and a meditative quality is fine.
5. Be fearless:
In all its forms, the Sun is always considered as strong and powerful, including in the Hindu mythology(Surya Dev). As a parent, you too can be in semblance and defeat all storms in life. Don't succumb to the darkness of the world, instead be like the radiant sun that keeps shining and never gives up. It may feel as though the times are very choppy, extraordinary and you may also feel petrified with thoughts of the future. Don’t’ give up yet. Be fearless and keep faith that you are being guided in the right direction. Develop a growth mindset towards your attitudes and beliefs. Keep exploring and embracing these times as new opportunities. You will find your potential for growth if you let go of fear.
5. Be a team player:
The sun cannot exist alone. It works in accordance with other elements of the solar system and the milky way galaxy. Similarly, we humans cannot exist alone. We need to live in harmony and equilibrium with our environment. We all are playing a bigger part in humanity as a whole. It will not only yield inner peace but also immense happiness. Find ways to give back and help your community. Teach it to your children. So let us make a better choice today and live with more empathy and altruism.
The very ordinary sunset turned out to be my extraordinary elixir for living life in this unprecedented times. What will be yours?
KSP Team
Rushita Sheth
Mansi Zaveri
Parul Gupta
Neha Mital
