A relatively unknown writer named, Geoffrey Madan, circa late 1930s or 40s wrote that, "The dust of exploded beliefs may make a fine sunset."
     As I sit on my deck and watch and listen to the people hurry to the beach to watch the sun set I can't help but wonder how did we, as a nation of individuals, become so impatient about everything. I have found that it is not just the MTV generation with their incredibly short attention span, but it is all of us. When watching television we surf the channels at the first sight of something we don't like or understand. As a people we become angry when we must stand in line to be waited on. If we don't receive instant gratification, or at least a minimum response, we become upset, disillusioned that our needs are not met.
      For close to twenty years now my wife and I have witnessed many a sunset from our Sandpiper Way deck in Mandalay Shores, California. And in those many years we have seen the view of our sunsets change dramatically as the once clear scenic picture of the sun setting into the ocean began to be obscured by huge beach front houses. However, neither my wife, nor myself, complain about having to reposition ourselves on the deck for the more perfect view. Because when you are lucky enough to see the beauty of the sun slowly disappearing into the horizon where the water meets the sky it is hard to complain. And, perhaps at that precise moment, most people, like myself, discover an oasis in the mind nestled in the sanctity and security of your psyche.
     A sunset is in fact awareness that "we" are not the sole power in our universe. There is something bigger than we are, more powerful than we are. Could it be it possible that the lack of attention span by most of us is in reality a search for guidance from such an awe-inspiring energy.
     It is my interpretation of Geoffrey Madan's quote that sunsets are nature's way of demonstrating that we truly take ourselves too seriously. By the age of twenty-five most of us had begun to experience disappointment in our lives because of society's self-imposed pressure to compete to obtain that all-important social status, and financial success. Personally I have been blessed, or cursed, more than most, with a drive to be successful. However, as you grow older with your years adding up to decades, you begin to realize sometimes fate might intervene and prevail over one's desire for success . . . one's personal goals may change and might not reflect society's criteria for social acceptability.
     With that knowledge I have come to believe that we must learn to appreciate the more simpler things-the things that makes one's everyday life a little nicer, more comfortable: A trusting neighbor, who you have learned over the years to call friend more than just your neighbor. A smile from a coworker, a hug from a relative . . . perhaps even the enjoyment of watching an entire television show without surfing through the channels. The more things we can take enjoyment from without having to have purchased, created, or manipulated into our possession, the more secure I feel we become about our placement in life.
     As I sit on my deck and watch and listen to the people walk by I hear many conversations-most of which are complaining about some aspect of their lives. However, the one thing I've also noticed are those same people walking back from the beach, after an awe-inspiring sunset, seem to have a smile on their face. They have rejuvenated themselves with the majestic exhibit of nature. Their conversations are upbeat, positive, if only for a few minutes.
     As I reflect about the American way of life I get the uneasy feeling that most of us are trying to circumvent nature's road for mankind by wanting more of the Wall Street's version of the "American Dream." I fear if we as a nation continue with our morality dictated by financial success, we as a nation will decay from within. We will ignore our instincts for fairness and have it replaced with money and status. And though I don't believe the majority of Americans have lost their instinct for morality, I do feel they have shown a lack of exercising it. Is it possible that if we don't start using it again, we could lose it?
     I can only suggest that the next time you have a chance to watch the sun set on this country's breath-taking landscape, you do so. Regardless if it's on a wheat field, a desert, a mountain range, or the skyline of one our many cities. Experience the true morality of nature in its glory. Remember the people that came before you, and the ones that will come after you. Because that is what creates a great country, the sun setting on generations of us-creating a shadow for one. Open your mind and allow the sunset to bring forth a vitality in you that helps with personal failures, and personal losses-discovering that they just might be stepping-stones to a higher place, which leads to a more tranquil, peaceful state of mind. For in a sunset, as with a great nation, the people will ultimately see the true splendor and morality, and deliver themselves from despair and decadence.
     I submit that you, me, the majority of us, are in fact what life is about. So enjoy yourself, and the next time someone says, "hello" to you, smile. Enjoy what you have, not what you want.

© 1999 by Mopam Publishing
Not to be reproduced without author's permission.

 

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