Three Ways to View a Sunset

by Mike Morrison

Fellow leaders,

The first and most obvious way to view a sunset is to merely enjoy its immense and wonderful beauty.  Enough said.

The second way is to appreciate its immense life-giving role in our lives on earth – seeking to understand our relationship with the sun. Consider the following:

• The sun is the ultimate source of heat energy of the earth. All our heat and light comes from the sun.
• The sun keeps the temperature of the earth’ surface within a survivable range. If the amount of sunlight reaching the Earth was reduced by 10% — the oceans would turn to ice and life on Earth would cease to exist.
• The sun is also key to the world’s weather – and all of the supporting and life-giving cycles that sustain the natural rhythms of a life-supporting environment.

The third way is much, much different.  The third way to view a sunset is to be in awe.

To be in awe is to be transformed – for a few fleeting moments – into a special presence.  In this temporary state, we can actually experience two opposing feelings at the same time – and feel no sense of conflict.

The overwhelming sense of power and beauty of the sunset can be humbling – creating feelings of powerlessness that are amazingly conjoined with a sense of wonder and empowerment.  Our sweet, sweet vulnerability actually emboldens us. (This doesn’t happen at work!)

That’s what it means to be in awe.

We can actually give up control – let go – and fully experience what can never be described.  We flourish (albeit momentarily) – experiencing what many would describe as “their best self.”

That’s what it means to be in awe.

The “side benefit” is that we experience some true relief from our hopelessly inadequate earthly vessel – and as crazy as it sounds – we feel like we could die right now without fear or complaint.

That’s what it means to be in awe.

So here’s the leadership connection.  We transform from the inside out. Our capacity for transforming things outside of us is totally contingent on our capacity to transform ourselves.

Consider this:  With just a little extra effort, each new year has the potential to be your best year ever.  That’s ever!  Sadly, for most, it won’t happen.  It will just be another year.

Consider this as well.  There are 365 sunsets every year (one every day!).  So, how many will you catch? More importantly, how many will you allow to work their transformational magic – opening you up to your best self?  Opening you up to what is truly possible?