try watching a sunset

It is such a simple, delightful thing to try; and probably one that you do anyway, whenever the chance arises. Most people love to watch the sunset. And for that very reason, it makes a perfect little meditation.

Meditation does not need to be a struggle. We do not need to be fighting ourself, doing things that we do not enjoy. We just need to find simple, peaceful activities that we enjoy doing. And we need to do them. So try watching a sunset.

I'm sure you don't really need instructions for this but I'll give a few hints anyway. First of all, find a good place to watch the sunset: somewhere where you can see the sun setting on a far horizon. Watching the sun set over the sea is my favourite. Secondly, pick a sunny day without too many clouds, so that you can see the sun as it approaches the horizon. Of course, if there are a few clouds dotted around in the sky, that can also make for a beautiful scene. And, of course, try to find a peaceful spot where there's not too much commotion going on around you. Sit down, make yourself comfortable, and watch the sun as it sinks towards the horizon.

It is such a timeless process– sunset, happening day after day, for the whole time of earth – millions of years, billions of years, every day, the sun setting. So just by watching the sunset, we can begin to lose ourself into that eternity.

And of course, the sun sets slowly. And our own frantic life can, for a few moments, relax into the slow rhythm of the sun's daily cycle. This is the natural rhythm of life, and one that we seem to have lost in our manic world. So watching the sunset, allow your breath to slow down a little, deepen a little. Allow your thoughts to subside. And feel the peace entering into your being, as another day draws to a close.

And be grateful for the little magic moments of today: of all the gifts that life has brought you since the sun rose this morning. And be thankful to the sun itself, without which we will not be.

I like to ask the sun to come again tomorrow, if it feels so inclined. It is just a way of not taking life for granted – this amazing life, so rich, so beautiful – and so easily we forget its mystery, its magic. We so easily take it for granted. So as we watch the sun setting, let us also be grateful that we are part of this beautiful life.

So try it: try watching a sunset.