Seasonal Mood Lighting: From Morning Glow to Evening Fade

A Year of Noticing - Day 71

This is a bit of a confounding time of the year. It is technically still part of what we call the “Autumn season”, but usually the temperatures and atmosphere has shifted and it feels much more like Winter! Though it is certain to become colder and snowier, today I noticed how the lighting of the different times of day seemed to embody more of a wintery feel.

First, I noticed at the start of the day, the gentle lighting as the world was coming to life and I was walking the kids to school. A soft light, but you could sense that something was building - you could almost feel the anticipation of the growing sunlight and the day to come. It was a subtle glow that gradually brightened the sky!

growing morning glow over the river

By mid-morning the sun was shining brightly and seemed to bring with it such positive energy, warmth, brightness and hope! Everything seemed to glimmer and sparkle in the bright sunlight, as it cast light where there were shadows and there wasn’t a need for any additional lights - the sun provided all the light and warmth that was needed! It was energizing and cheerful, and with the snow on the ground, the world seemed to shimmer!

bright sunlight streaming inside to add sparkle and shine!

I noticed the desire to linger in the brightness of the day, and bask a little in the warmth of the sunligh (even indoors). Last week was such an overcast and dreary week, that today I really noticed myself connecting to the brightness of the sun, and was feeling so grateful for its shining exuberance!

And of course, the bright sun faded so quickly. Already by 3pm as I walking to school pick-up, the lighting seemed to be dimming and it already felt like it was becoming time to hunker down, go indoors and retreat for the evening.

fading sunlight casts a beautiful light

The snow that seemed to sparkle and glimmer earlier, now seemed to almost fade into the background and the sky became these soft beautiful shades. It felt like an interesting blend of both warm and cool colours, and softer lighting that felt like a soothing conversation or a cozy blanket. The high energy from earlier in the day had gone, and I felt myself yearning for the warmth and coziness of home.

Whether I noticed the lighting and felt it reflecting my mood, or my mood shifted with the reflection of the light… today I noticed how the emerging, brightness and fading sun aligned with the mood of the moments in my day. Perhaps I enjoy winter more than I have allowed myself to appreciate in the past, and today I noticed myself allowing myself to flow with the “mood lighting” of the day. I put away the hustle and bustle of the day, in favour of settling in at home as the light faded, enjoying and embracing the emerging wintering season.

xo