So often the significance of the sunrise and sunset pass me by. It is only when someone comes in proclaiming the beauty of the pink sky, that I will acknowledge what is happening. This experiment then, refocused my mind on some pretty huge daily events. Even before I spent the evening sitting on a back step absorbing the experience, I was more aware of these miracles. I became more in tune to when they were occurring and how that affected the lighting and temperature in the house.

Tonight I did go and sit and actively observe the sunset. What struck me is how long the actual event took - a good 45 minutes. In that time, I noticed how a stillness descended. There were no children playing or builders using tools. People were either eating meals, going home or clearing up. Traffic could be heard and the ubiquitous car alarm sounded in the distance, but over these were the insistent calls of collared doves. My mind whirring with thoughts and the Dangermouse theme tune – my son had just been watching it! – started to quieten.

I watched insects hover and dive. I noticed the movement of trees and the glow of a neighbour’s pampas grass. I meditated on how the sunset was viewed through the leaves of a neighbouring tree. The pink of the hydrangea became more prominent against the greying light. I was also struck by the number of vapour trails left by aeroplanes high up.

What this experiment gave me was immersion in my surroundings. I felt connected to my small world, but also my community, my hemisphere. It is amazing that these routines of nature occur without our meddling. This was mindfulness on a much more impactful, significant scale. I was in the now, but also aware of how I was part of something bigger. It was calming and I will certainly return to it for peace and grounding.