There’s something about sunsets that put everything in perspective. You might be stressed out, strung out, or hung over, but the minute that warm glow washes over the world, your troubles don’t seem as troubling.
It’s the transience of the moment that reminds us that life is fleeting. That we should focus on what’s important in the long run rather than day to day worries. That we should be grateful for both the sunset and the fortunate lives we live.
The Japanese have always held this truth close to heart. From death poems, to literature, to modern sayings, the Japanese accept the ephemeral and in doing so live their lives in the present.
No sunset has invoked more feelings of gratitude, self reflection, and transcendence than the sunset over Lake Atitlan Guatemala. To me, at least theses day, it truly is the most beautiful sunset in the world.
In my feeble attempt to capture the glory of this sunset for you, I’ve filmed over 20 sunsets with my GoPro. Unfortunately, my 64 gb computer only has enough memory to hold three 20 minute clips at a time, so I decided to choose my favorite three. Be sure to watch it in 720 HD if you can. Hope you enjoy!
“How beautiful life is and how sad. How fleeting, with no past and no future, only a limitless now” – Shogun by James Clavell
The Most Beautiful Sunsets In The World
Enjoying the sunset with friends
Dew Evaporates
And all our world is dew…so dear,
So fresh, so fleeting” -Kobayashi Issa
Like watching the sunset from an airplane
“I came and left like a passing train.
A trip within a journey.
A life like the others a life of its own. The life of Leif will set alone.” -Leif
Always in motion
“Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields;
the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgandy red,
the fields the color of love and Spanish mysteries.” -Jack Kerouac
My favorite time, right before it sets
“Today I saw a red and yellow sunset and thought, how insignificant I am!
Of course, I thought that yesterday too, and it rained.” -Woody Allen
I’m looking forward to catching this sunset in the Fall … thanks for the preview!
You’re gonna love it. I’m probably going to be there as well!
Wow beautiful sunsets! I still think the best are along the Na Pali Coastline in Kauai, Hawaii. You should check it out; totally worth the trip (especially if you’re into night diving with sharks)! ;-)
Cheers Ron, I remember Hawaii having some great ones. I lived on Maui for a bit, on the west coast in Lahaina. We used to hop off the boat with our boards after work for a bit and surf till sun down. Good times
The last pic is really cool, very extraordinary ;)
Hey Alex, thanks!!! You should check out Atitlan if you get a chance.
I love sunsets. It makes me feel nostalgic. It’s true, it puts everything in perspective and helps you realize that everything is fleeting and you just got to make the best out of everything. Keep traveling!
Hey Miranda, cheers! Gives me nostalgia too. You should check out this one on Lake Atitlan one day. Pretty spectacular, the pictures don’t do it justice.
I love the photos Leif, so captivating and beautiful. :) The GoPro does a wonderful job!
Hey Jeremy, thanks a lot. Really glad I invested in that go pro. I actually traded in an old iPad at target for 200$ and basically exchanged it for a new go pro.
True what you said about sunsets. I like the fact that you can basically see some version of the sun rising/setting whether you’re a nightwolf or morning chipper. Great photos bro!
Hey Ruann, thanks! Glad you like it.
Love the photos <3
Thanks Mica, I bet they got some great sunsets in the Philippines!
Fantastic!! As always, truly inspiring.
Thanks Matthew! Glad you like it :)