Golden Hour: A Gentle Reminder to Slow Down
Golden hour has always been my favorite time of day. That soft, golden light filtering through the trees has a way of making everything feel calm and grounded, doesn’t it? It’s like the world is telling you to pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and just be.
Last month, I was inspired to capture that feeling in a painting—a forest bathed in the warm glow of golden hour. At the time, I couldn’t quite figure out why it resonated with me so deeply. But as I painted, it became clear: it’s the same sense of peace and clarity I feel when practicing mindfulness.
Creating space for the present moment and finding stillness
For me, mindfulness is about coming home to yourself, creating space for the present moment, and finding stillness amidst the busyness of life. This painting became a way to reflect that. The golden light symbolized awareness and illumination, while the forest represented grounding and connection—both to nature and to ourselves.
When the painting sold within hours of its release, I was overwhelmed by the response. It felt like a shared understanding—a connection to that same moment of peace I had experienced while creating it.
That response inspired me to create another golden-hour forest scene, allowing me to revisit the meditative process of painting once more.
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing
This time, I couldn’t stop thinking about the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing. Have you heard of it? It’s a simple but powerful practice: step into a forest, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in nature. It’s not about hiking or exercise—it’s about being present and connecting with the natural world around you. Research has shown that forest bathing can lower stress, improve mood, and even boost your immune system.
As I painted, I imagined the golden-hour light filtering through the trees, creating a sanctuary of calm and spaciousness. The act of painting itself became a form of mindfulness, a way to pause and reconnect.
I thought about how this new painting might serve as a gentle reminder for someone else—a reminder to slow down, take a mindful walk through the woods, or simply find a moment of peace in their day.
Both paintings—each inspired by Golden Hour—are deeply personal to me. They represent not just the beauty of nature but the peace that comes when we allow ourselves to pause and be fully present.
These pieces have taught me that art can be more than just something beautiful. It can hold space for mindfulness, offer a sense of grounding, and remind us of our deep connection to the natural world.
A sense of calm in your home
As I share this second golden-hour forest painting, I hope it finds someone who needs that moment of calm. Whether it inspires a mindful walk in the woods, a deep breath, or simply a pause in a busy day, I hope it brings a sense of peace and presence into someone’s life.
If this resonates with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—or even your own story of a moment that brought you back to yourself.
The painting is available for sale in my shop.
Thank you for reading
This is my first post here on Substack, and I’m so grateful you’ve decided to read it. I hope to create a space where art, mindfulness, and nature meet—a space that feels like a deep breath or a golden-hour walk in the woods. I can’t wait to share more with you in the coming weeks.
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Welcome to Substack, Maria! It’s good to have you here. 🧡
Your paintings are very peaceful and you’ve captured the filtered light perfectly…
I find the Golden Hour beautiful… but in the end of the day I’m often too tired and frazzled to take in the light.
Your post reminded me to slow down…