About a month ago, I found myself wandering the periphery of Chicago’s skyline. The mouths of its manmade canyons overflowing with spectators. All of them awaiting the sun’s arrival.
For those not familiar with the phenomenon known as Chicagohenge, twice a year, at the spring and autumn equinoxes, the sun lines up with the streets of Chicago just as it sets. The light pours into the streets just before crossing below the horizon, creating gorgeous, warm shadows and attracting crowds that have grown exponentially in recent years.
I cannot tell you the joy that comes from standing in a crowd of mostly strangers, listening to passersby ask what we’re all looking at, and hearing a somewhat in-unison response of “the sun”. In those moments when the sun finally makes its appearance, the city pauses. Cars and buses stop, letting pedestrians fill the streets. For a brief moment, we all stand in awe. Bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.
It’s the sort of feeling you want to capture. Not the sun, or its stunning light, but that sea of humanity taking it all in. Even in the middle of a concrete jungle so many are still drawn to admire the profoundly simple beauty of nature.
It’s the sort of social phenomenon that will have you feeling optimistic about the world.
Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward.
Onward & Awkward 