The Dutch<\/a> have been doing this for ages. In the Netherlands, dusking is referred to as \u201cschemeren<\/a>,\u201d which translates to \u201cbe dusky, to be in twilight.\u201d It\u2019s the idea of letting the lights turn off while the starry night envelops the day. Watching the color of the sky subtly fade can do wonders for a busy mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In a piece<\/a> for The Guardian<\/em>, writer Rachel Dixon describes her time at the Dark Skies \u201cdusking event<\/a>\u201d in the United Kingdom in February 2026. \u201cThe darkening sky is faintly illuminated by a sharp sliver of crescent moon and the first stars. Bats are swooping in search of supper, an owl is softly hooting, and the dark outline of a ruined castle looms beyond the walls.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n She explains how this ritual has resurged, writing, \u201cThe custom had all but died out until it was revived by Dutch poet and author Marjolijn van Heemstra<\/a> a few years ago. Now she is encouraging other countries to adopt dusking, running events in Ireland, Germany, and here in Yorkshire.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dixon shares that van Heemstra also spoke at the event she attended. \u201cDusking is about looking at one point and seeing it fade. Don\u2019t look around too much; focus. Trees are very good \u2013 they rise up for a moment and then fade away,\u201d van Heemstra eloquently said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not only is the concept beautiful, but it can also do wonders for anxiety and spark the imagination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.upworthy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/03\/top-image-1080-x-720-px-2026-03-10T121216.704.jpg?w=1024\")
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