The Magic of the Liminal Hours: From Dusk to Dawn

“I love watching the sunrise and sunset and the sky, the birds.”
– Manisha Koirala

At dusk, twilight, and dawn, we pass through thresholds that are neither one thing nor another. These are the liminal hours, the times between times where change stirs, and quiet magic moves beneath the surface of things. For me, these are the moments when nature reveals its rhythm most clearly.

Dusk: The Edge of Day

As the sun begins to fall, everything shifts. Colours soften, sounds deepen, and the familiar world takes on a different shape. The creatures of the night begin to stir while the last birds settle down for the evening.

Dusk is more than the end of the day; it’s a space of transition. It belongs to both light and shadow, and in this shared boundary lies a quiet sense of balance.

I love to sit outside as the light fades, watching and listening as things slowly change. The air cools, and the first stars begin to appear.

If you can, take a few moments to be outdoors as dusk falls. Try to let your thoughts slow to match the pace of the evening. Notice how the sounds soften, how the colours deepen, how everything slows a little. You might reflect on what you wish to release while the sun sets; these could be worries, words left unsaid, or simple exhaustion from the day. Try and allow them to fade with the light.

Twilight: Between Dusk and Night

Twilight follows dusk, when the sun has almost set but the sky still holds the last traces of light. This is the beginning of my favourite time, peaceful. My mind seems to feel a lot clearer, and ideas flow more freely. It’s when I do much of my writing, long into the early hours.

Before sunrise, when many begin to stir, the world feels suspended — neither night nor fully day. It’s another liminal moment, rich with potential. Birds begin to call to one another, and the first light spills gently across the horizon.

I’m not a morning person, yet I’ve always found this time quietly captivating. Especially in autumn, when there’s a faint chill in the air and the grass is wet with dew, the world feels fresh. It’s not uncommon for me to feel at my most relaxed and ready for sleep, just as the birds begin to sing and the first light spreads across the land.

If you’re awake to meet dawn, step outside and breathe it in. Let the morning air brush your skin, listen to the birds sing. You might set a small intention for the day ahead, or write a list of things you would like to achieve. You may just want to watch as the light spreads across the land.

And if, like me, you find yourself more at home in the small hours rather than in the morning, let that be part of your rhythm. These liminal hours, when night hands itself to day, hold their own kind of magic. Sometimes, the most creative work is done in the silence before the world wakes.

A dawn grounding exercise.

This is best done with bare feet, so you feel the earth.

Feel the soil beneath your feet, anchoring you in its stability, and visualise vibrant green roots extending from your soles, intertwining with the Earth’s energy.

Next, direct your gaze skyward and envision a radiant white light emanating from the crown of your head, reaching towards the vast expanse of the universe above

You could visualise a protective armour enveloping you, shielding you from negative energies and unwanted influences. Alternatively, bathe yourself in pure white light.

Morning Sun Salutation.

Step 1: Set Your Intentions. Begin by standing tall, feet together. Take a moment to set your intentions for the practice. This could be connecting with the sun’s energy, expressing gratitude, or focusing on positive affirmations.

Step 2: Mountain Pose (Tadasana) Inhale and raise your arms overhead, palms together. Stand tall, grounding yourself and reaching towards the sky. Feel the energy flowing through your fingertips.

Step 3: Forward Fold (Uttanasana) Exhale and bend forward from your hips, bringing your hands to the ground or reaching for your shins. Imagine releasing any tension or negativity as you fold forward.

Step 4: Halfway Lift (Ardha Uttanasana) Inhale, lift your torso halfway, and lengthen your spine. Keep your back straight and gaze forward. Feel the stretch in your spine and the revitalising energy.

Step 5: Plank Pose Exhale and step back into a plank position. Align your wrists under your shoulders, engage your core, and visualise strength and stability like the sun.

Step 6: Chaturanga Dandasana (Low Plank) Lower your body by bending your elbows, keeping them close to your sides. Feel the strength in your arms. If needed, drop your knees to the ground for a modified version.

Step 7: Upward-Facing Dog (Urdhva Mukha Svanasana) Inhale, lift your chest, and straighten your arms, arching your back. Feel the heart-opening energy and embrace a sense of positivity.

Step 8: Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana) Exhale, lift your hips, and push back into a downward-facing dog position. Pedal your feet and feel the stretch in your spine. Imagine grounding energy flowing through your hands into the earth.

Step 9: Warrior Pose (Virabhadrasana) Inhale, step your right foot forward between your hands, and rise into a warrior pose. Feel the strength and power as you extend your arms.

Step 10: Mountain Pose (Tadasana) Exhale, bring your hands down, and step your left foot forward to meet the right. Return to the mountain pose. Repeat the sequence on the other side.

Step 11: Close with Gratitude. Conclude your sun salutation by standing in mountain pose, hands at heart centre, then ground your energies to the earth and universe.