Dusking: The Ancient Ritual to Reconnect with Darkness & Wellbeing

The fading light of dusk, once a commonplace pause in the day, is experiencing a quiet revival. From the North York Moors to the Netherlands, a practice called “dusking” – or schemeren as it’s known in Dutch – is gaining traction as a simple, accessible way to reconnect with the natural world and, potentially, improve wellbeing. But is this newfound appreciation for twilight simply a nostalgic trend, or does it offer genuine health benefits?

The concept is beautifully straightforward: find a chair, find a view, and simply observe the transition from daylight to darkness. No screens, no distractions, just a mindful acknowledgement of the day’s end. I recently spent an hour at the UK’s first dedicated “dusking” event, held in a glasshouse as darkness descended over a walled garden bordering the North York Moors. The scene was striking not for what was present – the faint crescent moon, the silhouettes of trees, the hooting of an owl – but for what was absent: artificial light.

A Dutch Revival and a Lost Ritual

Dusking isn’t a new invention. In the Netherlands, it was once a deeply ingrained family ritual, a shared moment to mark the close of the day before artificial illumination became ubiquitous. Dutch poet and author Marjolijn van Heemstra rediscovered the practice through conversations with an elderly woman and, intrigued, began researching its history. She unearthed records dating back to the 18th century, even finding a how-to manual. “Dusking used to be so normal; a pause moment in the day,” van Heemstra explains. Her work has sparked a resurgence of interest, with events now taking place in Ireland, Germany, and the UK, and plans to expand the practice through schools in the Netherlands. Van Heemstra’s book, Nachtgids (Night Guide), is available in the Netherlands and will be published in English next year.

The Science of Slowing Down

While the anecdotal benefits of dusking – a sense of calm, a reconnection with nature – are readily apparent, the underlying mechanisms are only beginning to be explored. Van Heemstra frames dusking as a form of mindfulness, akin to meditation but focused on the external world. The act of focusing on a single point, allowing the eye to adjust to the diminishing light, encourages a slowing of the mind and a detachment from the constant stimulation of modern life. This deliberate slowing down may offer respite from the “attention crisis” that van Heemstra identifies as a key driver of unhappiness.

The potential health benefits extend beyond mental wellbeing. Growing awareness of the detrimental effects of light pollution highlights the importance of embracing darkness. A 2023 review by University College London found that artificial light at night suppresses melatonin production and disrupts circadian rhythms, potentially contributing to sleep disorders, mood disturbances, and even more serious health issues like obesity, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers. While the review doesn’t specifically address dusking, it underscores the value of intentionally seeking out periods of darkness.

Beyond Human Health: Ecological Impacts

The consequences of light pollution aren’t limited to human health. Ecological damage is a significant concern. Research demonstrates that artificial light disrupts the behavior of numerous species. A study published in January revealed that LED lights can reduce the night-time activity of moths – crucial nocturnal pollinators – by as much as 85%. Other research highlights negative impacts on hatchling turtles, migrating birds, and nocturnal mammals. The preservation of dark skies, is not merely an aesthetic concern but a critical component of biodiversity conservation.

Dark Sky Reserves and Growing Awareness

Recognizing the importance of protecting natural darkness, initiatives like the International Dark Sky Association have designated over 250 locations worldwide as “dark sky places,” offering refuge from light pollution. The North York Moors National Park, designated a “gold tier” dark sky reserve in 2020, is actively implementing measures to reduce light pollution, including dimming lights, directing illumination downwards, and switching off streetlights at midnight. The park’s annual Dark Skies festival, and its fringe event in October, aim to raise awareness and encourage behavioral changes, with recent research suggesting that festival attendees are more likely to adopt low-impact lighting practices at home.

Is Dusking Just Another Wellbeing Fad?

Van Heemstra is quick to dismiss the notion that dusking is simply the latest wellness trend. “The real fad is the way we live now, estranged from the world,” she argues. She emphasizes the accessibility of the practice – “All you need is a chair and a view” – and its grounding in a long-lost cultural tradition. While the scientific evidence supporting the specific benefits of dusking is still emerging, the underlying principles of mindfulness, connection with nature, and intentional darkness align with established principles of wellbeing.

The experience of dusking is inherently subjective. As I walked back to my hotel under the remarkably clear North York Moors sky, I found myself noticing details I would have missed in the glare of artificial light – the silhouette of a distant castle, the subtle variations in the starry expanse. According to the latest UK Star Count, half of participants can see 10 stars or fewer in the Orion constellation. In the dark sky reserve, the number visible was significantly higher. Whether dusking becomes a widespread practice remains to be seen, but its simple invitation to pause, observe, and reconnect with the natural world offers a compelling antidote to the relentless pace of modern life.

Looking ahead, further research is needed to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of regular dusking. Studies could explore the impact on melatonin levels, sleep quality, and stress hormones. In the meantime, embracing this ancient ritual – finding a chair, finding a view, and simply watching the darkness descend – may be a surprisingly effective way to cultivate a sense of calm, and wellbeing.