Some blissfully practical advice for bearing up in these modern times with your sanity intact is to disengage from its endless demands and distractions as often as you conveniently can. Turn off all your devices, as they say, and take a brain break, if even for only 15 minutes a day.
One of the easiest ways to do this is by going outside and taking a walk. If the sun is shining, even better – the vitamin D you’ll absorb helps regulate moods and evaporates depressive thoughts.
And, if there are clouds up above, you’re in luck – now you can cloud gaze!
Remember how fun it was to lay down on a grassy knoll when you were a kid and gaze up at the white puffy clouds slowly sailing by? You can still do it now that you’re all grown up. Cloud gazing is great way to take a life-soothing timeout. Italians call this simple therapy dolce far niente, “the sweetness of doing nothing.”
The many benefits of looking up at clouds include:
Mindfulness: Cloud gazing invites us to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to be present. In a world of screens and schedules, it’s a gentle reminder that beauty exists in the simplest of moments.
Mood Lift: The peaceful and serene nature of the activity can help to lift our spirits and bring a sense of joy and contentment.
Fun: Each cloud carries secrets. What do you see? A dragon? A ship? A heart? Clouds are like inkblots, inviting introspection and sparking creativity.
Inspiration: Clouds are the architects of daydreams. They beckon us to imagine: What lies beyond the horizon? Who lives atop that fluffy cumulonimbus? Let your mind wander and enjoy simply doing nothing.
If you can’t get outside, or the weather is crummy, then zone out with this SlowTV video loop version of the real thing. Watch for five minutes or 10 hours!
Want to hang out with other cloud aficionados from all around the world? Join the official Cloud Appreciation Society and share your favorite cloud photos to the gallery, take online cloud courses, get beautiful Cloud-A-Day emails, and discounts in the cloud gift shop. Five percent of membership fees support cloud education materials provided to school and homeschool primary and secondary teachers.
Video header: Elements.envato.com
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