Cloud Gazing: looking up at the wonders of the sky

#childrensday #innerchild #cloudgazing #cloudappreciation #lookupnotdown #upupup #connections #uplift #mentalhealth #psychology #clinicalpsychologist #therapy #brightpsychoflife #bpol 

Children are often called masters of day-dreaming. The study of clouds has been termed as a daydreamer’s science. Cloud gazing, used interchangeably with terms like cloud spotting or cloud watching, is the act of sitting down or lying in a comfortable spot and observing the clouds overhead. Inevitably, children, more so than adults, are willing to engage in this activity of cloud watching. It is a pity that somewhere along the way, we may have outgrown this child-like innocence and willingness to daydream.

As the Aristophanes, the ancient greek playright, once said, “Clouds are patron goddesses of idle fellows”. This suggests how cloud watching is perceived as an activity – idle, and aimless. This, coupled with societal pressures for productivity, and the current digital era, explains for why people tend to look down at their devices and get engrossed by them. And gradually, over time, their valuable connections with wonders of the world get lost.

In the English language, there happens to be idioms involving clouds that may have given clouds a poor reputation. Some examples such as, “under a cloud” refers to a person being “under suspicion of wrongdoing”; “a cloud hanging over you” means a situation that causes worry and unhappiness and “to cloud someone’s memory” means “to make someone confused or make something difficult to understand”. Some also view clouds as literal obstructions between us and the sun. Thus, clouds get a rather bad reputation, and likewise the activity of cloud spotting is perceived in negative light.

As an advocate for a more balanced perspective, I would like to remind us of idioms e.g., “being in cloud 9” to mean a state of extreme happiness, bliss, or elation. Benefits of cloud watching on our health and well-being are also documented in subsequent paragraphs. Hope these can shift your perspective regarding cloud watching – and perhaps, you may start to see it as a necessity in life too.

Benefits of cloud watching

While the current digitalized world provides us with connectivity with the rest of the world, we are expected to be responsive and connected at all times. For instance, there is an expectation to respond to emails promptly regardless of time-zone differences. This likens to being on a digital treadmill where busy-ness is normalized. This can mistakenly be confused with productivity and may run the risk of burnout if done to an extreme. Cloud watching, on the other hand, is an activity that does not change the world and may be seen as counterintuitive to idea of productivity. However, cloud watching activates the brain’s default mode network, in which self-reflection and meaning-making are facilitated and creativity can be fostered.

The ambiguity and ever-changing cloud shapes allow for variable interpretations that can nurture one’s ability to think flexibly and produce unique and diverse creative thoughts. For instance, one can see the painting below and share their interpretations accordingly. The best part of this is that there is no limit to creativity.

As can be seen in the picture, two main characters are observing the clouds and seem to be making out the shapes of the clouds. What do you see? Do comment and share your observations!

As one observes clouds and tries to make out its form and shape and imagine the inanimate or animate objects in the skies, this can provide a glimpse to one’s inner world (thoughts, emotions) and imagination. The intention to focus on given shapes can also facilitate mindfulness that can in turn lead to a greater sense of calm and clarity in mind.

Cloud gazing is a science. Scientist Luke Howard is one of the first who created the classification system that forms the basis of current meteorological practices and derived at cloud type categorization. Through observing the clouds, one can gain some forecasting skills. Based on the type of cloud you notice, you may have an indication of the weather to expect in the next few hours.

Given that we are all inhabitants of the same planet, all of us can observe the same sky no matter where we are located, and regardless of our varying demographics. This is truly as egalitarian as it can get, whereby clouds and sky belong to all of us. There is also the convenience of access which means we get to partake in this activity anytime and anywhere we want.

The fact that clouds change its shape, form and move all the time serve as a reminder to us about the concept of impermanence. Like these clouds, we can learn to treat our thoughts and feelings likewise – that they are capable of changing, shifting and passing too. This may lend hope to us, in terms of having situations improve or progress with time and/or support and guidance (just like in therapy context). There is other utility of clouds in context of therapy in which we tap on to help clients gain distance from their thoughts or emotions too.

As one gazes at the clouds in day-time, one’s skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays from sun that boosts the intake of vitamin D. Getting adequate levels of vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones and healthy immune system.

And as one focuses on things that are calming such as clouds and its movement, one’s body relaxes and blood vessels dilate – both of which facilitates better blood circulation in the body. This in turn promotes one’s overall health and energy.

Cloud watching legitimises the concept of doing nothing, and with the above-mentioned multitude of benefits, we strive to embrace this activity. Of course, we need to strike a balance: while we want heads in the clouds, we also wish for our feet to be planted firmly on the ground too. This speaks to importance of having both sides: the creativity and imaginative and the practical sides in our lives. Maintaining such a balance is the key in today’s day and age where busyness is celebrated and idleness is frowned upon.

Hope this poem ignites your interest in cloud watching.  

Clouds drift high in endless sky,

Whispering tales as they pass by.

Soft and white against the blue,

Their dance above, a timeless view.

Painting stories with every shape,

In gentle winds, they gracefully drape.

Mysteries hidden in their mist,

Clouds, the dreamers, softly kissed.

Isshiah L.

Do comment and share what objects you saw in the above picture as well as during your cloud watching expedition. Let’s marvel in the wonders of the skies and engage in child-like wonders in commemoration of children’s day! Ideally, we want to live this child-like innocence and fun daily –not just on children’s day. Please read about the benefits of play and fun in my previous blog: https://www.brightpsychoflife.com.sg/post/seize-your-play-moment-today

p/s: I am thankful that my therapy room is blessed with floor to ceiling window and a relatively unblocked view of the sky. As such, my clients and I often find ourselves looking towards the sky, observing the clouds in sessions. Hopefully we get to marvel at the clouds together, when you embark on therapy journey with me.

Rooting for you always,

Jeanice