Spending a moment each day with your head in the clouds could be the thing to keep your feet firmly on the ground.
Let’s address the fluffy white elephants in the sky, shall we? There they are, with their shapeshifting billows and wisps, promising a fleeting show of one of nature’s most enchanting displays.
Living under an ocean of air as we do, you’d think we humans would catch sight of these unique cloud formations every day; yet, because of their omnipresence in our lives, we tend to miss their beauty altogether.
As children, we would be so inherently captivated by the fleeting and ever-changing shapes of clouds – from giant puffs billowing towards the sun to thin wisps slinking past the moon – that we would conjure up fantasies, feel liberated, and find a sense of hope. But with the passing of time, clouds were replaced by other distractions (such as books and screens) and now most of us don’t often take some time to watch the clouds go by.
But it’s about time we find a nice patch of grass, lie flat on our backs, and rediscover the sense of wonder and endless potential for joy that cloud spotting offers.
We’d be in good company, too, given the existence of the international Cloud Appreciation Society and its intrepid founder, Gavin Pretor-Pinney. Created quite literally out of thin air in 2005, this society of avid cloud spotters now has over 58,800 members from 120 countries around the world – all united in the belief that clouds offer the most dynamic, evocative, and poetic aspect of nature. Contemplating the why, how, and where they go is endlessly fascinating.
“The narrative of the sky is one without beginning and end”, Gavin says. “It is an expression of beautiful, gentle chaos and an expression of transformation that’s constantly happening. So, to tune into that is to tune into a kind of narrative without end. And to pay attention even for a few moments to what’s happening in the sky… it’s like a moment’s pause… it encourages you to slow down as the clouds progress with change at a gradual pace.”
Cloud watching
Cloud spotting certainly provides a unique opportunity to bring us back to a present state of mind. Much like clouds, our emotions and thoughts are never quite the same, constantly shifting and evolving. But paying attention to something so ordinary, yet so mesmerising, could offer us a moment of reprieve to connect with the ever-shifting movements of nature, and of ourselves. As Gavin explains, “By its nature, to pay attention to what is happening in the sky is to slow down. To be conscious of it and be present with it is to relinquish.”
It’s really not unlike a short meditation, one that you can incorporate into your daily life to bring you back to a deeper awareness and sense of self. By appreciating the floating formations above, you can expand your horizons and begin to create more mindful moments for yourself. “You just need to remember to look up.”
The greater the engagement we have with the sky, the better it is for our wellbeing and creativity, too. While cloud spotting is, by nature, all about slowing down, looking up, and appreciating the beauty of the natural world, it’s also an entirely free and effective way to relieve day-to-day stresses and concerns. Setting your attention to something as mundane as watching the sky and looking at the clouds that float overhead can alter and improve mental clarity.
“The enchanting feeling of losing yourself within the rhythms, shapes, and poetries of cloud spotting is a healing, comforting, and often stimulating experience.”
All it takes is a moment in the day, a little tap on the shoulder, to remind you to keep an eye on the sky.
The enchanting feeling of losing yourself within the rhythms, shapes, and poetries of cloud spotting is a healing, comforting, and often stimulating experience. And you don’t even have to rush off to faraway places to witness the free-floating magic happening above. All you have to do is look up.
Other aerial pastimes to try
Stargazing
Whether you’re looking for a way to feel closer to nature, relieve stress, or simply slow down and reflect, your answer could be waiting in the stars. Similar to cloud spotting, stargazing is an excellent form of escapism and helps people find mental silence as they contemplate the cosmos. There are so many proven benefits for our wellbeing, from taking a break from our busy lifestyles and finding a moment of calm to offering a different perspective on our lives. All that’s left to do is stop, watch, and reflect.
Kite flying
Focusing on a distant object against a soothing, blue sky does wonders for your mind and body. When we watch a kite drift with the wind, we focus on the moment, and are able to appreciate the natural beauty in the sky and in surrounding landscapes that we often take for granted. By reconnecting with this childhood pastime, we’re also boosting our creativity, reducing stress, and supporting our physical health – yes, flying a kite counts as good exercise!
Birdwatching
Birdwatching is a quiet yet meditative experience. People often spend long periods outdoors; sitting, watching, and waiting quietly, which allows for plenty of time to clear your mind, live in the moment, and think about life. Birdwatchers also soak up the details of their surroundings while engaging with our feathery friends – admiring the plant life, breathing in the crisp air, and watching other animals. Taking up this pastime is the perfect opportunity to admire nature for its beauty, and it’s worth your time when you finally catch a glimpse of the bird you’ve been so patiently waiting for.
WORDS: Sarah Webb
To find out more about the Cloud Appreciation Society, visit cloudappreciationsociety.org
This article was originally published in Issue 29 – Flights of Fancy. You can purchase this issue and enjoy more enchanting content here.
