Cloud Appreciation
Cloud watching…a classic childhood experience. Even the smallest of babies can participate!
At this time of year you have to pick the right time to go cloud watching…there are all sorts of clouds outside my window right now, but I’m not sure I’m appreciating them all that much as they are grey, indistinct and cover the whole of the sky within my view.
But yesterday…the cotton wool clouds were out (mostly cumulus for those interested in the scientific name). When the breeze is blowing, they move quite quickly. On a still day they are not in such a hurry. On other days the sky is lined with tufts of clouds, or lines like pulled cotton wool. Sometimes they’re so white, other days are grey. Have you ever looked in the distance and seen rain falling from distant clouds. There is a lot to know about clouds! There are so many beautiful ways to engage with cloud watching.
Here are a few ideas to get you started;
Play a game of finding shapes in the clouds. Do you yourself have any memories of finding a dinosaur or a shark in the clouds? Maybe an elephant? You may be surprised and delighted by what your children can come up with. It has the added bonus of giving you another lovely glimpse into their creative minds.
Kids can play whilst in the backyard, lying on a mat, all rugged up so they don’t get too cold. Or play whilst inside the house or inside the car. My children have been known to suddenly exclaim “Look Mum!” before identifying some shape or story happening in the clouds whilst we’re out driving. For me (and them) I think this is more wonderful than being stuck on a screen. When we arrive they are relaxed, happy and energised rather than irritated and annoyed if they’ve been on screens too long on a drive.
It’s free! It’s like a giant TV or the best art gallery, with stories, poetry, visual and performance art all happening wherever you are! You just have to look up.
Bring the clouds into your artwork at home. It can be as simple as cotton wool balls and glue. Maybe some blue paint, crayons or pencils for the sky…maybe some grey paint if the clouds are full of rain…You and your child will be sure to create some masterpieces that come from your own creativity and inspiration and reflect your own experiences.
It’s great for eyes and vision. Our eyes are quite amazing really and are designed to work to view things in the distance as well as things up close. In our busy, city environments we all get plenty of practice at close distance vision, but fewer opportunities to have a break from this with wide open spaces. Even in the most populated areas we can get some distance vision time just by looking up!
If your child is unwell, or it is simply too cold outside for you, then find a spot by a window where you can watch the clouds. You might not get a full view, but it can still be fun and meaningful.
Spend just a moment. Look at the sky just for a moment and you may just feel better! Take a deep breath, look up, smile and then move on…or spend an afternoon. Lie on the beach or in your backyard. Listen to the birds, the waves or the kids.
Cloud-watching can be a lovely opportunity to take a break from the chaos of the world. There is a lot of challenge for people at the moment due to COVID-19. We might not be seeing our friends and family as often as we’d like and we’re missing out on hugs and touching and even face-to-face contact. It can create anxiety and tension and a sense of unease and sadness. So a moment of peace, a moment of break from this can be just what we all need. It doesn’t change the challenge, or make COVID go away, but it can give our bodies and our minds a few moments of peace. Take a deep breath and enjoy some time with your beautiful children, just being together, sharing a calming experience.
For those of you who love photographing your kids, clouds and sky make an amazing backdrop. Near the end of the day as the Earth is rolling away from the Sun and the clouds are stained orange and red, there can be opportunities to take amazing photos. Or you can just take a “snapshot” with your mind and maybe smile for a moment.
For those of you who are interested in the names of the different formations, or who have children who are deep in the “questioning everything” phase and want to know names of everything, here’s a link to the different types of clouds from the Bureau of Meteorology
For those who are REALLY interested…there is a Cloud Appreciation Society group on Facebook.
