Cloud Gazing
I’m a bit of a sucker for a beautiful cloud. They stop me in my tracks, the shapes, the colours of the sky, the speed with which they move across the sky. Looking at clouds can make going for a walk a slow process at times.
I wonder if this gives me a little glimpse into being a small child, where everything is beautiful and new and you must definitely stop, look, and appreciate all the good things you see.
Sometimes those walks that take forever (walk, stop, look, talk, walk, stop), can be a bit frustrating, and sometimes they can be fun. Here’s a little something for when you're ready to head out to take a slow walk.
You’ve probably seen a cloud window around, and we have a little printout here that you can use, or you can paint or draw your own.
If you print this one out, stick it onto some cardboard and cut out a little window. The cardboard will help keep it steady if there’s any wind when you go out finding clouds.
This template shows a few of the different types of clouds you might see in the sky and helps us grow an appreciation for these beautiful fluffy things that make our day amazing, water our gardens, provide shade and can even change our mood. Take your cloud window for a walk and spend some time looking up and learning the shape and names of clouds - or make up your own!
The names of clouds can be beautiful and interesting to roll over your tongue, such as cirrus, nimbostratus and cumulus. Play around with the words and the sounds they make.
If going for a walk is not an option and a little lay down is much needed (for all the parents out there!) then a blanket in the backyard can be a perfect spot for cloud gazing. Looking up at those different shapes, textures and patterns, the speed or slow pace with which they cross the sky, it’s endlessly mesmerising.
There is research to suggest that looking up can help us be more creative, increase our ability to focus, decrease stress, improve mood and sleep as well as become a gateway to awe.
The Cloud Appreciation Society leaves us with this line at the end of their manifesto, “Look up, marvel at the ephemeral beauty, and always remember to live life with your head in the clouds!”
Enjoy your cloud gazing!
If your cloud gazing leads to more curiosity here are a few places you can go to follow those questions.
A few books to enjoy include;
Little Cloud by Eric Carle
Clouds to Spot by Kate Nolan
The Little Lost Cloud by Paul Gorry, and
The Book of Clouds by Juris Kronbergs and Anete Melece
