In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's all too easy to get swept up in the whirlwind of tasks, responsibilities, and constant connectivity. Amidst this chaos, we often overlook the simplest yet most profound daily rituals that can bring us a sense of peace, wonder, and reconnection with the natural world.
My favorite ritual is taking a moment each morning to pause and look up at the sky. I started this ritual on January 1, 2023.
Here is what I learned from 8 months of sky gazing.
Embrace Mindfulness
Don’t just say that you’re embracing mindfulness. Actually, do it. I was a culprit of hypocrisy before my star gazing days. I would preach that everyone should start their mornings unplugged and present, while I opened my eyes and immediately grabbed my phone to check emails.
But really, gift yourself 5 uninterrupted minutes. That is all it takes to embrace mindfulness.
Connecting with Nature
I live on the 4th floor of an apartment building. Although I can see Mount Penn from my balcony, I otherwise feel disconnected from the natural world. Sky gazing allowed me to reestablish my innate connection to nature.
It has the power to do that for you too.
Looking up at the sky is a gentle reminder of our place in the universe. It reconnects us with the cycles of the earth and the changing seasons, especially here in Eastern Pennsylvania.
During my 5-minutes of sky gazing I will often see a flock of birds or tune in to the hum of a nearby train gliding along its rails. Sometimes, both of those things will happen in harmony.
Regardless of what I am seeing or hearing, about two minutes in and like a familiar hug, I am overwhelmed with a sense of belonging and connectedness. The very act of looking up can evoke a deep sense of awe and humility. Gazing out at a sky that is vast and infinite, can make our troubles seem to shrink in comparison.
Now, I have to admit. This took practice. Sky Gazing in January, in below-freezing temperatures while standing outside in my pajamas and bathrobe, did not feel like a familiar hug. But, with practice came ease.
Give yourself grace if this practice feels silly at first.
Gratitude. And Lots of It.
The morning sky takes on a new form each and every day. With its familiar hues of pink, orange, gold, and blue, it serves as a stunning reminder of the natural beauty that surrounds us. By soaking this in, we can cultivate a sense of gratitude for the new day ahead.
Practicing gratitude is nourishing for the mind, body, and soul. According to the Mayo Clinic, practicing gratitude can decrease depression, anxiety, difficulties with chronic pain, and risk of disease.
We know this. But, do we act on it? Probably not as much as we should.
Sky gazing helps.
So, with that, I encourage you to look up and gaze at the sky.
Check in with me after a week or so of doing this.
The magic of the sky awaits.
Here are a few of my magical moments.
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