Blue Skies
When I headed for a walk the other morning, I was amazed by the blueness of the sky.
Chicago is not known for its sunny days, but sometimes, you don’t realize how wonderful something is until you miss it.
Even though this winter was not unduly harsh in temperature, after a chain of overcast days, I couldn’t help but notice how different my mood was when I felt directly connected to the sun, when I went about my activities under a cover of blue.
The few wisps of clouds I saw only served to make the blue bluer by establishing a little contrast.
I felt more energetic and optimistic. I found myself more willing to be spontaneous and adventurous. I seemed content to be alone, less eager for the distraction of a television or computer screen.
Even if I didn’t spend all day outside, I didn’t want to lose sight of the amazing blue sky.
I think other people felt the same way.
In short interactions with store clerks or crossing guards or doormen, I noticed they all seemed especially upbeat and helpful.
It’s not just the sunshine that people respond to. I’m convinced that it’s the color blue itself. Indigo, periwinkle, cobalt, sapphire -– there are many shades of blue. Yet, everyone knows what SKY BLUE looks like.
I noodled around online for qualities and psychological associations with the color.
Peace. Calm. Clarity. Relaxation. Intelligence. Warmth. Sincerity. Flexibility. Imagination…
It has been said that blue represents confidence in a non-threatening way, as in CALM AUTHORITY.
It is universally liked. There are people whose favorite color might be red or green and other people who might be just as passionate in their dislike, but no one hates blue. It is universally liked.
I tried to understand the effect of the blue sky on my own mood and outlook. I had to think about horizons; how when you look out at a body of water, the blueness of the ocean merges with the sky. Or, if you see a mountain, the only thing bigger is the sky over it.
When I see blue, I think FOREVER. Rather than being overwhelmed by this, I feel comforted.
I have to refer to the classic tune. (Thanks, Mr. Berlin).
Blue skies smilin’ at me
Nothing but blue skies, do I see
Blue days all of them gone
Nothin’ but blue skies from now on…
Being buoyed by the vastness, the FOREVER-NESS of the sky is no small thing.
Re-printed with permission.
Deborah Hawkins has been blogging on gratitude and mindfulness for over a decade, posting over 500 essays. In December of 2019, she brought out two books, The Best of No Small Thing — Mindful Meditations, a collection of favorite blogs, and Practice Gratitude: Transform Your Life — Making the Uplifting Experience of Gratitude Intentional, a workbook on her process. Through her books, classes, and coaching, she teaches people how to identify things to be grateful for in everyday experiences.
Visit Deborah at: Visit No Small Thing
