The heat wave seems to have died back a bit, and we’ve returned to normal early-May weather…
But there are still plenty of reasons to smile!
For this week’s Mental Sunshine I want you to try something really simple:
Look up!
I think it’s really easy to get used to just walking around, watching the path ahead of you or perhaps watching where you put your feet…
But how often do you look up, above your eye level?
Whether you’re out in nature or in the middle of a city, there’s always something to notice as you look up.
City buildings often have interesting architecture; perhaps odd things you’ve never spotted before
Despite walking along this street every day.
You might see little signs or ornaments in the windows of flats above shops
Those little stone gargoyles that are often on old buildings
Interesting designs in the brickwork or random carvings
In nature, looking up often means you’re treated to the pattern of the light coming through the leaves of trees.
The pattern of the clouds in the sky
Different birds flying overhead
Obviously, don’t wander around constantly looking up; you’ll end up bumping into people or tripping over.
And neither of those things is likely to bring Mental Sunshine!
Try spending a little time just looking up, noticing what’s above your usual field of vision.
Noticing different things can make your day more interesting.
You might see something and want to find out why it’s there, what it’s for –
And that might lead you to learning something new,
Which always brings with it a little zing of satisfaction.
As well as this, there’s a very basic concept that looking down all the time can make us feel closed off and down…
Whereas looking up can promote a more cheerful, calm outlook.
Try it today and see how you get on!
What can you spot that you’ve never noticed before?