I love obscure holidays - I don't think that's any secret at this point and April 14th brings us two that, for me, are an easy combination. Let's take a quick look at each one individually and then I'll pull it together for you.
On the National level, we celebrate "Look Up At The Sky Day". This day was created to honor Jack Borden and his mission, but who was he? Borden was a news reporter in Boston and in the midst of interviewing people on the street he was struck by how only one person he interviewed was able to describe the sky above them when their eyes were covered. The seed had been planted for Jack. In 1978 his life was changed after a walk with his wife. After snoozing for a few minutes in a wooded clearing at the Wachusett Meadows Wildlife Sanctuary, he opened his eyes, and looking straight up, "saw more of the sky in a millisecond than I had in my entire forty-nine years up to that point." It was as if he was seeing the sky for the first time. From that day he became committed to promoting the beauty of the sky as a visual feast that anyone, anywhere, and at any time could partake. He left his job and started the non-profit "For Spacious Skies". This day was established in 2020 to honor him on his 92nd birthday. He would pass away 8 months later.
On the International level, we celebrate "Moment of Laughter Day". It is, simply put, a day to laugh. Originator Izzy Gesell says, "Laughter comes right after breathing as just about the healthiest thing you can do. It relieves stress, instills optimism, raises self-confidence, defuses resistance to change, and enhances all your relationships."
How do these two days come together though?
I have taught my kids something that a lot of people wouldn't think to teach their kids to do, but I did. I did it because my mom took the time to teach me. Before that? She learned it from her grandpa. What is that? I am a consummate sky watcher.
I remember many, many, many times laying out in the yard on a blanket staring up at the sky for what seemed like hours finding the shape of the clouds and telling stories about how they interacted with each other. I remember many road trips across long, never-ending roads staring out the car windows in search of objects in those clouds and wondering if they were traveling with us. I still do it. In fact, I don't think I could stop if I wanted to!
Sky watching pushes the limits of your imagination in ways nothing else can. It also teaches you to see things through another's eyes. I see a bunny in that cloud, but you see a dragon? Show me how so I can see what you see. It teaches powers of observation. It helps you see movement in the universe and how everything is all connected. It teaches you focus and discernment by observation. It also reminds you of just how small and tiny we all are in this giant universe.
Don't be fooled - my fascination with the sky goes beyond the clouds though. Probably the most cherished present from my childhood (that I still have and use) is a telescope I got. I couldn't even begin to tell you how many hours have been spent squinting into that lens watching the stars, meteors, planets, the moon...There is so much we don't know, so much to learn.
Do I have my head in the clouds? You bet I do. Am I okay with that? Yup.
Now if you can't see what kind of crazy stories, giggles and laughter can ensue from cloud stories you should make yourself go sit outside and stare at the sky until you can. It's an easy correlation for me. Take your kids outside and spend time watching the clouds roll by and enjoy those fun, carefree laughs while they're yours to enjoy. Time goes fast - you owe it to yourself and them to slow down a bit sometimes.