It’s probably safe to say, most of us spend a whole lot of our days looking DOWN, or straight ahead, without ever really thinking to focus our attention UPWARDS!
For children, the opposite tends to be the case, as youngsters’ fascination with the world above their eyeline means their gaze is frequently skyward.
As adults, this is something we could benefit from reverting back to on occasion. By escaping the digital vortex and indulging in some head-clearing sky gazing… it’s possible to take advantage of the myriad of health benefits that come from lapping up the sky, clouds and nature above.
Many of these advantages can be traced to the perks of ‘disconnecting’ - from phones, computers etc - but some are owing to the physical changes that happen when you raise your chin and look upwards.
Through this simple action, the shoulders naturally fall back and the chest opens, working in the same way as the ‘power pose’ on mood and mindset. Social psychologists call it ‘embodied cognition’, where the body – especially posture – influences the mind, and vice versa.
Limiting our visual fields and sitting in a collapsed position apparently makes it easier for negative thoughts to dominate, which at this time, is something we can do without.
If you have a garden or balcony, therefore, now is the time to step outside and look up! Combining this exercise with some aromatherapy in the form of Penny Price’s Unwind Rollerball, can compound the meditative aspect of this exercise, helping break the downward chain of thoughts that can easily spiral in this period of self-isolation.
Penny Price’s unique, handy product comes in a convenient rollerball package and features a relaxing blend of Lavender, Juniper and Rosewood Essential Oils, which help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety and calm the mind.
It’s a small action, but one that plays an important part in keeping us connected to the outside world, and reminding us that (like the clouds constantly moving overhead) this too shall pass!
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