“Look up … waaaaay up!” If you grew up in Canada and have been on this planet as long as I have, you likely recognize this from the opening scene of an iconic children’s show called The Friendly Giant.  

A week ago, I was thinking about how important it is to look up, and I was flooded with memories of this favourite kid’s shows and feeling such sweet nostalgia for The Giant and his sidekicks Rusty and Jerome.

Before this trip down memory lane, I was helping a friend with her computer as we sat at my kitchen island.  I sat on a chair that I rarely use and was struck by things I typically ignore; our lovely backsplash and many items that I forgot I had haphazardly stacked on the top of the kitchen cupboards. 

My mind needs little prompting to start obsessing about what I think about.  This last week I’ve felt inspired by the magnitude of looking up, discovering or rediscovering the world around us, and looking at things from a different point of view. 

We are a downward-looking society.  Between our phones and computers, we spend most of our time looking down.   Did you know that this causes tech neck, which can cause injury to the muscles and structures of your cervical spine?  

Beyond the physical repercussions, we miss out on connection because non-verbal communication accounts for 93% of a message.   How much better would our conversations and relationships be if we were truly present?  How often are you checking your devices while talking to someone?  There is no way that you can fully listen to someone while being distracted by your phone, and you won’t notice a smile, furrowed brow, or a sense of sadness that might need some attention.  

We don’t even have to be on our phones to be looking down.  We look at the ground when we’re walking, and I see this in others and myself.  Why can’t we make eye contact?  Say hello, or give a slight nod?  

Look up when you are talking and walking, and I promise you will feel happier and more connected.  

Look up and stare at the tops of trees and the ever-changing sky.  I spend a few minutes each day staring at the sky.  I’ve found this easier to do since we left Toronto and moved to Picton because the view from our front porch is a forest, and there are no buildings to block my view.    

I like to think the skies in Prince Edward County are the most beautiful I have ever seen, but it could just be that this is the first time in my life that I’ve taken the time to notice.  

I’m amazed by the skies’ beauty every single day.  The sunsets provide hues of red, orange, yellow and pink that are so vibrant that they seem surreal.  Even the dark, ominous sky has a haunting beauty.  

When I stare at the sky, I’m often overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude, and it has become a great antidote to pull me out of my problems and into the present moment.  The sky is energy, and the clouds constantly move and remind us that our struggles can pass and that life goes on.  

The side of our house is away from the street lights and provides the perfect darkness to see a speckled sky of stars at night.  One can easily spot the dippers and many constellations, get lost in their enormity and feel a sense of peace. 

What are you missing in life by looking down?

What can you discover about the world and yourself?

What points of view need expansion?

Keep your head up.

Be well.

Anita