Is it a dog? Is it a rabbit? Is it a king sitting on his throne, or a monkey eating an apple?
Cloud watching is a fun hobby for children and adults alike. It is also one of the few hobbies that can be done without any equipment–just some spare time and a little imagination! The following are just a few of the reasons cloud watching is a great source of entertainment for the entire family.
Relaxation
What could be more relaxing than lying on your back and looking up at the sky? For years, philosophers, writers, and nature-enthusiasts have written about the importance of connecting with nature.
For example, poet and philosopher Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote:
Nature is a mutable cloud which is always and never the same.
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This brings us to our next point as to why cloud watching is such a wonderful hobby…
Imagination
As Ralph Waldo Emerson knew, nature (and clouds) are always the same–and yet always very different! Clouds, for instance, are relatively similar looking, yet they morph into all kinds of different shapes!
Cloud watching allows you to use your imagination. This is just one of the reasons cloud watching is a great activity to do with your children. That and the fact that it gives you a chance to relax!
Education
Cloud watching allows you to use your imagination, but it can also be an educational experience. Use the opportunity to learn about different kinds of clouds. Are you familiar with cumulonimbus? Altostratus? If you missed your elementary school lesson on clouds, this is a great opportunity to catch up.
If you have children, teach them about different types of clouds. However, depending on their age, they may be the ones teaching you!
Cost
Yes, it’s true. Cloud watching is one of our free hobbies. It doesn’t cost anything to lie on your back and look at the clouds. If you live in the city, you may need to drive or take the bus to a nearby park, which may cost some money. If you live nearby, take the opportunity to walk instead. It’s definitely worth it.
All in all, cloud watching is a great hobby. Nowadays we’re far too busy with jobs, chores, and commitments. We rarely take the time to stop and look at the clouds. The good news is that it’s never too late.
So what do you think? Is the cloud a monkey? Or is it a king?
