FTP 9 - Look up

     In our social world, where we don't really have any natural predators, most of humanity has forgotten the need to keep an eye out above us. When we hear a loud noise, or something unexpected happens, we tend to look around, down, under, across... everywhere but up. Because really, what is there to look at, upwards? If you're in a city, it contains nothing but bland sides of buildings crowding out the sky and billboards screaming their messages at you. If you're in the suburbs or the country, it's nothing but huge expanses of sky and treetops- nothing up there could possibly be interesting, could it?

Boooooring, right? Wrong.

     Well, yes and no. While there may not be anything immediately eye-catching situated above you, I would argue that there are all kinds of benefits to looking up. For starters, the sheer lack of visual stimuli means your brain actually has to start working, rather than reacting. Whether you're contemplating infinity, or just realizing that there's more to life than the next text message, commercial, or article in the paper, it's a good way to disconnect from the hectic pace of life and just contemplate.

     Another more physical benefit is the change this requires in your posture. Most of the work (and play!) that people do involves sitting down, hunched over their keyboards, or sliding down in their chairs. Looking up gives you a chance to stretch, to realign your back, and relieve the strain on your back, shoulders, and neck. Think back on the last time you sat back and stretched; which way was your upper body facing? I'm willing to bet that it was at least slightly upwards....

     Last but not least, looking upwards is heavily associated with a positive mindset. Many, many tests have been conducting regarding positive emotions and moving upwards, even with such a simple task as moving marbles from a lower tray to a higher one. When humans are depressed or sad, we look downwards; happier people tend to keep their heads up and look around. Simulating either of these actions causes the associated emotions to trigger, even if it's on an unconscious level.

     So the next time you're outside, or even in a larger-than-usual-room, take a look upwards. Check out the light shining around the edges of the clouds, or what those cheerful birds are up to. If you're feeling really motivated to make a change in your life, stretch for a bit and smile as you contemplate what's out there - either within the atmosphere or outside of it- and see what it does for your attitude. Bet you you'll be surprised at how much difference it makes.

It's a big world out there, who knows what you'll find.