Magic of the Sky

Reflection on the magic of sky and what it mirrors within..

I’ve written so much about my connection with nature—the wild, animals, trees sun, flowers. But hovering and watching above all of these is the sky. I’ve taken more pictures of skies than all of those other things combined, because it’s magic and elegance are unparalleled.

I’ve read that we only see outside of us what we recognize within our Selves, and when I contemplate my fascination with the sky, I know there’s an inside story waiting to be told:

Of an infiniteness—a never ending spirit within that calls for attention and curiosity, awe and wonder, until the end of time.

Of a dynamic beauty and artistry that can’t be adequately described, contained, or controlled: a landscape of depth and color that can only be observed moment by moment. The sky lays itself open to constant observation through all movement and change—but is impervious to adjustment—and will never ever fit into a tidy plan or expectation.

Of a connectedness that reaches everything, that touches all of creation and can highlight its beauty like no other. Sky is most exquisite when witnessed as the backdrop to everything else in this life. Without it, nothing can be seen in its realness, its fullness, mystery, or majesty. Just try to take in the trees, water, or mountains without looking at the sky!

Of an openness to all of life—the light and dark, the warmth and cold, the transparent and hidden. The sky embraces all of it—and is constantly working it into a masterpiece. The sun, stars, moon, clouds— even the smoke of wildfires are just elements of its creation. With sky as the backdrop, every thing fits, adds texture and complexity—and brings meaning to the whole of our existence.

In the words of Pema Chodron: “You are the sky. Everything else is just weather.” We are all infinitely beautiful creations, connected to this earth and to everything in it, and made to flourish with every breath and experience. And if it feels too lofty to believe in our own majesty—like our heads are in the clouds—it’s precisely because they are, and they should be!