The Thirty-Second Sky is a quick creative break. You look up at the sky for thirty seconds, then write down three words about what you saw. That's it. It works from a window, a parking lot or your front step, and it's one of the easiest ways I know to step out of a busy day for a minute.
What you need
A window or a spot outside where you can see some sky
Something to write with, like a notebook, a sticky note or the notes app on your phone
Thirty seconds
How to do it
Look up. Find the biggest piece of sky you can see.
Watch it for thirty seconds. Notice the color, the clouds, anything moving.
Write down three words about it. Any words. "Pale, streaky, soft" works. So does "gray, gray, bird."
Write the date next to them.
Why it helps
It gives your eyes something to look at besides a screen, and it gives your mind one small thing to focus on. Thirty seconds is short enough that you'll do it, even on your busiest day.
Make it a habit
Try it at the same time every day for a week, like with your morning coffee or when you get to your car after work. Keep your words in one spot. After a week you'll have a little collection of skies, and you might notice the light changing as the season changes.
If you want to add color, grab a crayon or colored pencil and add one stripe of the sky's color next to your words. If you like that, you might like Color Today too.
More creative interruptions
Creative interruptions are small, easy art breaks that fit into a regular day. You'll find more on the Creative Interruptions page, including The Five-Minute Leaf and Rainbow Hunt.
FAQ
What if I can't get outside?
A window works great. Even a small piece of sky between buildings counts.
What if the sky is boring today?
Write that down. "Flat, white, still" is a good sky entry too.
Can I do this with kids?
Yes. Kids are great at this one, and their three words are usually the best.
