Blue is a favourite colour. Rich, cool, elegant, business-like, cerulean, lapis … no matter how you describe it, blue is rather versatile.

I’ve always found it to be calming and relaxing; when I was tired after a long, difficult stint at work, just looking at the blue sky felt very comforting. The issues were still there, but I felt better.

I vividly recall coming to the Okanagan Valley for a beach holiday three months after the start of Covid. My brain felt drained, and so knew I needed to recoup.

M and I sat comfortably on Skaha Beach, swimming when we got too warm but mostly lounging with our feet up, the cooler nearby, a book in hand.

But reading wasn’t what I wanted to do. I simply sat and observed the blue water and blue sky, mind pretty blank, and began to feel rested. This simple activity was marvellously tranquil and relaxing; it was such a wonderful thing.

I’ve read that blue and green are both comforting colours, and I’ve found that to be true. I think one of the reasons why sunny days and long walks or hikes outside are so good for us isn’t just because of the physical benefits; the act of just being outdoors is so good for the brain and our general well being.

Happy Thursday.