Life Under the Permacloud: In Search of the LIGHT
Permacloud, Sadness, and Looking for the Light
As the Permacloud sets in, many living under it feel an overwhelming sense of sadness and melancholy–all the more reason to look for the LIGHT in our daily activities. These suggestions will help bring LIGHT to your days, despite the clouds.
At this time of year here in the southwest corner of Michigan, we Michiganders and our neighbors over the border in South Bend, Indiana spend a lot of time complaining about the Permacloud. Although the waters of Lake Michigan give us summer beach days and amazing sunsets, in the fall and winter the extra moisture in the air brings rain, snow (lots of snow at times!), and...the Permacloud.
We’ve had gray skies for several days now and it looks like they’re here to stay. At least for the next nine days. As if the shortened days of winter weren’t enough for our fragile mental states to handle, the lake seems to taunt us as it steals what little bit of sunshine there might be to brighten our days and our minds.
Living under a blanket of cloud makes me yearn to stay under my cozy covers when the alarm goes off in the morning. As I drop my feet to the floor and lift my heavy bones from the bed, I often hear those old Dunkin’ Donuts commercials in my head: “Time to make the donuts.” Monday through Friday, I go through the motions, with my routine stuck on repeat. Zombie-like, I trudge through these dreary days. On Saturdays, I stay in my PJs as long as I can.
But then, along comes Sunday.
The Permacloud is still hanging in the sky. I can’t see the sun, but I can feel the light shining down. Worship music lifts my spirit. The smiles and hugs from my church family enfold me. The Word of God brings meaning and purpose to my daily grind, and I’m inspired to shine a light in the darkness. To bring sunshine to the cloudy days.
Even in our monochromatic weekdays, I believe we can find golden rays of light gleaming down on us. And when darker clouds roll in–depression and sadness, broken relationships, unfulfilling jobs or difficulties at work, sickness and death, news of gun violence, natural disasters, and deadly viruses–we have all the more reason to look toward the Light.
When clouds are dark and heavy, how can we find the Light? Living here under the Permacloud, I’ve found practical ways to bring my own glimpses of sunshine. These five habits are also light-giving during dark times. Try adding one or more of these to your routine and see if the clouds start to lift as you begin to see and feel the L.I.G.H.T.
Listen to uplifting music.
Choral music by John Rutter or the choirs of St. Olaf College always lifts my spirit. Acoustic guitar and piano music by musicians such as John Hart or Paul Cardall calm my restless soul. And contemporary worship music by Hillsong United, Chris Tomlin, Lauren Daigle and the like, sets my mind on things above. Music has a healing effect on the mind, and when that music is uplifting to the spirit, it brings an even greater benefit. You can find some of my favorite Spotify playlists HERE.
Immerse yourself in a good book.
January, with its cloud-filled days, is a great time to find book recommendations. It seems every blogger and podcaster has put together their “Best of 2019” book lists. Check out Emily P. Freeman’s “8 Books for Soulful Decisions” for a great way to kick off your 2020 reading. Another inspiring list is “Pastor Writer” Chase Replogle’s “Top Books of 2019.” Or, find recommendations from yours truly in my Free Resources Library! If you want a quick read, open your Bible and find a Psalm of praise. Read it out loud so you can hear the words of praise coming from your lips.
Go for a walk. Preferably in the snow.
I’d much rather snuggle under my favorite throw and sip some hot tea than go for a walk in the cold. But when I do force myself to get outside (even under the permacloud), I am surprised at the blessings and benefits. Last winter my husband and I tried fat tire biking. (You can read about our adventures in my story: Like Riding a Bike, Or Not.) It was physically exhausting, but being outdoors was great for my spirit and our relationship. We also spent a recent snowy Friday night walking around a local ice festival, an activity that replaced our usual TV-watching with laughter and exhilaration.
Hangout with a friend.
A Saturday morning coffee date, mid-week lunch, or evening meetup can be just what the doctor ordered for seasonal sadness. In this world of digital social connectivity, it’s important to get back to the basics of face-to-face interaction. Talking with, laughing (and sometimes crying) with, and hugging a friend will fill your lonely, aching heart, and replace the dark spaces with light.
Talk with God.
All too often I get so wrapped up in my problems that I forget God is in control. Not only that, but I tell friends I will “keep them in my thoughts and prayers,” only to forget as the day goes on and distractions creep in. Recently, I’ve started writing in a small journal. Each day I write down five things I’m thankful for and then I pour out my concerns and those of others to God. Things that have been weighing heavy on my mind are lifted as I give them up to His control. Taking time to reflect on friends’ needs helps me to recall and pray for them as I said I would.
Do you experience the Permacloud of winter where you live? Or is there a permacloud in your heart? Is it hard to find the Light when the days are short? Are you dealing with darkness of another sort that clouds your days with sadness?
If darkness is bringing you down, try filling it with L.I.G.H.T.
Listen to uplifting music. Immerse yourself in a good book. Go for a walk. Hangout with a friend. Talk with God.
(Note: if you have lingering darkness and cannot find the light, please consult a mental health professional. These tips alone may not be effective in fighting clinical depression.)