Long distance gazing exercises the imagination filling the mind with out-of-reach thoughts and within-our-grasp possibilities. You need to pace yourself however. Over-stretching can cause you to topple into sorrow.
Short distance grinning close up gawping is bred from appreciation for the unexpected and creates opportunity for shared mirth and reflected smiles. Over-stretching causes face ache and further laughter.
Apparently Jenny Diski (writer) included 'middle distance staring' as one of her pastimes.