The Practice of Noticing
I took this photo a couple of weeks ago during an evening walk in a nearby park. It was sunset, one of my favorite times of day to photograph, and I was walking along while listening to my daughter spill the latest 5th grade tea, or “hot news” as she calls it. I was holding flowers in my hand from the vase in our dining room in the hopes that I would have the opportunity to take a picture of my daughter as part of a project that I am currently creating. We have walked along this path countless times, but this was the first time that I noticed a particular tree stump. As I listened to her speak, I felt inexplicably drawn to it, analogous to a magnetic pull. I’ve learned throughout my personal and spiritual growth to regard sudden impulses like this, because they often lead to something that I am being led to see, learn, or discover. I obliged, knowing that I needed to look at what remained of the tree. I could not help but to feel its beauty, not in a traditional sense, but rather how it showed its age so imperfectly perfect with its unaligned rings. I marveled at the beauty of its color, similar to the skin of myself and my daughter. I realized how strong and sturdy it looked even though it had been severed. I found myself placing the flowers that were in my hand ever so gently on the stump, as if to honor it with pure reverence for offering me this gift of beauty during a routine and mundane walk. Immediately, my photographic eye noticed the beauty in the contrast and I just knew that I needed to capture this image. And so I did.
As I downloaded this photo from my card onto my computer several weeks later, I thought about how much many of us take for granted. We go about our lives without ever noticing the simple things. Some of our days are busier and more stressful than others, and we navigate our days in autopilot mode. It’s not our fault. We have been conditioned to do and have more and more, with less and less time to reflect on what we really want and what truly matters to us. We move fast, and most things are given to us instantaneously. We are rarely required to slow down for anything or anyone unless we are forced to by a worldwide pandemic, illness, unemployment, or other unexpected event that presses the brakes on our constantly motion-filled lives. I considered how much we overlook as we move through the world so quickly. Breathtaking elements in nature are waiting to be visually witnessed, aromas from delicious meals being prepared enticing us when we arrive at home or in a restaurant, or the sound of our loved one singing in the shower in the morning getting dressed for work making us giggle. These are the simple things that make life meaningful, colorful, and abundant. They are the things that we long for when we are separated from them and are no longer able to experience them.
Why is this important? I believe that when we stop to notice the simple things we are communicating with the Creator and the spiritual realm (feel free to insert your own beliefs), we are thankful. We are showing gratitude by acknowledging these gifts, and that we have the capacity to welcome more happiness, joy, and laughter into our lives. The amazing unexpected outcome is the ripple effect that follows. Once we begin to notice the surrounding beauty, it is as if a light switch is activated. Suddenly, there is illumination everywhere, and we are first consciously, then eventually unconsciously over time, noticing all the special things that have always been present patiently waiting for us to slow down, open our eyes, and allow ourselves to experience its magic.
For those of you who want to welcome more love, light, and beauty into your world, here are a few suggestions to help you to get started-
1. Take a 20-minute walk around your neighborhood. Notice. What do you see? Hear? Smell?
2. Go to a park and sit close enough to a playground where toddlers and little kids are present and having a good time. Close your eyes. What do you notice?
Do you hear their laughter? Their adorable way of pronouncing new words?
3. Have a quiet meal and actually taste the food. If you are eating with your family or friends, let them know that you will not talk while you are eating your
meal. Notice. What seasonings, notes, or flavors do you taste? What textures do you enjoy?
My hope is that this post will at least spark you to ask yourself if any of this matters to you. If not, it's all good, but if it does, then I invite you to begin to take small actions.
I would love to hear your comments or any other helpful suggestions. Comment below. Also, please share this post with a family member, friend, co-worker, etc. who you believe could benefit from it and make their journey a little lighter too.
Finally, if you are someone who is ready to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life, my coaching program was designed just for you! It would be my honor to support you. Email me at coaching@tiararuffin.com for details.
Sending love and light to you always. 🩷✨