“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.” ― Henry Miller
Last week, someone shared this simple quote with me, which impacted me in a big and surprising way.
The invitation to explore the mystery of simple things, of everything, really sparked a new curiosity and intrigue in me.
I have a daily mindfulness practice, and I’m always grateful when I feel fresh and excited to explore something new. It feels like a child getting a new toy to play with.
The next morning and following days, I paid closer attention to my surroundings, what I was experiencing, and the miracle and mystery of it all.
When I looked at the blade of grass, the leaf, the sky, the bunny, and the sidewalk, when I heard my feet touching the pavement or felt my breath, I felt like a child seeing something for the first time.
As I gave more attention to everything I saw, it became more alive, and so did my inner experience.
My mind was clear, and the lens through which I saw became more vibrant.
I have done the same walk hundreds of times, yet the experience was so different. I felt connected to my outer and inner world. They felt like one.
I appreciate this experience. It has shown me:
There is always more to see.
There is always more to experience.
There is always more depth.
Active noticing is setting an intention to be present and aware. It means we are living life with intention rather than on autopilot.
Active noticing doesn’t take up more time in our day, and it’s not an extra task on our to-do list. It’s simply a different approach.
We are engaged as we go about our day and do our daily tasks. We have an interest in being here now.
This is our life practice.
It brings more meaning and connection into our lives and our souls.
When life feels mundane, an excellent question is, “How often am I present?”
Are we seeing and experiencing through a fresh lens every day?
Or does it feel like we are on autopilot going about the motions?
When we see our loved ones, friends, and colleagues, are we seeing them?
Or are we seeing them through the constructs of our mind related to the past - whether it be yesterday, last week, or last year?
Try pushing the reset button, being present and open, and seeing someone or something with fresh eyes.
Anytime we become aware we aren’t present, we are present.
In this moment of awareness, we can abide in the moment again.
See the mystery and miracle in front of you.
My great-niece Nnoera, who is two and a half years old, has been visiting. She is present from the time she gets up until she goes to bed. She is fully experiencing the now. Life is filled with mystery. What a precious gift to be in her presence and a constant inspiration to live in the now.
This week, meet yourself wherever you’re at. Active noticing is truly meant to be the most simple and pure of actions.
Wherever your day brings you, try to take notice and maybe even soak it in. Take a breath, reset, and start again.
With love,
Diane