PAUSING TO BREATHE, REFLECT AND NOTICE…WITH GRATITUDE
My friend Darden Smith, noted author and singer-songwriter, has penned a book entitled “The Habit of Noticing.” A reminder of the importance of opening our eyes, minds and hearts to the world around us. It is amazing how much we can enrich our lives by simply slowing down and paying attention. By noticing.
In our fastpaced, multitasking, overstimulated lives, we often have to be prompted to slow down and pay attention. However, in most cases, we require harsh catalysts to shake us out of unhealthy lifestyle choices that preclude our healthy engagement with the world around us. That was certainly my experience. I was living a charmed life in the fast lane, until I wasn’t. Until the loss of a child, the loss of a 28-year marriage, work dissatisfaction, health issues and other setbacks slapped me in the face and heart…forcing me involuntarily to slow down, look in the mirror, pay attention and realize the importance of a life/soul-saving course correction.
I must admit it was a delightful stroke of life fortune to marry the outstanding curator who taught me how to truly “see” the world that was always around me. My life has been enriched and much healthier as I’ve learned to treasure the earth’s palette…to take that extra time to Notice. To breathe in a better life balance.
SOME EXAMPLES TO INSPIRE YOUR PERSONAL REFLECTION
Post-covid (if that’s even possible), we have more time and pent-up demand to re-engage with the world beyond our lengthy lockdown shackles. We want to play, travel and socialize, though most of us have the relative limitations of health, financial considerations and time.
The following photos represent my experience with more conscious observation…all in Texas…most within a short drive from Austin. Enjoy, and consider how you might enhance your own ability to notice and better appreciate your own world.
A POST-RAIN GIFT ON OUR DECK…
AN EARLIER SPRING IMAGE FROM THE WILLOW CITY LOOP…
THE LITTLE CLOUD THAT COULD…AND DID…
A SURPRISE AS I ROUNDED A CORNER AT A WIMBERLEY-AREA RETREAT CENTER…
A CHINATI FOUNDATION VANTAGE POINT…
A FOGGY ICHABOD CRANE OAK GROVE EN ROUTE TO LOST MAPLES PARK…
SUNRISE MAGIC AT CIBOLO CREEK RANCH…
A WEST COAST OCEAN VISTA? NO…GAZING DOWN ON CITY PARK RD. AT RR 2222—AUSTIN…
A WEST TEXAS SENTINEL…
BEAUTY AND TEXTURE ARE WHERE YOU FIND THEM. I WAS WALKING BETWEEN GALLERIES AT THE BLANTON MUSEUM OF ART WHEN I “NOTICED” THIS WINDOW…
IN CLOSING
There are many colors and textures in your life. More than you know…until you NOTICE. Open your eyes, mind and heart. You’ll thank you…Your spirit will thank you…Enjoy!