avatarJulia E Hubbel

Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of being a keen observer in life, particularly during enforced slowdowns, as it enhances gratitude, personal growth, and happiness.

Abstract

The author reflects on the value of noticing the small details in life, which has become more apparent during a period of slowdown. This heightened awareness has led to a deeper appreciation for the simple pleasures, such as neighbors helping each other and the beauty of nature. The article suggests that by choosing to notice and acknowledge what we have, rather than focusing on what we lack or cannot control, we can cultivate a sense of contentment and happiness. The author also points out that this practice of noticing is not only a personal benefit but also improves one's ability to contribute positively to the world. The choice to engage with life as it is, rather than how we wish it to be, is presented as a powerful and transformative decision.

Opinions

  • The author believes that the enforced slowdown has provided opportunities to notice and appreciate life's gifts that are often overlooked.
  • There is a distinction made between needs and wants, with the author expressing satisfaction with having the former met.
  • The article conveys that obsessing over things beyond our control is less productive than noticing and valuing what we have.
  • The author opines that the skill of noticing can be developed and that it directly enhances one's personal and creative endeavors, such as writing.
  • The choice to be grateful and to notice life's details is seen as a conscious decision that leads to a more fulfilling life experience.
  • The author holds the view that every individual has the power to either add value to the world or deplete it, and they choose to add value through their heightened awareness and gratitude.
Photo by Laura Vinck on Unsplash

Clouds or Linings?

It’s our choice to perceive.

Dipti Pande tagged me this morning, and before I head out for a walk in the cold Colorado air, my response.

I’m not going to address gratitude, for that would take too long.

Rather, I’d prefer to address noticing.

Nature, and my travels, have taught me to be a better noticer. Being human, I miss an awful lot if for no other reason than there is so much to notice that it’s inevitable.

But the enforced slowdown has offered endless gifts.

Noticing that my new neighbors showed up yesterday to shovel my driveway of the spring snow, after I had done theirs the day before.

Noticing that that I have everything I really need and nothing I don’t. Wants are a different issue. I can’t get into comparisons here; not only is that odious, but I am well aware, as the result of my cultural immersions, of the nature of my situation as compared to many others. It is not within my ability to change that. I can only deal with what I can directly affect. That’s a choice.

Noticing every. Single. Thing. in life that would normally whip by me. Spring birds, new growth, the owls nesting in my pines.

Noticing that I have time — precious, delicious, incredible time — to spend on what I have avoided: web site design. Learning new technology.

Noticing. Building the skill of noticing. Acknowledging. Valuing.

So back to Dipti’s initial invite: not only do I wake up and spend fifteen minutes being grateful, now I do it at night as well.

Nobody can possibly say what interim habits will continue. What we might discard in the all-out rush to re-create a sense of normalcy.

However, as a writer, being a better noticer makes me a better writer.

The choice to notice, rather than distract myself is a powerful one.

The choice to notice, rather than to obsess about what I cannot change, is a powerful one.

The choice to notice, value and acknowledge what I do have rather than complain, whine or worry about what I do not, is a powerful one.

The choice to be immensely happy that I have life, am in life, and I can fully experience life as it is rather than as I want it to be, is a powerful one.

Every day I have the choice to see what I have as enough. As right, perfect, and good. Fair. What I do with it is up to me.

Every day I can add value to the world, or I can suck energy from it. Being alive, having consciousness, there is no middle ground.

As best as I am able, I choose to add value.

Photo by Louis Maniquet on Unsplash
Life
Inspiration
Choice
Life Lessons
Spirituality
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