We are creatures of habit. When we settle into routine, we tend to take things for granted. I’ve noticed this in myself in many ways.
For example, I have two photographs I took decades ago during a business trip to London. Both were taken near Buckingham Palace—one capturing a view of the Palace with blooming daffodils in the foreground, the other showing a distant cityscape framed by trees and a spray of water.
It’s fair to say I “see” them every day when I enter my downstairs office and writing space. But I don’t truly SEE them. They’ve blended into the walls, becoming part of the background, overlooked and taken for granted.
But when I take a moment to really look at them, memories flood back: the crisp early spring air, the excitement of exploring a new place. The yellow daffodils burst into color against an otherwise gray scene.
We lose the moment, the experience, the now-ness of everything when we fall into routine. If you find yourself in a similar situation, try these steps:
- Slow down.
- Breathe into presence (actually become aware of your breath).
- Open your eyes to what is around you.
- Change patterns (try brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand and notice how it feels).
- Write what you see.
- Find your gratitude.
In this chapter of life, we can hardly afford to live in the colorless dullness of routine, which dooms us to seeing nothing and feeling even less. The experience of truly seeing and being present in THAT moment is priceless. Maybe it’s time to notice more.
Let me know what you think. Am I all alone here?
