We live busy lives.
Pretty much anyone you talk to is likely to explain that they are close to overwhelmed with everything they need to get done, every day... even allegedly retired people.
Japanese maple leaves against the bright blue sky
I know this busy-ness certainly applies here in our household... much as I could wish for the ability to just sit and watch the grass grow.
It's just not going to happen!
But what I can do is take fleeting moments to pause and appreciate the little things of the world around me; the things that often end up overlooked because we typically pass them by at a dead run.
This bird was distressed that I was mowing so close to its territory
Just like I often "write" some of my best prose (inside my head, at least) while doing things like flipping pancakes or peeling potatoes, I often get to find moments of gratitude for little things I've noticed... while doing menial "have to" things like mowing the lawn or watering the vegetable garden.
In a sense, this post serves a dual purpose:
One is to encourage everyone to really pay attention to, and SEE their surroundings, even when they are busy.
Two is to share my own photos of some of the little things that came across my path today, while I was actually very busy doing other things.
The intricacies of the center of a calendula flower
Whereas it may feel like life is always passing us by in a blur — and there's no choice about the "passing by" part — wo do have the choice to not let things stay in a blur.
It's something we can all do... it's simply a matter of being present in the moment, rather than zoning out.
If you've ever traveled anywhere by train, you'll understand what I mean. We can stare blankly out the window at the passing landscape (or cityscape) and not be aware that anything is actually there other than just passing colors... or we can focus our eyes on what's there and truly observe.
The shadow cast by one leaf, on another
Regardless, the figurative train of life keeps on moving... whether we observe or blur out is actually a choice.
"Yeah, but I'm just too exhausted!
Trust me, so am I! And so, I also spent many years being part of the "zoning out" crowd... until I recognized that I could actually use the active observation as a form of relaxation and meditation.
The little finch that was at the end of some beautiful singing while I was watering the garden
I suppose I originally gained an appreciation for it (actively observing) during my years as an active (professional) beach comber, where my work often consisted of something akin to an 8-10 hour, 12-15 mile "walking meditation," while I had to really focus on what was in front of me.
As an aside of no particular importance or relevance, it also became quite helpful in helping me manage my ADHD... essentially tapping into my "distractability" as an asset, rather than as a hindrance.
These days, though, I am mostly paying tribute to the fact that there is so much beauty around us, here on Planet Earth.
Ladybug on a strawberry leaf, while I was watering
I'm inviting you to notice more and to really see what is there... even if it's just what you can see from your apartment balcony.
Thanks for stopping by, and have a great remainder of your week!
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Created at 2025.05.12 22:58 PDT
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