The Art of Noticing
This Article was published in Zeeland Living Magazine October 2024.
One fall evening, as I was saying goodbye to my last art class student, a mother of five children, I noticed that she was hesitant to close the car door. I felt she wanted to say something more. I looked in her eyes in such a way that she felt I was here for her. She started talking about how much the art classes have changed her life. And then, after a pause she added something incredibly significant to me:
“For many years I have been struggling with depression…You taught me to see the beauty around. Today, while driving, for the first time in many years I noticed the beauty of trees and clouds”.
One thing is seeing, and totally different, is noticing. The difference might change somebody’s life. That’s why today I would like to talk with you about the Art of Noticing.
Minimize distractions
“Do you listen to music when you paint?” - I am frequently asked by the visitors to my studio as they look around the fascinating space where magic takes place. I smile with my quiet answer “no”. They look at me with surprise because my art studio is a fascinating and inspiring place, where music should play a role. And it does. And it has its purpose. I always have music while organizing the space and preparing for painting or writing. When my mind is ready to start the creative process, I turn the music off. Why? I need to fully emerge myself into that mystical process of creativity. My hand must be able to hear my soul’s gentle voice. And take notice of each brush stroke and how it affects the canvas and the nearby colors.
Look like a baby
Have you noticed how a baby responds to the tiniest details around, visual or sounds? I marvel when my grandchildren immediately react to the moving leaf on the large branch outside of the window, how they detect a tiny insect hardly seen by us, busy adults. And the most beautiful thing is that they react to everything with awe and smile.
What a fascinating peculiarity how tiny things bring true joy to babies.
We must restore this important natural trait.
Be aware of your surroundings
When I see runners along the roads wearing their headphones I always wonder: what are they listening to? And then, as I continue my journey, I wonder why they are not emerging themselves into the natural sounds like birds, rustling of leaves and wind? Do they notice the daily ever-changing nature, which is so healing, uplifting, and calming for our mind?
Pragmatism of the material world with tons of billboards along the roads, ads on TV, smartphones wears down our senses. Keep in mind that over the last two-three decades life’s speed has changed dramatically. But our body has not.
The art of noticing is natural for humans and animals. For humans though it is not only survival, but also a part of wellbeing.
While doing my research on the topic of “The Art of Noticing” I came across quite a remarkable thought:
“The art of noticing allows us to be fully immersed in the beauty, wonder, awe, and curiosity that is around us. It is creative health at its finest.” -Bajaj
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