Pedaling placidly: aware of my legs straining to quickly rotate. Mind quiet. Biggest obstacles are the yellow goslings crossing the path, heavily guarded by their mothers. Stretches of tents along the river bank. It’s suppose to snow again this week. Cold in a makeshift house. Sadness. Crossing a bridge, then a second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth, ending at a coffee shop. The outside temperature feels fresh. No agenda except movement and now drinking a coffee. My mind is open, just noticing. Wow, the pleasure of the moment is so real. A simple bike ride packed full of experiences because of noticing.
The possibility of more aliveness in each day exists for everyone, when we notice. My 
sister, who loves to decorate spaces, commented that she could spend hours moving a simple flower vase from room to room, noticing a beautiful object in a variety of places, garnering different experiences, just from noticing. Or drinking that first cup of coffee in the morning can evoke pleasure because of savoring, aka, really noticing the taste. It sounds so easy to bolster our life through observation; yet we don’t indulge much.
sister, who loves to decorate spaces, commented that she could spend hours moving a simple flower vase from room to room, noticing a beautiful object in a variety of places, garnering different experiences, just from noticing. Or drinking that first cup of coffee in the morning can evoke pleasure because of savoring, aka, really noticing the taste. It sounds so easy to bolster our life through observation; yet we don’t indulge much.Regardless of busy days, how might we notice more? Here are three suggestions.
- Not knowing “which way the winds might blow”. Sometimes we can’t predict the weather. It takes time to discern feelings. Yet sometimes staying open to not “knowing which way the wind blows” will actually gives us the information we need. Letting our minds rest in uncertainty, trusting the space for quiet. Haven’t some of our best thoughts appeared when not striving? “Un-strive” sometimes.
- Pretend it’s the first time. Pick any daily activity, like preparing coffee in the morning, walking the dog, sorting the mail, and then, deliberately slow down the action. Engage your senses. Smell the coffee beans. Feel the paper envelope on your fingers. Watch the dog move about from place to place, stepping lightly on the grass. The Very First Time is like no other. Pretend again.
- Breath throughout the day to quell racing emotions and thoughts. Yes, inhale deeply multiple times. Your nervous system will so appreciate the break. As you pay attention to your breath, notice where the inhale and exhale seem to happen in your body: through the nostrils, top of the mouth, back of the throat, chest, stomach. As you focus on each breath, your mind will “settle” alongside the nervous system. Thank you, amazing body.
Grabbing the pink index cards and small pen from my back shirt pocket I started to write. How is it possible to not have an agenda? Noticing that I really noticed the quiet bike ride. Then, realizing that an idea for this week’s blog presented itself. So glad to have noticed!
Living As Travelers means slowing down and taking note every day, relishing a rich journey.
