Truly Seeing : We Forget How to See

You know those lazy afternoons we’ve spent just chatting about everything under the sun? I was having one of those introspective moments today, and something struck me. I felt the need to share it with you and see if you’ve ever felt the same. Remember how we used to talk about our memories from childhood – the adventures, the games, and the insatiable curiosity? There’s a special aspect of those times that I think many of us have lost – the art of truly seeing.

Now, I’m not talking about just looking at things. No, I mean really observing them, feeling them, understanding them. You know, that time when the world seemed so vast, so intricate, and every little detail was a story waiting to be discovered. But somewhere along the line, amidst the chaos of adulting, many of us seem to have lost this gift.

Think about it. When was the last time you paused to admire the beauty of a dewdrop on a leaf, or the way sunlight filters through the trees in the late afternoon? It’s so easy to get caught up in our daily grind that the world around us often becomes a blur. We look, but we don’t really see. And there’s a big difference!

Our minds are continuously cluttered with thoughts about our to-do lists, the anxiety of the future, and the constant pings from our devices. In this information age, where everything is about speed, efficiency, and multitasking, taking the time to just “be” seems like a luxury. But is it? Or is it, in fact, a necessity that we’ve forgotten?

You see, truly seeing isn’t just about visual perception. It’s about experiencing moments in their entirety, understanding nuances, and finding connections. When we genuinely see, we’re not just passive observers. We engage, we empathize, and we feel. It’s about removing those mental filters and preconceived notions and letting the world surprise us.

And oh boy, the surprises! Have you ever tried people-watching at a café? It’s not about being nosy (well, maybe a tiny bit!), but it’s fascinating to guess the stories behind each face. The old man reading a newspaper, the young couple giggling at a shared joke, or the child, wide-eyed and full of wonder, chasing pigeons. Everyone has a story, and if we only pause to truly see, we can be a part of these narratives, even if just momentarily.

I’ve been challenging myself recently. Every day, I try to find one thing that I’ve never noticed before. It could be a quirky signboard, a hidden nook in the park, or even the pattern of tiles in my bathroom. It’s become a delightful little game and, honestly, it’s been so refreshing. It’s like I’ve rediscovered the world, piece by piece. And I think it’s made me happier and more present.

I want to pass on this challenge to you. The next time you’re out and about, or even just at home, try truly seeing. Look beyond the obvious. Find the extraordinary in the ordinary. And then, let’s swap stories! I bet you’ll have some amazing ones to share.

Before I sign off, I just wanted to remind you (and maybe myself) that in this ever-accelerating world, sometimes, it’s okay to slow down. It’s okay to let our inner child out and to marvel at the world around us. The beauty is always there, waiting to be noticed. It’s just a matter of truly seeing it.



Lets Connect

My skills are always primed and ready for new opportunities to be put to work, and I am ever on the lookout to connect with individuals who share a similar mindset.

If you’re intrigued and wish to collaborate, connect, or simply indulge in a stimulating conversation, don’t hesitate! Drop me an email and let’s begin our journey. I eagerly anticipate our interaction!

jamie@jamiestarling.com

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