Looking with fresh eyes.

I have been really getting into the Merlin app lately which helps you identify what birds you can hear wherever you are. I love learning about new things and it also gives you information on what the specific birds look like and their habits.

I became very excited the other day as I identified a Rook for the first time. I had been sharing with people the range of birds I had identified lately but this was the first Rook. I thought of sharing this news with people and then had a moment where I thought, "This is a common bird. People might wonder why I would be getting excited over identifying a common bird". And then I thought, "Yes but what is common to one person, may be a new experience to another."

This then got me thinking about how we can continue to stay curious as we get older, to continue to look at things with fresh eyes and regain perspective. I recall teaching students on a course that had experienced modern slavery and trafficking. They kept thanking me continually for providing a free pen and paper, offering kind non-judgemental words, respectful interest and access to using laptops. The opportunity to be listened to and share parts of themselves in a safe environment. It was a very humbling experience and brought to my attention how much we can take for granted. It was a joy to see the students open to new learning and remaining really curious about their surroundings.

I think we can actively create a state of curiosity and re-experience the wonder and joys of life in different ways. To see things we may take for granted with fresh eyes. This may be through taking time out of our daily routines to attend a retreat, take up a new hobby, learn a different language, visit a local charity to see what they offer and the impact their work does and many more. I remember many years ago when I did my Co-Active Coaching training attending a number of weekends with different themes and skills. One of the 3 day experientials was focused on Process. So for 3 days we were immersed in activities and practises that brought us back to the here and now. To be truly present and not be thinking about what had just gone or what was coming next. I remember waiting for the train to come back home at the end of the 3 days and feeling rain on my face. Normally I would have been worried about getting wet and making sure I was in a dry place. However I recall feeling the rain as seeing it as if for the first time. It felt fresh and uplifting. It was as if I was seeing and experiencing rain afresh for the first time. It also gave me a sense of embracing 'what is' and celebrating it. I recall trying to hold on to the experience of being in the moment for a while. I remember the Monday morning going into the place where I used to work and not feeling the same sense of rush. I took time out to walk down the local high street and bought a sausage and tomato sandwich. And remember savouring every bite of it and really enjoying it.

Now I appreciate that it would not be practical or financially viable to spend our life on permanent retreats and trainings that help us take time out. However there are basic things we can do in addition to trying out new experiences and taking time out. For example taking 5 minutes out a few times a day to slow our breathing down can help. Some people may also find it helpful to place their hands on their stomach or heart. Others to hold their hands loosely interlocked. And just take 5 minutes to allow ourselves to be present to what is. To not fight the over thinking. But to recognise sentences are made up of letters which create words and sentences. We have the power to attach meaning to the words and the sounds we hear. So they only become an irritant when we allow them to. To focus on 5 minutes being a benefit to what we are present to for that time. It is a false economy to tell ourselves we don't have time and what else we could be doing with the 5 minutes. Focusing for that 5 minutes can slow you down bringing clarity, peace, fresh perspective and energy in a different way.

Coming back to 'savouring' the sausage and tomato sandwich earlier. We can spend 5 minutes savouring other flavours. The classic is placing a piece of chocolate on your tongue and allowing it to sit there in your mouth. To resist the urge to bite into it and swallow is straight away. To allow all the flavours and textures to be present. To slow the process down in a mindful way. And really appreciate the full experience and sensations. Taking time to slow down and gain a fresh perspective can help us develop and maintain curiosity and new learning.

Consider the following:

What moments can you create to savour for 5 minutes of your day?

What are your grateful for?

What new thing did you learn today?

Warmth and sparkle, Mandy x

Please do head over to Poetry Corner and take a look at my poetry work and be inspired to express yourself in your own way.

If you yourself are looking for support or if you know of any Individual, Organisation, Team or Couple who would benefit from my support please pass share my contact details with them: mandy@knowlimitscoach.com

Created June 2nd 2024