Last week, I wrote a piece of content about a recent trip to Paris. It inspired me to pay more attention and notice what’s around me and this has been a great tool for gathering new ideas for my content. If you’d like to read the piece on LinkedIn, the link is here.
After I wrote that piece, I became curious about this concept of ‘noticing’ and wondered if it had other benefits, apart from gaining new ideas. So I decided to conduct a little experiment. I challenged myself to notice ten things that caught my attention over two days. I discovered that developing this practice of noticing has many benefits, so I thought I’d share the experience with you here.
What did I do?
I gave myself longer than usual to walk to my gym class, and paid attention to what was around me. I tried to tune into all my senses, and enjoyed noticing what I could hear and smell. Sometimes, I got distracted by my own thoughts or things going on around me, such as noisy roadworks, but when this happened, I refocused and took a deep breath. Then I started noticing again. I did this again on my run this morning.
When something caught my attention, I was happy to let my mind wander and asked myself questions: I wonder why it looks like that? Or, what does that remind me of? I put my phone away and captured what I’d noticed later.
I enjoyed it a great deal. I wasn’t in a rush and I could enjoy the experience for what it was, instead of thinking ahead to the next thing I was doing.
What did I notice?
Birdsong. There were a variety of birds out in full force, but one in particular cut through the rest in pitch and volume. It reminded me of my grandpa, who could name many birds just by hearing their song. The Yellowhammer, for example sounds like it’s singing the words, ‘a little bit of bread and no cheese’. I love this memory and it sparked my love of birds. It also gave me an idea for some content I will write in the autumn term.
On the theme of sounds, I noticed a helicopter whirring overhead. It sounded like the loud purr of a giant cat.
A bright yellow door. I enjoyed its distinctive quality. It stood out amongst all its peers on the road. A good one to ponder!
Roses filled many front gardens and I caught their beautiful, rich scent as I walked past. Beautiful to look at and beautiful to smell.
A very well-cared for small garden, next door to a more rustic one. It prompted me to think that we all have a responsibility to care for and use the gifts we have been given. There was a lovely sense of contentment in that small front garden.
A poppy growing in a crack in our steps. I always appreciate the poppies when they appear - they showed up in our front garden without being planted and flower cheerfully every year.
My right big toe was a bit sore, probably because of all the running I’m doing. I’m planning to buy new trainers this week and this was a nice little reminder of the importance of listening to my body.
There were a few spots of rain. Not many, but enough to appreciate in the midst of the heat.
There are lots of crows around and I’ve always thought they are fierce birds. Their beaks in particular make them look tough. They’re also quite shouty! I wondered why they are like that.
I love running or walking close to water. There’s something soothing and replenishing about it.
The benefits of noticing
The first thing that struck me about my Noticing Experiment was the effect it had on my well-being. I felt calmer and it helped me feel less stressed. I was able to think clearly and creatively. I also had more appreciation for my surroundings and this sense of thankfulness and contentment is a wonderful place to be. I’m not a mindfulness expert, but I know that being present in the moment we’re in has great benefits for our well-being and mental health.
Secondly, being able to notice things gave me insights and understanding. It encouraged me to reflect and challenge thoughts or behaviours in myself which aren’t helpful. For example, the small, well-cared for garden was a reminder of the importance of being content and caring for what I have, instead of yearning after something ‘better’. The yellow door and the water have given me things to ponder today as well.
Finally, as I touched on in my content last week, noticing has given me more ideas! It’s a lovely way to fuel my content.
How can you practice noticing?
If you like the sound of my Noticing Experiment, I’d encourage you to give it a go! You may be surprised by what you notice and the effect it has on you.
Here are a few thoughts to help you:
Slow down. I notice best when I’m walking or running (slowly!). This is a practice in itself if you’re used to rushing around. Can you make a journey last a few more minutes than usual this week?
Approach with curiosity and an open mind. What will I learn? I often ask God to show me, but you may like to ask your intuition or look to nature.
If you usually walk or run with music or a podcast, try to go without. I find I need times of quiet as well as times of input.
I’ve discovered that noticing is a practice and like all practices it takes time to get better at it. If you get distracted, just refocus and breath. Approach it with a sense of non-judgment.
Good luck with your Noticing Experiment! I’d love to hear what you noticed and what you gained from the experience.
Claire x