What can you observe around you?
I went for a lovely run along the river, one morning this week. After so much cold weather it was wonderful to finally see the sun and blue skies.
I couldn’t help observe how beautiful everything looked around me. The river glistened, the swans glided along peacefully, the trees swayed gently and the rowers moved effortlessly through the water. It was a picture postcard.
It made me wonder how often we really take time to observe what’s around us. Sometimes when out and about it’s easy to let the mind wonder onto our ‘To do list’ or even reflect on what happened during the previous days. By doing so, we can potentially miss so much of the present moment.
On another occasion, I decided to take a five minute break at my favourite coffee bar. Whilst sitting and pondering a retired gentleman smiled and started up a conversation. I learnt quickly that he had just recovered from a prostrate operation and was lucky to be alive. I remarked how good he looked for 68 and he said that ‘I had made his day’. We spoke for only a few minutes, but he left shortly afterwards looking quite happy with himself. The moment was priceless, it made my day too!
So why not take ten minutes out of your day today. Let your thoughts and concerns go for a moment and just enjoy what’s around you. Smile at a stranger or even strike up a conversation if you feel comfortable to do so. Take a walk in a local park or somewhere different from your usual surroundings. Pay attention to the smallest detail whether it’s nature or architecture, what do appreciate most about it, how does it make you feel.
Really feel like you are living in the moment, it won’t cost you a single penny and you never know it might bring a new perspective onto your day.
Written by Rebecca Thorne, more observations can be found on http://l1febalance.blogspot.com or visit Rebecca’s website wwwl1febalance.com to find out more about her offerings or visit her feature on the best of Wandsworth by clicking here