Imagine being a new born baby, that just opened her eyes. At first the stimulation is so intense that she takes her time to take everything in, little by little. Everything is new, exciting, inviting. A pebble, the human touch, the taste of milk, all are immensely vibrant experiences.
Growing up, we forget those one of a kind experiences and along with them, we forget how to observe. How to really see. I think that by realising that our senses become dull when we don’t work on them consistently, is the first step to become more efficient in our way of seeing.
Especially when it comes to creators, to really see and therefore to remember, is maybe the most valuable skill to have. Because what differentiates one creator from another, an art director from another, a photographer from another, what makes them irreplaceable let’s say for a client, is their point of view, their perspective on things, their way of seeing.
And how can we truly see?
Speaking from personal experience, the ways to become more observant and focused vary depending on the person, but let me introduce a couple of ways that help me regain my focus when my attention span gets dangerously short.
1. Read a book
It may seem a bit old-fashioned but for me reading a book, a physical copy that is, slows everything down in my head and helps me stay grounded and focused. Of course at first my mind is constantly wandering and rushing from one thought to another - so fast that sometimes I need to reread a sentence multiple times in order to properly understand it - Most of the time this is the case and that is ok. The secret here is to re focus every time that your attention shifts from what you do that exact moment. It is almost like meditating.
2. Gardening
Number two from my list of meditative acts. You may know already that reconnecting with nature decreases our stress and anxiety levels and therefore makes us feel more relaxed and present. If you are lucky enough to own a small garden or even a balcony, I highly recommend getting your hands dirty often. While in a garden, one has the opportunity to observe at her own pace the plants, flowers, insects and little birds in their natural habitat. There’s something poetic, even magical in observing how nature nurtures everything -so much love and no rush whatsoever-. Everything takes its time, yet evolves into something extraordinary.
3. The art of doing nothing
Italians have actually a phrase for this state of mind. “Dolce fa niente” translates into “the sweetness of doing nothing” and is the antidote to an overwhelmed mind and heart. I’m still struggling with this one, since every time that I lie on my couch trying to empty my mind and regain space for new things, I can feel the waves of guilt coming strong against me. “You should definitely WORK right now, you lose TIME, your most precious asset Mika”. A thought that often is so loud that I can’t ignore. I’ve noticed though, that when I persist by constantly trying to shift these thoughts into blank, clear space, my mind shuts the negative thoughts down and syncs to a slower pace. When in this state, I become laser focused and super observant not only to the exterior world but also to my thoughts, emotions, creative projects, goals and dreams for the future.
Music to listen to while reading this post: https://youtu.be/Z3m7HXeiHpg
Taste: Figs in honey