What Have You Noticed Lately? (part 1)

Photo on Unsplash by Aziz Acharki

9/1/26

One of the benefits, or perhaps side effects of meditation is that you become more aware. As awareness grows, you start to notice more. And noticing more becomes a gateway to appreciating what is often overlooked.

And well, I find that appreciation is THE best medicine for enjoying life. Hands down.

I am reminded of an experience in India…

One of the most remarkable moments during this trip occurred during my first week there. I had arrived at a meditation center that offered a provocative mixture of meditation, healing arts, and psychological process work.

During the very first workshop, our group of 25 was given an assignment: walk into the garden and spend 10 minutes with a flower.

As we walked outside, my mental chatter threw up a whole bunch of, “What is this going to do? A flower? Really?” Blah, blah, blah. I was a lot younger then and rather pessimistic. Yet there was also a sliver of willingness and curiosity that allowed the narrator in my head to take a break.

I sat there with the flower.

Then I paused, took a breath, and looked further.

Whoops! More mind chatter: “…And how am I going to stay engaged and entertained with this flower for ten whole minutes?”

I started to notice the petals, their perfect geometry. It was like a mandala, a piece of art, exquisitely designed.

As my head leaned in, more dimensions came into view. I noticed the color and texture of the intricate, bumpy center.

Then I noticed the stem, its long shape holding an impossibly huge blossom, seemingly way too big for its delicate green base. The mechanics of it just didn’t add up and left my mouth hanging open in surprise and delight.

That was it.

I was gone…

Completely absorbed in “flower-ness.”

Tears of astonishment and appreciation rolled down my face. As I became deeply touched, and more and more interested, time disappeared. And so did I, momentarily consumed by the mystery of this flower.

It seemed like all of a sudden, we were complete with the exercise.

Now, at this point you might be wondering: What kind of flower was it? Honestly, I don’t remember. The felt sense of appreciation, awe, and being overtaken by its beauty is what has stayed with me all these years.

No, I don’t always stop to notice the flowers along the path that I walk.

But I’m grateful to be reminded from time to time to leave myself behind and recognize the extraordinary in the ordinary.

So, if we’re looking for magnificence in this less-than-perfect world, the poet Henry Miller has an inspiring quote for us:

“The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass, it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

May we all have the wherewithal to expand our awareness and take notice…

What have you noticed lately?