Looking up

“As you age , it’s ridiculous how fast bird-watching creeps up on you. You spend your whole life being 100% indifferent to birds, and then one day you’re like “damn is that a yellow-rumped warbler?” .”

                                     -comedian Jesse Case

I saw two orioles this morning when I was walking my dog, Franklin. This is not the photo, as I did not have my phone handy to snap one. This fact, however, is how I got to see them in the first place - I was not on my phone, but walking quietly and mindfully in the neighborhood. How often are we distracted by external things that we are not in the present and miss some wonderful opportunities?

The quote I found and mentioned above is kind of true for me (although I have always loved nature). Are we afraid to be with ourselves and in our own minds? Do we feel like we always have to be doing something like talking or reading emails and social media posts? Are we going to miss out on something if we take a short time and disconnect? I don’t think so.

I will use my older son (sorry my love) as an example of someone always being on the phone. It is never away from him and he will immediately answer every call, text and email no matter when it is and who it is from. How did I, and my peers, survive and thrive in business and relationships without cel phones? I know things are different (and my son would be telling me I am old) but I do not think this is better.

We need to unplug and disconnect, even if it is just for a few minutes while we walk the dog, pick up branches outside, or drive to the grocery store. Feeding our creative souls require nourishment and that can certainly come from the beauty around us. The sounds, sights, and smells that are there for our enjoyment if we take just a moment and accept them. Perhaps I am older and wiser, knowing to take these times to notice the birds that were always there, their beautiful sounds, the sweet jasmine blooming at the neighbors, and the butterfly garden blooming around the corner.

Try taking a short walk alone and without your phone. Be mindful and present and take in your surroundings with several of your senses. You may find some peace and calm, even notice something you have never seen. Don’t forget to look up. It’s a phrase we use for positive outlooks and may give you a gift of something beautiful.

Johanna