Last night was July’s full moon. Oftentimes I don’t sleep well during this phase of the moon. So, it was again last night. I got up and saw a light in the hallway. I walked toward the living room thinking I must have left the lamp on. But no, it was the moon shining brightly, illuminating the front rooms. It was so bright, that I could have read the paper outside on my patio. For a moment I stood in awe and watched this Trabant so close to earth. I was happy that I witnessed this beautiful moment. Happy to have noticed.
I have a houseplant that seems not to grow well. I put it in several different spots in the room hoping it will do better. Then I give it a bigger pot and keep watching. I talk to it, ask it, “What do you need?” There is enough water, enough light, and now enough room. This morning coming by to check on it, I see it, a tiny new leaf at the very top of the plant has popped out. Actually, there are two, the second one even tinier than the first. I am so happy. I know the plant is now happy, too. I am glad I noticed.
Walking back home from an evening stroll, I watch a father and his two little girls. They have a soccer ball and are kicking it around. The bigger girl is already quite good at it. The little one walks behind, and I can tell she is not interested in this game. Fortunately, the father notices and waits for her. Then he puts his arm around her and takes a few steps with her. The bigger girl keeps on kicking the ball to the father. Once again, he engages in play. Later, he goes back to the younger child and embraces her, again. I can tell this gentle gesture lets her know that she is included in the threesome, even if she doesn’t play. How mindful and sweet. So nice to notice this!
I notice that it’s actually all about noticing. Noticing especially the little things, the details that make my life rich and colorful. It’s maybe a little like cooking. The spices give the meal that certain something, bringing out the food’s special flavor, enhancing it. So, it seems to be with life. When I remember an event, it’s not because of the big things, it’s because of a small incident that makes me happy: an interesting talk with someone, a smile from a passerby, or another little detail that I remember, like a dress I found attractive, a certain food in a meal I enjoyed, the sunshine after the pouring rain.
I will keep noticing – but now, a lot more consciously.