Monday, September 21, 2009

Paying attention...or not



One would think that a wannabe photographer would pay attention to the world around her.  I thought I did but realize now that I really don't.  Last week I walked right by a great big brand new barn and didn't notice it!  My friend, Curt, who put it up was rather incredulous and said kindly, "Loran, you need to be mindful."

I took this picture yesterday because you can see the little nest inside the birdhouse (click to enlarge).  My daughter mentioned there was a bird inside when it was nesting.  I saw it but didn't pay attention then either.  Now the little bird family is gone and I missed the whole experience.

Now I'm wondering, how much of my world is right under my nose but unobserved.  Mindfulness is a practice I could spend a little more time on.



"I gave myself to the dance, and all the while I could hear distinctly the transit of the stars, the shifting of the tides, the racing of the wind." --Haruki Murakami

What am I going to miss today?

Check out where other people are putting their attention at My World Tuesday or Macro Monday.

21 comments:

Janie said...

Great photo of the bird nest and houses on that impressive old tree.
I miss a lot of stuff, too. Steve is more obserant, which often saves me from missing something interesting altogether.

J said...

I certainly feel that photography helps me be more mindful - otherwise I can wander through life in a little self contained daze.

I think one of the best things about photography is how it can make you really thing about quite 'boring' everyday objects that you'd otherwise completley overlook.

Sarah Sullivan said...

LOL..we all have those days!! Wonderful shot of the swing!! I think it's a swing..Sarah

Carletta said...

I loved this whole post - nice sentiments to think about!
Really nice macro of the chain and the two textures.

Anonymous said...

That is how life goes. It is the things we miss that makes discovery all the more interesting. I like your photography and your choice of subjects.

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Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Loran, I'm not very observant either---but I'm sure learning alot from other bloggers. Before blogging, I paid NO attention to all of the wildflowers around us (things I always call WEEDS), to dragonflies (never even noticed them before), to all of the different kinds of butterflies, to learn that people not only like but takes oodles of photos of squirrels, etc. etc. etc.

People will pass me in the car --and tell me that I ignored them. Actually, I didn't SEE them.. Oh Well--I guess I need to do better!!!

Cute post.
Hugs,
Betsy

marcia@joyismygoal said...

I find the best photos are the every day we notice that we look at in a different way
I like that second shot because of that:)

Sylvia K said...

Love all your shots! I think that having taken up photography just months ago, I have become more aware of things around me -- such as shadows! But I still miss a lot of things when I let myself get wrapped up in "stuff" that I could probably do without. But I'm learning, bit by bit! In the mean time, the birdhouses are terrific and I really like the second shot, too.

Enjoy!

Sylvia

Anonymous said...

My hubs always point stuff at me while we go out walking. I simply pass by a lot of interesting subjects.

eileeninmd said...

Wonderful photos! For me the photos help but I would much rather see it in person. Thanks for sharing and for the wake up call. I might start paying more attention now.

Gaelyn said...

We can't see it all, big or small. However, I figure you see more than many do, your photos prove that. Just being aware of being aware is a giant step beyond many.

Unknown said...

I think we all get guilty of that from time to time. Hope you see more than you miss. LOL

Elizabeth Mahlou said...

If you know you are missing things, I think that is a good start; your subconscious might become more detail-oriented. My husband is a professional photographer, and golly I don't think he misses even the movement of the wind in a meadow. I suspect that is something that you can train yourself to do, though. Enjoy finding out what you are missing!

Maria said...

Someone left a lovely comment on my blog once - it was "I guess we all could use a little more awareness". Doesn't that just say it all? I know I could. I locked the house gate for the night twice recently with my husbands vehicle (scooter) parked right outside in front of my nose! I am sure there are few people who have done anything as silly as that!

Regina said...

Beautiful shots. Nice world.

jay said...

The last one is my favourite. It's a great shot!

I think there are times in our lives when we can be mindful, and at other times, other concerns prevent it. We can only concentrate on so many things at one time.

I've enjoyed several of Haruki Murakami's books, he writes so poetically. I have to be in the right mood though.

Esther Garvi said...

We miss so much, it's inevitable. What counts is all the things we don't miss, the things we really experience!

Loved the last shot!

Viola said...

I can see something inside the bird house.. :) It's sad when the birds leave.. What a wonderful tree! :)

Snap said...

Love this post. I think we all miss things. Being more observant is something I try to be and don't always succeed. Keep looking. ....

Joe Todd said...

I know I don't want to miss your posts So I will keep stopping by

George said...

I hope you don't miss anything and have lots to share with us. I don't want to think about all the things I've missed by not paying attention.