Noticing

What have you been noticing lately? 

Once, when riding as a passenger with one of my sisters (you know who you are, Laura), I was reading some of the signs as we drove by them. It was annoying to her, and I do my best to stop saying them out loud when I’m with her. I haven’t stopped noticing them, though.  

One of my superpowers is being aware of things in my surroundings. I don’t know that it’s always been as strong as it is now, but I definitely don’t like to miss things. Because of this, I’m confident that I see more birds of prey than the average person while traveling down the road. Hwy 36 usually has the most hawks, eagles, crows, and pigeons roosting on the lamp posts. Hwy 35 is a close second. In fact, I always feel better on an airport run when I see at least one eagle on my drive.  

When I’m outside, I like to tune into sounds as well as sights, textures, and smells. Have you noticed the silence of a snowfall, felt the textures of different tree trunks, or literally stopped to smell the flowers?  

My sister, Rebekka, reminded me of her youth when she made time to go dancing at least three to four times a week because she had a need within her body to move to the music. I never had that (perhaps due to my proficiency in being slightly to largely off beat?), but if your body is calling for you to dance, I think it’s wise to answer that call.  

And so it is with noticing things. One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself is to take time to notice the miracles around you. If you ever watched the sitcom, Psych, the premise of the show was that Shawn Spencer wasn’t psychic, as he pretended to be, but that his dad had taught him to notice all the things that others around him missed. He engaged all his senses.  

As someone who does a bit of both, let me tell you how noticing can help uncover miracles in your life. It may start as reading road signs and license plates when you start noticing that you’re seeing repeating numbers (angel numbers) and realize that angels and loved ones in spirit are reaching out to you. Listening to the chatter of the squirrels and songbirds turn to something more insistent may have you look their way to find that they’re warning each other that a hawk is nearby. By watching a butterfly flit about, you may find that an annual you planted last year came back this year! And, as you walk about you may start finding feathers, coins, and even dollar bills and recognize that you are surrounded by a spirit team, never alone on this earth, making the hardest days more bearable.  

Of course, as a needed reminder, you will notice what you’re looking for, so be mindful about looking for the good, looking for miracles, and assuming “good intent” - for if you are looking for the negative, you surely will find it...and that’s when I will refer you back to last week’s blog, “What Goes Around, Comes Around”. Nobody wants to focus on the stinky stuff coming around repeatedly! Do yourself a favor and search out the four-leaf clovers and $20 bills in the parking lot next to the big white feather. This earth is a magical place if you want it to be!