“I have noticed that people are dealing too much with the negative, with what is wrong… Why not try the other way, to see positive things, to just touch those things and make them bloom?” – Thich Nhat Hanh
I’ve put my attention on noticing the good.
This noticing gives me a different feeling than the practice of gratitude.
Like a shiver running up my spine. Or a tingle of delight.
Gratitude often feels forced, like something I should do.
Yes, I know it makes a difference.
Wait…does it make a difference if it feels like a should?
Not so much.
I want a practice that feels real.
One that feels human, and connective. Satisfying.
And simple.
I don’t need a list of instructions:
- do it first thing in the morning
- no wait, do it before bed
- write it down
- meditate on it
- share it
- no wait, keep it to yourself
- savour it
- be authentic
- no wait, list 5 things every single day
I just want it to feel good.
I want to look around and notice the goodness of life, as if I were wearing good-coloured glasses.
Like a child playing “I spy with my little eye.”
I notice the good. . .
- that first sip of coffee in the morning
- a whiff of spring in the air
- connecting with a stranger
- a heartfelt thank you
- the love bombs that come and go
- that not-quite-asleep-am-I-meditating-or-dreaming state
- closeness, connection, comfort
Noticing the good feels good.
It’s healing, and like a meditation practice simpler than you think.
When you notice what’s working, what’s inspiring, what’s enjoyable – your experience of it expands.
Noticing is an inside job. That makes a difference when you let it out.
So I’m noticing. And practicing, because sometimes the simple practices are the most challenging.
Keeping it simple, keeping it real.
Noticing the good.
YES!! This is why I love you, Sandi; you say the things I wish I had words for.
Forced gratitude isn’t gratitude anymore, it’s just another chore. Ticking another “should” of your to-do list only makes you wanna move faster ’til you get to the end, right? Totally different ball game when you notice something because you;re enjoying it in that present moment.
Thanks for this! I feel better already. 🙂
YES!! This is why I love you, Sandi; you say the things I wish I had words for.
Forced gratitude isn’t gratitude anymore, it’s just another chore. Ticking another “should” of your to-do list only makes you wanna move faster ’til you get to the end, right? Totally different ball game when you notice something because you;re enjoying it in that present moment.
Thanks for this! I feel better already. 🙂
otitiovuewhorie Awesome! That’s how I felt when I wrote it, like I’d taken the pressure off. Such sweet relief!
It is a discipline worth having.
Joshua Wilner/A Writer Writes That’s why they call it a practice!
A post after my own heart! I practice it, Sandi – and can completely endorse the benefits. Life is very easy to manage when we live this way. Noticing the little things adds up! Love you. Hugs!
Vidya Sury The little things aren’t little, right Vidya? I’m practicing my friend and happy to have touched your heart. xoS
Yes! Noticing the good shifts the energy in the moment, regardless of external..meaning there is potential to feel alive and joyful and passionate, in each moment, as you are,where you are. In my life, gratitude is simply an extension of this practice, the art of appreciating what is noticed. No rules, just presence, however that manifests in the moment.
JoyChristin I know some folks might say it’s just semantics, but for me appreciation and noticing feel so much better than gratitude. Not sure why that is and honestly, I don’t think it matters much as long as we choose the practice that works for us.
You, like Vidya Sury, are masterful at noticing the good. It’s inspiring!
Love this Sandi! I’ve never got into that whole ‘gratitude’ thing. Well, I have for a bit, but all those rules! I didn’t keep at it for too long. But then I kept trying because Oprah says it’s the most powerful thing she’s ever done, and who am I to question Oprah! Ha! Completely missing the whole point. I do notice the good….when i remember – another thing to have tattooed on my forehead! 🙂 Thank you for the reminder – it’s already made a difference in my day, and I’ve only just got started! <3
Vicky White Funny thing is I know there are no real rules, but rather suggestions from people like Oprah and the personal development world. And if it works for them great! But if it doesn’t work for me or you, we have to find our own way. Can you believe a gratitude practice could make me (and I’m sure others) feel bad? It’s crazy, and so unnecessary. We have to take what works from it (this or any practice) and make it our own. That’s what feels good and has power to transform.
Vicky White Funny thing is I know there are no real rules, but rather suggestions from people like Oprah and the personal development world. And if it works for them great! But if it doesn’t work for me or you, we have to find our own way. Can you believe a gratitude practice could make me (and I’m sure others) feel bad? It’s crazy, and so unnecessary. We have to take what works from it (this or any practice) and make it our own. That’s what feels good and has power to transform.
I’ve found that the stuff that works for us is the most simple to experience and for that same reason is so hard to explain! Ha! I often have to reflect to pick apart why something felt “right” or “good”. ..and those practices evolve regularly! LOL!
BetsyKCross I felt that way in writing this post and it was challenging to find the right words!
Hi Sandi,
I don’t find this uncomfortable at all. I’ve always been a list-maker….lists help me to FEEL GOOD!
That said, I also notice the the beauty of the sunrise and the whiff of coffee coming from the pot as it drips. I get bursts of joy throughout the day for no reason too. Silly me…I jump around like a 5 year old when no one is looking too – just because!
I think it’s not lists or instructions you get from others that bring or suppress joy in your life–it’s your decision to be happy and feel joy.
I decided a long time ago that I wanted to feel good – ’cause I was tired of feeling bad/down/demotivated, etc. I began looking for the good in the world, others and in me and I found so much that I smile a lot – I feel happy more than I feel down and I do silly things like jump and squeal when I’m feeling good whenever that lovely feeling of joy and gratitude waft over me.
S0 – I’m with you but, I’m keeping my lists – let’s FEEL GOOD together!
xxoo,
Angela
AngelaArtemis It does take a decision to feel good doesn’t it? Sometimes I think there’s a bit too much wishful thinking and hoping going on. But when we decide, something powerful happens and it paves the way for new actions. So I’m with you my friend, let’s FEEL GOOD together! 🙂
I love these wise words. I so agree. It;s the little things that make the whole of living. One of the reasons I love to take my camera and head out into the natural world is that I find myself CONSTANTLY gasping at the beauty of the tiny things. I notice every time I respond to what I discover with a “oh, oh, oh!” – now that I recognize this bit of exclamation, I can;t keep from laughing.
bo_mackison Love that Bo – oh, oh, oh! 😉
My husband and I are both photographers and we experience that feeling often.
I love this!! So much of my goodness in life has not been about following a routine as it has been consistently being awake and alive. What a grand example you share here, Sandi! Glad I popped by via Scintilla13! Always a pleasure to visit you!
juliejordanscot Thanks Julie, glad it resonated 🙂
Hi Sandi, Yup, this is exactly what I do. It started when I began doing readings for other people. I had to be so observant of every little thing, with all of the senses, in order not to miss something important. Then I just started putting the same thing into practice gradually for myself. Appreciating a washer and dryer when you have 18 loads of laundry to do still counts, if you’re so moved in the moment (which I frequently am). Yet the most powerful moments are more of what you describe. And they DO multiply…and perhaps we notice them more.
Julie | A Clear Sign I love the thought that they multiply 🙂
Yes Sandi, I’m joining You……
Lovely, authentic posting and the imagery used for the post is delightful as well. Thankyou.
be good to yourself
David
Life Coach. Listener. Life Lover.
Yes Sandi, I’m joining You……
Lovely, authentic posting and the imagery used for the post is delightful as well. Thankyou.
be good to yourself
David
Life Coach. Listener. Life Lover.