“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.
