Great reminder to be present and suggestions for noticing. Sometimes I find myself sitting at my desk, staring at my phone instead of looking out the window when I'm in between whatever-the-F I'm doing or supposed to be doing. Nature walks and cycling force me out of the trance, but even then.... suddenly I'll realize I'm not really noticing the trees or sky. Working on it!
Always a practice and never a permanent state. I do the same. Sometimes I give up and let myself be in my own head. I guess that’s a type of presence too.
Great title Leslie that really grabs you to "notice" this piece.
I agree that as writers we naturally pay more attention to the world around us. I'm always taking a pic or jotting a note in my phone for something I'd like to consider expanding on later.
I like your suggestions and find my senses are heightened when doing my run/walks and walks too.
I also would suggest breaking up your routine to put yourself in a new place or situation to heighten your sense of noticing. I think this brings out the native New Yorker in me because my antenna goes up and I become extra aware. Safety first followed by "let's check this out!"
Yes, I think writers are built with a heightened curiosity. I like the idea of breaking routine in order to ramp up discovery. Thanks for the suggestion.
That moment with your grandad calling you observant feels like the quiet center of the whole piece. One small sentence from someone you loved gave language to something true in you before you had fully named it for yourself, and the essay seems to unfold from that gift. I especially love the way noticing becomes more than a writer’s habit here; it becomes a way of honoring life by refusing to move through it half-asleep. Thank you, Leslie, for reminding us that presence often begins with the smallest act of attention.
Leslie Senevey, what a beautiful gift for him to have given you. There is something formative about being named accurately by someone we love; it does not just describe us, it gives us permission to recognize ourselves. I’m grateful you shared that moment, because it made the whole reflection feel rooted not only in attention, but in the quiet power of being seen early and carrying that seeing forward.
Hubby has the TV on all day, but in the early morning with pup in my lap and everything quiet - I can hear and feel my stomach rumble, and sometimes it's quite loud!
Great reminder to be present and suggestions for noticing. Sometimes I find myself sitting at my desk, staring at my phone instead of looking out the window when I'm in between whatever-the-F I'm doing or supposed to be doing. Nature walks and cycling force me out of the trance, but even then.... suddenly I'll realize I'm not really noticing the trees or sky. Working on it!
Always a practice and never a permanent state. I do the same. Sometimes I give up and let myself be in my own head. I guess that’s a type of presence too.
Great title Leslie that really grabs you to "notice" this piece.
I agree that as writers we naturally pay more attention to the world around us. I'm always taking a pic or jotting a note in my phone for something I'd like to consider expanding on later.
I like your suggestions and find my senses are heightened when doing my run/walks and walks too.
I also would suggest breaking up your routine to put yourself in a new place or situation to heighten your sense of noticing. I think this brings out the native New Yorker in me because my antenna goes up and I become extra aware. Safety first followed by "let's check this out!"
Yes, I think writers are built with a heightened curiosity. I like the idea of breaking routine in order to ramp up discovery. Thanks for the suggestion.
I love thinking about the compliment as a cat on a lap. So good! 🐱💛
Thanks Alyson!
That moment with your grandad calling you observant feels like the quiet center of the whole piece. One small sentence from someone you loved gave language to something true in you before you had fully named it for yourself, and the essay seems to unfold from that gift. I especially love the way noticing becomes more than a writer’s habit here; it becomes a way of honoring life by refusing to move through it half-asleep. Thank you, Leslie, for reminding us that presence often begins with the smallest act of attention.
Kevin, you always know how to distill down to the heart of things. Yes, my grandad gave me an unexpected but cherished gift that day.
Leslie Senevey, what a beautiful gift for him to have given you. There is something formative about being named accurately by someone we love; it does not just describe us, it gives us permission to recognize ourselves. I’m grateful you shared that moment, because it made the whole reflection feel rooted not only in attention, but in the quiet power of being seen early and carrying that seeing forward.
It's such a challenge to notice and stay in the present, but you're so right. It's amazing when it works. Thank you for the post!
Thank you, Diane! And yes, it’s definitely a practice.
Hubby has the TV on all day, but in the early morning with pup in my lap and everything quiet - I can hear and feel my stomach rumble, and sometimes it's quite loud!
A worthy grabber of your attention!