Have you noticed that you don't perhaps always take notice? It could be that you're a great deal more observant than I am, but I can often catch myself not seeing something that's staring me right in the face, and taking notice of what's around you is a fantastic way to give your wellbeing a shot in the arm.
Last weekend I travelled back from London on the train, only to discover (just as I was getting off, having spent nearly an hour on it) that a friend, Chris, was sitting in the very same carriage as me. If only we'd had our wits about us we could have passed the time chatting rather than staring out of the window. Instead we boarded the train, as we both do a lot, and just didn't really look around. It made me think, and made me aware that it's all too easy to go around with your eyes cast down, not noticing the world around you, and not savouring the moment. Look up and things may, well, look up.
But also couldn't you have enjoyed LOOKING out of the window.
ReplyDeleteReally isn't just staring out not paying attention either.
Even if it is a journey you have made many times there are still wonderful things to see if you were just looking.
Still shame you didn't notice your friend.
I always think one of the joys of travelling by train is staring out of the window and looking at the view, be it countryside or urban sprawl.I think many people myself included try to avoid catching the eye of someone they know standing on the platform waiting for the same train.That said, if eye avoidance techniques have failed and we find ourselves having to share each others company, I generally enjoy the chat and may have gained more for my mood than just staring out of the window. (I'm not sure what the other person thinks though!)
ReplyDeleteOf course I agree with the message in this blog but not sure about the train element. I like the last bit very much..Look up and things may,well look up. Julia (A message came up in French saying my name hadn't been verified. have been here for a few days and it's not been picked up.Hence Anonymous which seems to be OK Back to the UK soon)
I read your message thinking it was someone else and thought It sounds like Julia, and it was! I agree so much with the avoiding catching people's eye though as you say, if you end up in conversation it often works out well - not always i have to say (a few occasions come to mind, when I felt somewhat Talked At!) but it can be nice to connect with a stranger. (a stranger on a train sounds like a film - Brief Encounter comes to mind... ah if only!).
DeleteHi Victoire
DeleteThanks for catching up with my previous posts for you! I agree about looking up at buildings. So much beauty to see and such a different view on the world.I sometimes get quite dizzy standing in a street with my face turned upwards; also the other day walking in the France countryside,along a road, I heard birds singing. There was only one tree they could possibly be in and I craned my neck, head upwards to spot them but they were well hidden. Very strange as no leaves to hide in. I couldn't believe they were hidden from my view. The singing was so loud (pleasantly) and near me.I must have spent 15 minutes looking for them. I don't think anyone saw me! Oh well another day.. I like Jon's post today. I am going to try to think outside the box and maybe do something different.I doubt if I will! Good idea to think about tho'A mobile fish van is coming here soon. It comes each Thursday and it's me who has to go and buy something we never want. He used to come when the old woman lived here and carried on thinking he is doing us a great service.I have to gear myself up to go out and talk French. here he is
I am amazed in London when I walk around and look up, how much there is too see high up! I miss so many architectural features or oddities. So I try and do that but for me, my worst habit is texting as i walk along! That way you really do miss things, so I try and make an effort not to do that. Like LindaF, I find staring out of the window can be just as therapeutic as reading or talking. And if truth be told, I'm usually a little relieved on train journey's to just be alone, rather dreading someone getting into conversation...! Unless really good friend or one of my sister's of course. But then with folk you know well, you can often be quiet together too and that is great.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that strange about only being able to allow a few moments of silence when one is with certain people and not others ! Ofcourse some silences are not relaxed silences - maybe, rather awkward... maybe the latter is to do with fear or stress, relating to the unknown.
Deleterelating to
It's very true! Sometimes I miss opportunities in life when I'm not paying attention!
ReplyDeleteIt happened to me yesterday.....Well almost, as my partner asked me about the day I was able to reflect better and bang it hit me! Not going to miss that opportunity again, next time I'm just going to sit and observe just a little more.