Sometimes you don’t notice something until it’s gone.
Coming from a funeral this afternoon, I was driving home in a reflective mood as is normal on these occasions and as I rounded a familiar corner I noticed something was different. I saw a huge gap, with daylight shining at me from the other side of the road. I continue to move in the traffic and simultaneously I take a second glance, a quick look at the difference that had arrested my attention so rapidly moments before. As I scan the area I realise that since I passed there a few hours earlier there has been some serious physical effort put in in the area because a lot of pruning and a whole area of greenery have been removed.
I never mindfully registered the trees or bushes before, but now I know that they used to be there. I sense their absence.
In the few seconds that I was on this piece of road I was conscious of a totally new view. I saw a building that I had not previously noticed; I saw signs that earlier were invisible to me. It was as if I was in a new location.
This revelation made me promise myself to be more aware of everyday things in life and recognise and appreciate them before I realise that they have gone. It also made me smile as I realised that sometimes some things need to be removed so that we have space to see.
Space to see often reveals something that was previously hidden or obscured.
Sometimes you notice something different when something old and familiar is eradicated from its usual place.
Therefore each day I will … Keep looking. Keep seeing.
1 comment:
I think you have what I describe to be, "acute awareness" of so many details and stimuli. You obviously are more awake than most people I've ever met and that's a gift I think that you're able to see what wasn't there long after it is gone. You are right about spaces. Space for new growth. I'm sorry to hear about the funeral.
Yours,
Peedee
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