Mind States December 2007
The Fine Art of Noticing
by Nan Kyra, D.S.S.
A look back over the past few decades reveals that nurturing, self-care, rest and relaxation are playing second fiddle to our current hurry-up lifestyle. The amount of time spent in quiet repose is often miniscule, if any, compared to time spent talking, texting, working, multi-tasking, worrying, and doing, doing, doing.
I believe that most of us know intuitively how important it is to care for our Self, our Divine Essence. We know that experiencing solace and peace within enhances our well-being. We sense it when we take a breather to watch a sunset, listen to Mozart, walk in nature, or spend time meditating or praying. Yet when I broach the subject of self-nurturing, quite often I either receive blank stares, disdaining looks, or comments assuring me that “nurturing” is not something relevant to professional people or that it is a frivolous woman’s word—akin to shopping, manicures and bubble baths. This belief, however, is far from accurate. In fact, nurturing, or self-care, is now considered a necessity by health practitioners. Nurturing feeds, supports and nourishes us. It preserves and returns us to health and well being, helps us grow and maintains our aliveness. Appreciating and caring for ourselves is vital in strengthening and sustaining our lives.
How has your year been? Have you been a champion of your own self-care, or have you been so busy that you, too, didn’t have time for nurturing? I invite you to take a few moments to reflect back on your life over the past year and assess your present state of health and well-being.
If your “look back” has given you a great feeling of joy and happiness—congratulations! What I offer you will simply add to the celebration of you in your life. However, if your retrospective glimpse has revealed that you are not happy and content with the quality of your life, I encourage you to consider that this would be a great time to make changes that would serve and support you.
A number of years ago, I certainly was not content with who I was. I was consistently sidestepping self-nurturing and I was a bear—irritable, impatient, resentful and exhausted. I was ready for a change. One day, I was told by an inner voice that “Noticing” would improve the quality of my stressed and unhappy life. I had no idea what “Noticing” was until, in a fit of spontaneity, I stole a moment from an activity I was engaged in to watch a mule and a horse playing in a pool. I realized that I had just had a “Noticing Moment” and was in wonderful spirits when I went back to what I was doing before.
I named my new revelation “The Fine Art of Noticing”—a delightful, effective and practical way to offer quick and easy nurturing to people everywhere. By taking what I call “Noticing Moments” throughout the day to stop, look, listen, and focus attention on something other than our work or family demands, we are provided respite from the incessant chatter, stress, multi-tasking, noise and electronic servitude of our day. By appreciating simple moments, we feel refreshed and relaxed and are able to make more creative and innovative choices.
Practicing The Fine Art of Noticing offers a new way of slowing down and taking time to rediscover the joys of daily life. When we quiet our internal chatter to focus on one moment at a time, we give ourselves more space to listen and become absorbed in the current moment, no matter what had been happening even a minute before. Within that moment, we naturally feel good about ourselves and worthy of our own appreciation and kindness. This “time out,” available at any moment, is essential in enriching the quality of our lives in every way.
Most people are amazed that such a seemingly unpretentious tool could be so powerful and effective. The gap between interest and doing can be sizeable, however. Developing the habit of taking Noticing Moments during the day to restore and refresh may require a little coaching and re-educating. Are you ready to improve the quality of your life? Are you ready to give yourself the gift of time, focus, ease, balance and a deep sense of well-being? Realizing that Noticing Moments are a vital part of your day is the first step in integrating them into your life. I invite you to practice the Fine Art of Noticing. Take time for Noticing Moments and make them a priority for self-care throughout your day. It is as simple as closing your door, turning off your phones, and focusing your attention on the breath, the song of a bird, or a simple item that delights your eye. A minute away from your busy life can do wonders.
So relax, enjoy and celebrate the Moment! Happy Noticing!
For information about The Fine Art of Noticing or to schedule personal or corporate Noticing sessions, retreats or presentations, please contact Nann Kyra, D.S.S. at
805.640.7906 or email: noticing@sbcglobal.net