Rev. Ben Fowler
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Ever noticed the picture?

2/6/2012

5 Comments

 
I pride myself on being a pretty observant guy. I don't see the way an artist sees, perhaps, but I guess, not being a visual artist, I can't really know that. What I mean by "being observant" is that I pay attention. Though my wife might dispute this, most of the time I listen carefully (and not just because of me degraded hearing), and I see things pretty quickly and acutely. 

Of course, we all probably think we're pretty observant, so much as I might toot my own horn about awareness, others might see it differently--both literally and figuratively. My wife, as artist by temperament and profession, probably has a more acute sense of design than I do, but when it comes to spotting a navigation buoy when we are out sailing, I can out-see her every time. And though I am a musician, she can out-hear me on more occasions than I wish to admit (hearing loss being what it is). The thing is, all awareness is pretty subjective and in the eye of the beholder, so to speak. 

I think the times when I become most observant are when I become aware that I am not being terribly observant. It is only then that I switch gears and actively pay attention. It grows from the act of becoming fully present, in the moment, and taking the time to be fully engaged with my experience. It is then that I am seeing, hearing, thinking and feeling most fully and most intently. And it is then that I am most fully engaged with my spirit.

So, how observant are you? Ever notice the picture that accompanies this blog? The one to the right with the bird(s)? 
5 Comments
Sarah
2/6/2012 02:35:08 am

the original hitch hiker! xoxoxo

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Natty link
2/6/2012 03:42:01 am

Wonderful photos! The hitchhiker is amazing....we see fish doing something similar....but never seen a bird riding like that....cool! Yes, all awareness is subjective...I see the same thing at different moments differently depending on my mood, the time of day, the circumstances surrounding it. I guess the important thing is to be concious of how I am seeing things and why my perceptions change. Is it possible to see things as they "really are"? In their true nature? Rarely, I guess...but good to know that everything does have a "true nature" and to watch out for it! Thanks for the encouragent to remember to be aware....internally and externally....Watch out! I sat watching a hairy woodpecker hanging on the feeder outside our kitchen window the other day...s/he didn't move a muscle for, I bet, 20 minutes....just hung there by one foot....amazing to be able to study it for so long! Was it stunned? Meditating? Watching me watching it? Who knows? But for a few moments time stopped! Beautiful! A real gift! Love....love....

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lisa
2/6/2012 02:35:58 am

I have, actually, noticed the bird, but I would notice an animal anywhere, any time. As a matter of fact, the birds outside my window are how I am keeping present at the moment. Deep in the search for employment, my ability to be anywhere but the present - mostly in the world of my imagination where I am running out of time, or not doing what I'm supposed to do - is in my face every minute. It is only when I connect with the ok-ness of this very moment that I can breathe and relax, and trust that all is well, things are moving along, and I know just what to do (in this moment, at least - it's usually whatever it is I'm doing :-)
The 2 ways I do that are by literally climbing back inside my body and sensing myself, and by watching the birds just be in their present moment. There is such happiness, such grace, such subtle joy out there!

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Nancy Willett
2/6/2012 02:57:28 am

The picture at the top and side speak to me loudly of spirituality. Words are great but pictures are worth a thousand words. Yes, I've noticed the one to the right and the beautiful light in the one above.
I've been in the hospital for three weeks. I am awaiting knee surgery and foot surgery. Send light for healing, please. n

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Del Rio sex link
10/23/2012 04:34:31 pm

Thanks for the post to this page

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    Rev. Ben

    I am an Interfaith Minister. My ramblings are primarily  random thoughts, and commentary on life, love and the pursuit of happiness. See more on the ABOUT ME page (above).

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