Most of us have heard the phrase, “Take time to smell the roses.”  Let’s create a new phrase, “Look twice to see the details.”

In our fast-paced world with our busy minds, we often pass through our daily spaces without really seeing them. With social media, we see the key point of an image but may miss the background.

Surface Surfing

We surface surf. Perhaps we do that to be more efficient or to maintain focus. Sometimes we do it out of habit.

Have you ever taken a photo of some celebratory event, a special person, or an object, and when you look at the photo later, you see something in the background that diminishes the value of the photo? We can probably all admit to that. We are so focused on the special, that we don’t see anything else. We miss the detail that “ruined” our photo.

Take a Moment for Intricacies

How often do you truly notice the details around you? When was the last time you took a moment to appreciate the intricacies of a painting, the beauty of a flower’s center, or the unique design of a doorknob? Have you ever stopped to admire the bubbles in the foam on top of your coffee – or beer?

Look close and then look far away. What’s on the horizon or the other side of the road? What’s at the back of the stage? Who’s walking across your view on the other side of the room? Expanding your vision can expand your mind. It spurs new thoughts that can segue into new ideas and creativity.

Little things mean a lot not only in our interactions but also in our appreciation of the world. Do you see the butterfly in the photo above? It wasn’t the first thing you saw, was it? Expand the image and look at the intricacies of the wings. Colors, patterns, shapes. And, a touch of teal. Can you see it?