Looking for Subtleties
While walking
down the street and passing a large tree, do you notice it? If you do, what is it that you notice about it? Does it simply register peripherally, or
do you look for subtleties? Do you notice the shadow the tree casts? Do you notice the symmetry of the branches? Do you notice the way the l
ight seems to shimmer as the leaves flutter in the breeze? Do you hear it? Do you notice how the tree fits into its immediate environment? Do
you feel the texture of the bark just from looking at it? Do you try to tune in to the vibrations of the tree? Do you look at the tree without
specifically looking for anything, but rather opening yourself up to whatever subtleties present themselves?
Is it mind-chatter that
inhibits our ability to notice the multitudinous subtleties within the field of our presence? Do judgement, and thought even, hamper our
awareness of subtleties? And what's so important about subtleties?
Here's an exercise for those who want a game to play: Go for a
walk in a peaceful neighborhood or park. Find a stretch to walk about the length of a city block. Before you start down this block, empty your
head of ALL thoughts. Take some deep breaths then walk that block without allowing any mind-chatter whatsoever. No mental
chitchat, no judgements, no musings. Leave your mind completely open and see ONLY the subtleties. Don't look for them, but let them present
themselves to you. Everything has subtle aspects. Don't study them or think about them, but rather just feel them. Don't get caught
up in any of them, just see them, feel them, and move on. When you get to the end of the block, you can think again. It may be difficult at first,
but try it every so often. It gets better the more you do it. With practice, you'll be able to walk farther distances in this state. Just feel
the subtleties, don't think about them. The more you do it, the more you realize there are subtleties all around, in fact we are barraged by them,
but rarely notice them.
I would love to hear what others experience with this little game. How far did you take it? How did it make you
feel? How did it make your body feel? Do you find it difficult to keep thoughts out of the head? Do you find yourself thinking about what you're
doing? What is YOUR perspective on this?
Intuition Journey Map