Driven to Distraction part 2: looking

I once read an article that talked about how the use of your sight can reduce your anxiety. It was years ago. I can’t quote it accurately, but it has stuck with me. The take-away for me was that looking at something, really looking and getting absorbed, helps your brain to detour from your anxious thoughts.

My love for looking is deep and varied. I prefer the passenger’s seat on a long drive so I can absorb the trees, the light, the patterns, and color. These days, I am looking around a lot. This morning I took a long look at my daughter’s adorable freckled and determined face on the other side of a very precarious and colorful Jenga tower.

In my home, with a cup of tea I walk around, look, pause, and think, hmmm, maybe…. My family knows at this point that I am not spacing out, but they should brace themselves. A painting may be moving to another spot, a big turquoise bowl may become the unexpected centerpiece of the kitchen table, or a new plant may show up, hopefully to live longer than a month. Whenever the urge strikes, I love to ride the wave. The result is often a fresh perspective and a more inspired space.

Since our recent renovation project, I am finding it fascinating to look at what happens when things get moved around. I am looking at everything with fresh eyes as I bring paintings back into rooms, reorganize the glass-front hutch, and make sure the books and games we love are ready to grab.

Today after unloading the dishwasher, folding laundry, and settling on what is for dinner, I am going to find a home for a photo from Wendy Borger, “Lowell’s Boat”. A boat is such a symbolically powerful image that speaks to me in a very deep way. Wendy has captured that, and I am in search of the perfect spot for it. With tea in hand, I will wander until I find it.

All this may sound so trivial, but I think it speaks to our need for seeing the beauty. It is always around us. Despite circumstance, the sun comes up, the birds are floating around, and the current of the river ebbs and flows. In this crazy time with so many unknowns and fear at an all-time high, I am taking comfort in what I can… cooking for my family, an online Master Class from an inspired guru, getting things done that I thought I would never get to, and taking a good long look at the things that I find beautiful.

My hope is that you are tucked away at home safe and sound, reading this, taking a look around and thinking, hmmm, maybe….

Sending peace and optimism to you and your loved ones,

P