Recently I’ve pondered the power of noticing. Not judging, nor solutioning, just noticing.
I think it’s a profoundly human instinct to jump directly to solving problems we see. A solution can become part of the problem without pause. Without observation. Without clear eyes to see what’s there, what’s connected, what’s working and not working.
At pivotal moments in my life, someone with clear eyes, just noticing was able to prompt action in me with a few simple words in the form of a nonjudgmental observation.
Things like, “That took courage” helped me see myself as courageous and reframe a nerve-wracking situation.
“You seem happier lately” encouraged me to consider why that might be and decide to amplify it.
“Your note made a difference for me,” describes both an action I took and it’s impact, and of course I’m bound to do more of that going forward.
Or, notice given with eyes only, prompting me to think about how I show up.
We must be paying attention… noticing the noticing to be able to use it well, I think. Even still, there seems to be unlimited power in notice. It’s a gift you can transform.
I wonder what unknown and awesome action we can prompt, tomorrow, by noticing for one another?
