Last week, I watched:
A thrilling World Cup Final with my family that regularly produced “oooh’s” and “ahh’s”;
A person shamelessly photobomb the winner’s celebration, producing audible “ughs” in our home;
The Broadway cast of Titanique having the time of their lives while spoofing the movie Titanic, resulting in an hour and a half of my constant laughs and guffaws;
The movie version of Dear Evan Hanson, that landed more heavily than the first time I saw it, producing streams of tears;
Biblical level thunderstorm replete with lightning strikes on both sides of the Hudson River, leaving me in awe of nature’s power;
A friend poignantly deliver the eulogy at her mother’s funeral, filling me with both admiration for her strength and deep sadness for her loss;
A glowing pregnant woman in a flowing dress helping her cute toddler stumble up the steps to our local library, forcing a smile on my face after a tough morning;
A House sub-committee hearing on C-SPAN until 2:00AM investigating how the our naitonal museums reflect American History, leaving me fascinated by how differently political parties see our collective story.
My almost 10 year old dog, laying on my chest, alternatively nuzzling his head beneath my arm and raising it to investigate a sound or smell, causing me to wonder how his canine brain actually works.
These are just a few of what I watched this past week. By watched, I mean devoted my full attention to what was right in front of me. Fully invested, without distraction, by the actions of another – whether that be for a few minutes or a few hours.
Reflecting upon them now, I am amazed by the range of emotions and actions simply watching others effortlessly produced in myself.
We sometimes assume watching anything is a passive – if not wasteful – use of our time. On the contrary, when truly present for what is right in front of our face, it can cause us to see others, ourselves and our world in a different, more expansive light.
What did you watch with intention this week?
Recommendation of the Week: Make time to watch something without distraction. Afterwards, notice how it makes you feel and ask yourself if it is worth watching more things like that.
Share this with someone you enjoy watching.
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