Stop the World and See
Updated: January 24, 2023
Often, we don’t see the world around us because we’re thinking too much, daydreaming, or zoning out. We’re in another world far, far away.
Other times we’re overly concentrated on the task or project at hand. We only see what’s right in front of us—like we’re wearing blinders. We haven’t learned to balance mindfulness with global awareness.
Or we’re in a rush. We’re just trying to get from here to there as fast as possible and aren’t in the habit of seeing what’s in between. We look enough to walk, bike, or drive, but we don’t fully see.
Does this sound familiar?
“Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven’t time, and to see takes time — like to have a friend takes time.” — Georgia O’Keefe
But not seeing can get us into trouble.
It can be the cause of accidents, minor and major. It can create a strain in a relationship when we fail to notice a positive change in our partner’s appearance. It can steal our time when we miss an exit on the highway.
But most of all, you’re living half-asleep. You miss out on so much.
Some of us see more than others. And there are many layers to seeing. But most of us live in a cocoon and only see what we must.
Is there a better way?
An Invitation to Stop the World and See
I’m probably worse than any one of you. I tend to hear more than see though I wouldn’t get a mindfulness aware for hearing either.
As an experiment this week, I practiced the art of seeing. I immersed myself in the richness of the present moment visual world.
It wasn’t easy. The habit of shutting off my sight remained strong. Nevertheless, I found it so enriching.
After all, who wants to live half-asleep?
I invite you to try an experiment in seeing more too. Follow this guidance from Carlos Castaneda. Just imagine what it would be like for everything to seem new.
“I am teaching you how to see as opposed to merely looking, and stopping the world is the first step to seeing. After stopping the world the next step is seeing. By that I mean what could be categorized as responding to the perceptual solicitations of a world outside the description we have learned to call reality.”
“When you see, there are no longer familiar features in the world. Everything is new. Everything has never happened before. The world is incredible.”—Journey to Ixtlan
Being present to the world around us can bring us into a peaceful, open, and relaxed state. Instead of being embroiled in the past or caught up in a non-existent future, our feet (and eyes) are rooted firmly in the now.
We don’t need to entangle ourselves in the objects of our perception. We just simply see what’s around us and “leave the seeing in the seeing,” as the renown Buddhist teacher, Dudjom Rinpoche, has said, without grasping onto it.
Don’t comment on what you see, silently or aloud. If thoughts arise, just let them pass by. Don’t add more thoughts into the mix. Just experience what you see directly without the interference of the conceptual mind.
Seeing can be a form of mindfulness, which can be activated in any moment in your daily life.
Not everyone can see. And some may have cloudy vision. If that’s the case for you, the same mindfulness technique can be applied with any of the senses.
Stop the world and hear the wind.
Stop the world and feel your physical sensations.
Stop the world and smell the roses.
Stop the world and taste your food.
Or try all the senses at once!
Open the front door and step onto the front porch with all your senses wide open.
Concluding Thoughts
Everyone has the capacity to be mindful. Mindfulness is not a skill exclusive to monks living in a monastery.
You could strengthen mindfulness by taking a meditation course and practicing mindfulness meditation daily.
But you could also start right now. Just stop the world and see.
Thank you for your presence, I know your time is precious! Don’t forget to sign up for Wild Arisings, my twice monthly letters from the heart filled with insights, inspiration, and ideas to help you connect with and live from your truest self.
You might also like to check out my Self-Care Shop. May you be happy, well, and safe – always. With love, Sandra
