May 10, 2011

from where i stand

To an ant, these grape hyacinths are as tall as a redwood tree. One, on its own, makes little impact. But en masse, they make quite a bold statement.

Sometimes, it's all about perspective. Looking at something from a different angle, in a different context, in a different light. Turning what we are used to seeing and thinking and feeling upside down or or inside out.

They say it's good to change things up every so often, brush your teeth with your left hand if you are right-handed, drive home by a different route, try a food you've never tasted, say hello to someone you would normally look away from. Doing something that stretches us beyond our routine makes our brain work in a different way, and can allow us to see things from a fresh perspective.

The days that go by in a blur become something special if you take the time to notice the details. If you stop to smell the roses, listen to the mockingbird, see the forest through the trees.

But it's so easy to slip into that rut, the one with your head down, busy, busy, getting all those things done that need doing. I find myself there, often. Days go by sometimes, and I realize that I haven't noticed anything but my to-do list, and then I stop in my tracks and look around me. There are buds on trees that weren't there a week ago, baby birds in a nest that I missed being built, bumblebees buzzing on blossoms that have opened.

Sometimes, I am just too much like those bees, focused only on the busywork, the task at hand, the collecting of all those things that I need to survive. I forget to pull back and see the whole flower. Or the plant itself, or the field it grows in beneath that lovely blue sky, or even the sun that makes it all possible.

That's when I know it's time to take a break and look at the world through a child's eyes, or from an ant's eye view, or through those rose-colored glasses. That's when I know it's time to shake things up a little.

Because then, a patch of tiny flowers that I've walked by a thousand times can suddenly become a forest.

It just depends on how you look at it.



13 comments:

Chantal said...

isnt that always the case, how we look at things?

Kathryn Dyche said...

I love it when I stop and take a look at things from a different perspective. As a kid I used to hang upside down off a sofa and image what it would be like to walk on the ceiling if the ceiling was the floor. Every once in a while I find myself doing this and it makes me smile.

Unknown said...

exactly... yes.
and the photo? wondrous.

Kim Klassen said...

Yes and YES! AMEN.... 'sigh'

i so love the way you 'see' and share Kelly....
I needed this!
xxo, kim

Catherine Denton said...

Beautifully and eye-opening-ly said.
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Reena said...

Lovely words, Kelly. In college, I would lie on the lawn and watch ducks waddle towards me. Quite an intimidating view!

Anna said...

I agree. I find seeing life through the lens of a camera helps me keep my eyes and heart open and looking from many perspectives - both literally and figuratively! Love your purple trees :)

poppilinnstudios said...

How true! Sometimes I stop whatever I'm doing and take a step into my garden and tell myself to live in the moment. I find myself toiling away on a project with no concept of time! A friend suggested going on mini field trips to get new perspectives-it works.
The photo is beautiful!
-Lynn

dbalyoz said...

gorgeous image and gorgeous perspective! thanks for the inspiration. :)

Jamie said...

Brilliant! Life really does get better when we change a few things up once in a while - suddenly everything thing feels fresh and new.

Cat said...

So true...I often find myself buried in the work and the "routine" of life. Great reminder to step back and gain a new perspective on things!!!

xx Cat brideblu

Marcie said...

Love this!! It's that old thing - change your view..change your mind!

Lisa Gordon said...

A truly wonderful post Kelly!
Thank you for the much needed reminder.