Notice | the place and around you
Be curious of the world around you. Noticing what’s happening in your local environment, remarking on the unusual, or paying attention to what’s changing with the seasons, are examples of ways we can savour and appreciate the present moment — what’s happening right now. We live in the present, but all too often we get too caught up in over-thinking the past or worrying about the future, then we can miss out on living now.
Photo – A spot of nature watching (and noticing) on a ‘Natter in Nature’ walk to Dimmingsdale
Life can be hectic and sometimes we just don’t give ourselves time to pause, to catch sight of something beautiful , or to appreciate our environment, or think about our place within it. We all enjoy a holiday, visiting a new place, or a beautiful landscape, but we often overlook what’s already here on very our own doorstep. Just taking a different route to school, college or work, or going for a neighbourhood walk at lunchtime, or visiting a local park can help us enjoy what’s close around us. Not only our local nature sites, but also our local heritage and industrial landscapes can give us a ‘sense of place’ and a ‘sense of belonging’ — just by taking a walk along our local canals. Knowing and noticing more about where we live, its history and where we come from, can be helpful for our ‘sense of wellbeing’.