Noticing Things

I’ve realized that in these unique circumstances I’m noticing things—in many cases, different things than usual. (And I’m sure there are things that usually grab my attention that are escaping my notice entirely right now, too!)

I’m noticing a lot of people riding through our neighborhood on bicycles (hooray!) and a few of them without protective helmets (boo!).

I’m noticing daily, incremental, marked growth on the plants and trees around our home.

I’m noticing that my brain seems slower to process everything, and seemingly routine tasks require more effort.

I’m noticing that while many of us feel more isolated than usual, there are others who are more connected now than ever. (Thank you, technology.)

I’m noticing new and different ways that I live with privilege—the privilege to work from home and still earn income; the privilege of parenting children who don’t need my attention every waking moment; the privilege of living in a home that gives me access to fresh air and sunshine and walking paths, allowing for physical movement with adequate distance from other humans.

I’m noticing how much touchier I am … reactive about things, where I’m typically more disciplined in managing my emotional response. I expect myself to be mature and thoughtful, especially about important and emotional issues; maturity and thoughtfulness require greater effort right now.

Relatedly, I’m noticing that many of us seem more extreme in our reactions. Some of us are more kind and patient and generous than usual; others are more critical and judgmental and self-centered. There seems to be less-than-usual evidence of the grounded center, including in myself.

Yesterday I noticed our dog’s squeaky pig toy. It makes an obnoxious sound that grates terribly on my nerves when she bites it or when one of the other Getty humans steps on it. But also, I was delighted to stomp on it myself to surprise the rest of the family. They were startled and amused, so I kept stomping. And I laughed.

I noticed that I don’t mind my own noise as much as I mind others’.

I’ve been thinking about that one a lot. It’s not only about a squeaky pig toy, and I need to remember that.

I wonder what you are noticing in these odd times. And I hope you will tend to your own musings in meaningful ways.

Yours in community,
Paige