I enjoyed the scene and reflection upon that moment. At the footnote, I became curious about another piece that you might write about how 'virality' has taken over travel and seeing. One of the ways I like to see art or nature is to go in devotion to one particular work or being, to sit with it. How remarkable to do this in ten seconds.
Growing up in Ottawa, I had some wonderful opportunities to sit with art at the National Gallery of Canada. I remember a field trip with my OAC Creative Writing Class (the only creative writing class I've ever taken!) and we were asked to sit with a painting - for what felt like an uncomfortable amount of time - and write about it. The experience produced one of my favourite short poems that I've ever written. It's a practice that I'd like to do more of - thanks for this reminder! It's also wonderful to consider the opportunities in nature as much as amongst humankind's creations.
This is so beautiful, Meg. What a deep, gorgeous, profound, essential, wise example to set for your daughter, while bonding over this once in a lifetime experience. I will take 10 seconds today to stare at something beautiful. Thank you.
I really looked at the person I was talking to and made conscious eye contact, instead of letting my attention on the conversation be half-ass. Thank you for the reminder! Also, snow here as well. We both have the same sort of "spring."
Oooh, I like that particular application of the "10" (which often stretches much longer!) The podcast I linked in this issue of Field Notes (The Science of Effective Communication) offered some lessons as well around other tactics we can apply to be better in conversation and now I'm really seeing the tie-in!
I enjoyed the scene and reflection upon that moment. At the footnote, I became curious about another piece that you might write about how 'virality' has taken over travel and seeing. One of the ways I like to see art or nature is to go in devotion to one particular work or being, to sit with it. How remarkable to do this in ten seconds.
Growing up in Ottawa, I had some wonderful opportunities to sit with art at the National Gallery of Canada. I remember a field trip with my OAC Creative Writing Class (the only creative writing class I've ever taken!) and we were asked to sit with a painting - for what felt like an uncomfortable amount of time - and write about it. The experience produced one of my favourite short poems that I've ever written. It's a practice that I'd like to do more of - thanks for this reminder! It's also wonderful to consider the opportunities in nature as much as amongst humankind's creations.
This is so beautiful, Meg. What a deep, gorgeous, profound, essential, wise example to set for your daughter, while bonding over this once in a lifetime experience. I will take 10 seconds today to stare at something beautiful. Thank you.
Thanks for taking the time to read, Juliane. I would be curious to hear what you stared at today! For me it's the snow softly falling outside.
I really looked at the person I was talking to and made conscious eye contact, instead of letting my attention on the conversation be half-ass. Thank you for the reminder! Also, snow here as well. We both have the same sort of "spring."
Oooh, I like that particular application of the "10" (which often stretches much longer!) The podcast I linked in this issue of Field Notes (The Science of Effective Communication) offered some lessons as well around other tactics we can apply to be better in conversation and now I'm really seeing the tie-in!
A profound 10 seconds....Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for taking the time to read, Kathy!
Well written Meg! Love the “Mona Lisa 10”. What an incredible anchor.
Thanks, Stasia! Yes, an anchoring moment that will last a long time - perhaps forever.