Let's Start

With a deep breath, a cascade of thoughts rushes in, filled with vivid, curiosity-inducing images of the events that led to this very moment—the one moment you wish you could erase from memory. These images don't just stop at being reminders; they spark an array of questions, each one a chapter waiting to be explored, each holding the potential to alter the entire story. We think about the tiny, seemingly insignificant details that might have sparked monumental changes, yet in the whirlwind of life, we often fail to notice them. We are too busy chasing the bigger, more appealing things, which makes us overlook these subtle signs. Signs that, had we paid attention, could have led us to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

These signs, like everything else in this vast world, are presented to us for a reason. They aren't random; they are markers meant to guide us, to help us pause and think, to make choices that align with our deeper values and purpose. The universe, in its mysterious way, constantly communicates with us through these subtle cues. However, even the most intelligent and perceptive among us can miss these signs. We get lost in the moment, engrossed in the euphoria of immediate pleasures, and we fail to see the small nudges that steer us toward better paths. We become absorbed in the bigger picture and the grand dreams, forgetting that the finer details often hold the key to our success and happiness.

It's unfortunate that we are seldom taught to recognize these signs. Despite our education and all the knowledge we acquire, the skill of noticing the unnoticed is rarely emphasized. Our culture and society often place value on the tangible and the obvious, neglecting the silent whispers of the universe. Yet, being able to read these signs is a crucial skill. For someone who is well-educated and civilized, the ability to discern these vital clues can be incredibly powerful. It is a knowledge that has the potential to guide us, to warn us, and to lead us toward a more enlightened future. It can be the difference between a life that is merely lived and a life that is truly fulfilled.

So, why not take a step back and make a fresh start? Instead of rushing through life, let’s take a moment to pause, reflect, and observe. Let’s shift our focus from just seeing things as they appear to truly looking at what we often neglect. There is so much more to life than meets the eye, and who knows? By paying attention to these overlooked aspects, we might find the answers we’ve been seeking, or even discover who we are meant to be.

Thomas Merton, a profound thinker, once remarked, "One of the most important and most neglected elements in the beginning of the interior life is the ability to respond to reality, to see the value and the beauty in ordinary things, to come alive to the splendour that is all around us." These words remind us of the importance of being attuned to the world around us, to find beauty and value in the mundane, and to respond to the reality that unfolds before us.

Everyday life is filled with opportunities to connect with something deeper. It’s about recognizing that the ordinary is often extraordinary, that the mundane holds magic, and that every moment is a chance to start anew. By learning to notice and appreciate these finer details, we open ourselves to a richer, more vibrant life. We start to see that the path to our true selves is not found in grand gestures or dramatic changes, but in the simple act of being present, of noticing, and of responding with our whole heart.