Observing

      The art of observing. To some, it is a hobby. To others, it is their job. For me, it is a way to learn about people and how they behave. It cultivates your senses and makes you more aware of details. Ask yourself, what is really going on in this scenario? Is there something deeper that I don’t know about? I have always loved sitting quietly and watching my surroundings, but I don’t do it very often. Yes, I am often quiet so that I can hear, but more often than not I don’t see. I don’t see that look of concern in a woman’s face or the sadness in a teenage boy’s eye.

 I like to write, and as a writer I need inspiration for characters. Many books have phrases such as, “Her eyes were as cold as ice,” or, “A smirk was tugging at his lips.” What do these expressions actually look like? Seriously, have you ever noticed when someone had eyes like ice? I haven’t but I would like to. I am going to make a conscious effort to notice more and speak less.
      Another pro to observing is that you notice the emotions of those around you. You can see when a friend has her feelings hurt and can comfort her. But you will only notice that glimpse of pain on her face if you are paying attention.  So, what about you? Do you like to observe people? I am going to write down in a journal my observations including a made up back ground story for some of the people I observe. Try it, you may be surprised at what you discover. Let me know what you think!

~Lenyer