Noticing                11.17.25

Posted on by Septuagenarian in Life Lessons

My body is definitely slowing down. Each step I take necessitates carefully evaluating the ground before me. Between arthritis, numb soles, and shortness of breath, hurrying is out of the question.

In a previous story, “To Compare,” I learned how deadly it is to compare myself to others, now I have met her first cousin. The critical inner voice that compares my present self to myself at sixty, thus I embody both the receiver and giver of the judgements.

The physical discomfort and the inner turmoil have caused me to STOP and reflect.

In doing so, I discovered another lesson I am to learn on my journey. I found the gift. *

I have been so occupied with plans, thoughts, and worry, I forgot to notice I have a body! The gift. * It is only through this often-ignored part of me that I can feel my world.  

I am able to enjoy the warm scent of my horse, the fragrance of just cut grass, the aroma of balsam sap in the summer sun, the loamy smell of the forest floor.

When I listen, I hear the rushing water of a springtime river, the calling of ravens, the galumph of a bull frog, the laughter of a child, and the voice of a dear friend.

I see the autumn light in all of its crystalline beauty, the flicker of a candle, the delicate colors of a feather, the beauty of a field of lupin, and a glimpse of a wild creature.

I feel the sensation of winter sun on my skin, the warmth of a hug, the nuzzle of a horse, the quiet cold of a winter morning walk.

I can taste the juiciness of a Palisade peaches, the tang of lemons and oranges, the crisp sweetness of honey crisp apples, the decadent richness of a honey cake, the complexity of a fine wine.

My fingers are able to touch of the velvet muzzle of a horse, the thick fur of a cat, a rocky ledge warmed by the sun, the rough bark of a cottonwood, the face of a beloved.

I had taken these sensations for granted. They were lost in the brisk pace I had adopted as I hustled on to the next thing on my to-do list. I had forgotten what a privilege it is to live in this precious body, including feeling all that it offers me, from the pain to the delight.

May we each remember to slow down, notice and feel the world we inhabit and the privilege of being here.

With Gratitude, Elizabeth

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Published by Septuagenarian

14 thoughts on “Noticing                11.17.25”

  1. well, at 81 (still can’t believe it!), I am certainly in my slowing down when I walk phase 🥹. Your beautiful missive reminds me once again to feel the treasure in this time! Thank you, O Wise Woman❤️❤️🥰

    hugs always, Judy b

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      1. yep, still trudging along and still finding beauty in the walk! Even as my heart is breaking for our country and our world right now, I am filled with gratitude to be alive on this beautiful planet at this time🙏❤️💕Always big hugs to you, dear friend🥰

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  2. Beautiful reminder to love where we are in our journey. Stunning photos as always! Thank you for bringing reflection, quiet and peace into my evening.

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  3. Beautiful, E. Absolutely beautiful and so true. You are my teacher, as you have been for many years.

    Thank you.

    With love, respect and gratitude,

    Jeanne

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  6. Noticing — catching the ordinary and the magical and allowing it to touch us — through our senses. You really remind us, through words and your beautiful photos, that our bodies are the vehicles through which we experience this life. The more we touch into that, the deeper our experiences. Thank you, E. for this heartfelt piece on noticing….

    Love you….

    >

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  7. To pull your gaze closer in to notice the subtler and quieter things. I love this. Your images hold both the intimate and infinite. Thank you for this beautiful invitation!

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