Notice yourself
a foundational noticing practice
There’s a lot to notice out there in the world.
Yet, it is our inner landscapes that hold the potential for transformation.
As within, so without; as above, so below… (Hermes)
This isn’t an idea for preference or agreement. It is a simple truth. And it offers a simple practice: Notice within.
This foundational practice is both obvious and endlessly unknown. Yes, you already notice yourself. And yes, you can bring deeper attention to how you notice. Yes, you will find things you already know. And yes, you will find infinite spiral and nuance.
There’s an art to noticing. It lives alongside grace and trust.
To notice yourself is not to name, categorize, regulate, interpret, or improve.
To notice yourself is to witness, breathe and be with what’s present, feel it all, and expand beyond yourself.
The practice is of request (intention):
May I notice myself with clarity and truth.
May I allow all that I witness.
May I stay soft and loving as I do.
Everything you (we) need for a more beautiful world is already within you (us).
*
Love, Melissa
Additional Resources:
How to Notice: Expand Your Experience of Everyday Life (20 invitations for personal noticing practice)
Start Where You Are: A Guide to Compassionate Living by Pema Chodron
(Why Mindfulness Isn’t Enough), The Emerald with Josh Schrei (podcast)
Devotions by Mary Oliver (collection of selected poems)
Button Snail Hum is a pollination project of Noticing Matters.
Learn more and connect with me: melissaabutler.com | melissa@melissaabutler.com
My wish for Button Snail Hum is that its nourishment is shared widely with educators, parents, caregivers, and those who give so much as they tend to the needs of others (children and adults). Please support its pollination through sharing this post with anyone you feel might find it nourishing. Thank you!
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