by Wren Salazar
Every day, we walk by something — some kind of plant, road or building. Sometimes we sit in the same place with the same view every day. When you start to look around, you might be surprised by how many small details can change a scene. In a stressful moment, noticing what’s around you can also ground you and turn your boring days a little more interesting. Training yourself to notice can be difficult at first; it might not come easily if you aren’t used to it, but it is worth it when you do.
In high school, I would park my car in the same spot every morning. Next to my parking spot, there was a median with a grass tuft in it. I would study how the light bounced off the grass and check it every morning throughout the seasons. I can still remember how the grass would sway in the wind with sunlight gleaming in the morning dew. The image of that grass helped keep me sane during the rougher parts of my senior year. Now, in my day-to-day walks at the Arcata marsh, I look for what plants are in season and what birds are around. By paying attention, I can see what parts of the marsh change throughout the year.
The best part about noticing is that you can look at anything and everything to find something fulfilling. Certain things you see can remind you of things you’ve already thought of. By paying attention every day, insight becomes abundant. A new week’s worth of insight reveals solutions to problems that weren’t clear before.
I implore you to start noticing; to pay attention to how the little things change. If you keep looking, you’ll see what you need to see. As I’m sure many of you have heard, it’s important not to take the small things for granted. Remember to look out for the small folk, too; you never know when a caterpillar or slug could be crossing at the same time as you.
Wren is an artist and story writer looking to add some whimsy and curiosity to those around her. A lover of all things, Wren seeks to help others around her with advice or humor. She can be reached at ws81@humboldt.edu.