Saturday, February 27, 2010

Saving the earth, Part II - Observe

Now that you’ve accepted yourself, your life, the problem, and the needs and possibilities, the next step is to observe. In our fast-paced and often repetitive routines, we tend to take things for granted and forget them as if they did not exist. We might notice a problem, we might even try to do something about it, but mostly these things fade away from our immediate consciousness in the rush of life. For example, I’m sure many of us are used to piles of garbage, electricity wastage or something else (Don’t worry, I count myself too)
All we need to do is live our life as before, but with a difference: notice the surroundings. Just, just take note of what’s there. Use your sensory information – the sights, sounds, smells etc. and educate yourself first-hand about where your environs. Give attention to the various things, that noticed or ignored, make up your day. Get a feel for your immediate surroundings. You might find it difficult, irritating or depressing. But at the end of the day, this is the environment in which YOU live. There is no better way to find out how the environment and its problems affect you. You don’t have to do anything particularly active. You only have to look around you, and observe your surroundings. You don’t need to do anything straight away, nor do you have to force yourself when your schedule is unforgiving.
Noticing your environment in a physical sense is the best way to find solutions for problems. Whether you inadvertently (you’re not the only one) create problems or watch others creating or ignoring them, observing the world around you will help you know where to start. Besides, observation involves both noticing and understanding. Your life situation, perspective, talents etc. are unique and it is obvious that these can give rise to unique solutions. If you ever chance to do something on a larger scale, it is this knowledge and perspective which will help you in finding practical solutions. You can start out small too: Even by noticing the mouse, the keyboard, how many stairs are in your house or how many people surround you when you commute. The difference between seeing and observing is the difference between rote learning and learning with understanding. Believe me, effectively solving problems requires us to observe, not just see.

There's something new to be found every time...

6 comments:

nil said...

Yet again,veryy well compiled. No really.

"We might notice a problem, we might even try to do something about it, but mostly these things fade away from our immediate consciousness in the rush of life."
SO true.

and the last para, I simply loved it. There were certain lines that were very very well written!
Good luck, darling writer.
You're doing a fantastic job!!!
all my love,
N.

Charu said...

@Nil: Yay! If you liked this one, I'm pretty hopeful you'll like the rest of the series as well. I've outlined them by headings and keywords, but I'll get down to them when I can feel guilt-free, ok? ;)

nil said...

Hahahah! Will be waiting! ;)

Charu said...

@Nil: :)

Thousif Raza said...

Thats one thing i need to do the most... thx... i think i will be more alert now :)... nice one....


take care and keep writing.........

Charu said...

@Charu: Yay!