Art of focusing

When did I last really look???? God they say is in the detail and the one who has mastered the art of focusing on the minutest details, has mastered the art of blocking out the unpleasant, to focus attention on that which gives pleasure.

When did I for instance last really, as in really enjoy the food i put in my mouth? Chances are that we fidgeted and worried and strategised while we ate! Focus on what we are chewing and discover a new pleasure.

When did i last really pay attention to the music i loved? Did i ever focus on the actual beat, the rhythm, the words? I did so now, and found yourself falling in love with it all over again.

When did I last really look at the faces of those i love? Look as in really observe? Was i watching when that wrinkle formed on the beloved face of my father or mother? Or, did it creep in and multiply while i was busy looking elsewhere? Why are we shy of looking at those we love? For that matter, when did i last meet my own eyes in the mirror and try and understand what they are telling me?

When did i last shift focus to study those around me? This is the skill that lovers develop around beloveds when they are deep in love. While the rest of the world may not be able to figure out the attraction.

We all have friends who have us in splits with incisive insights into people's quirks and mannerisms. They seem to look at those we have known all our lives with a different eye; often pointing out the characteristics we seem to miss out. They are able to do so because they have the ability to objectively and intelligently observe others by dispassionately placing themselves away from the situation. Yes there is a voyeuristic tendency involved in close observation. And a wealth of understanding and insights to be obtained. A study of human behavior, reactions and body language can prove to be an extremely interesting exercise.

As any good photographer will tell you, the best faces are those that are artless and have been through hardships. For their characters and struggles are etched onto their weather beaten faces. But a greater challenge are the suave, controlled faces around us..... What secrets do they hide?

Focusing on small, inconsequential details apart from keeping you away from boredom, helps take your mind away from disturbing, untendable thoughts...........Its really relieving......Its really liberating.