What do you notice?

Have you ever taken a walk through a beautiful forest (or anywhere really) and realized later you didn’t really “see” anything? It’s so easy to just pass by our surroundings without truly noticing them, especially when nothing seems out of the ordinary. But what if we changed that? What if we tried to really see, hear, touch, and smell the world around us?

The Art of Noticing

Noticing isn’t just about registering what’s around us; it’s about paying attention to all the details. Sure, it’s easier to notice things that stand out, like a brightly colored butterfly or something unusual moving on the ground. But true naturalists know there’s so much more to discover beyond the obvious.

One great way to enhance your noticing skills is by using all your senses. Listen to the rustle of leaves, feel the texture of tree bark, smell the earthy scent of the forest floor. These little details can reveal surprises that you might otherwise overlook. (I don’t recommend tasting things – that can be a bit risky!)

Naturalist Week at Tremont

This week, the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont celebrated Naturalist Week with all sorts of activities designed to help people notice more. One of their online challenges was to “touch something weird.” I love that idea! It encourages us to break out of our comfort zones and explore textures and sensations we might normally avoid.

A Practical Approach to Noticing

When I see something unfamiliar, I like to figure out what it is. I often snap a picture with my phone and later use field guides at home or my iNaturalist app to identify it. This practice not only helps me remember what I’ve seen but also expands my knowledge of the natural world.

Make Nature a Daily Habit

Whether you live in the city or the country, I challenge you to spend at least five minutes outside every day. Even a quick encounter with nature can be incredibly refreshing and enlightening. You might be surprised by how much you notice once you start paying attention.

Everyone Sees Differently

It’s fascinating how several people can be in the same place and notice completely different things based on their experiences and knowledge. This diversity of perspective is one of the many joys of being a naturalist. It reminds us that there’s always more to see, learn, and appreciate.

Your Challenge

I challenge you to start noticing. Really seeing. Listening. Touching. Smelling. Engage with nature in a way you never have before. Document what you find, identify it, and share your discoveries with others. Let’s all take a step closer to becoming true naturalists.

By doing so, we enrich our lives and promote a deeper connection with nature. So, grab your phone or a notebook, step outside, and start noticing. You never know what wonders await you right in your own backyard.

Today’s Quote

To the attentive eye, each moment of the year has its own beauty, and in the same field, it beholds, every hour, a picture which was never seen before and which shall never be seen again.

— Ralph Waldo Emerson

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