2 people get off a train and walk down the same street on a rainy day in the middle of London.
The first person rushes through the downpour, determined not to get wet. Annoyed by the miserable weather, stressed, and in a hurry, he strides a kilometer until he reaches his front door. Unlocking it, he tosses his soaking-wet jacket aside, grabs a towel, sinks onto his couch, and opens his phone to scroll through Instagram. As he does, he thinks, “Well, after this shitty rain, I deserve a small break, don’t I?” Thirty minutes pass, and he resumes the rest of his day.
The second person, however, doesn’t mind the rain at all. He strolls gently down the street with calm presence, completely indifferent to getting wet. He takes in the scene—the hurried pace of passersby, the chatter at the cafes, and even two lovers sharing a kiss in the rain. When a book in a shop window catches his eye, he steps inside, buys it, and continues his leisurely walk. Upon reaching his apartment, he casually tosses his soaking-wet jacket aside, grabs a towel, settles onto his couch, and begins reading the book that somehow found him. Inspired by his journey, he jots down observations and sketches an idea for a painting—a tribute to the beauty he encountered. Thirty minutes pass, and he too moves on with his day.
Both individuals have spent the exact same 30 minutes, yet their experiences could not be more different. It all comes down to the art of noticing.
At any given moment, a world of richness unfolds around you—countless details waiting to be observed, perceived, and cherished. Yet few truly see them. We rarely consider that our perception is something we can consciously control, even though every human possesses that innate ability. The art of noticing is the art of living. To truly appreciate it, you must be present and mindful. Only by slowing down and observing with the calm eye of an artist can you witness the richness unfolding before you. And that is where the magic happens—not in the world itself, but in the way you choose to notice.