seeing through new eyes

It’s really easy to get into a routine and go about your life without paying much attention to it. We commute by the same route. Go to the same coffee shop and hang out with the same friends. We experience the normal ebb and flow of our lives, noting the ups and downs, looking forward to the weekends.

And every once in awhile, something (or someone) comes along and offers us an opportunity to experience our world in a new way.

bracken & andrew at hanalei bay

This past weekend, a good friend, Andrew Hyde, was offered a totally random opportunity to travel to Honolulu for a conference. After the conference he decided to island hop over to Kaua’i to pay a quick (as in 20-hour) visit.

I love visitors and was tickled to have the chance to show him around and introduce him to island living. We packed in the activities: We met friends for dinner, tasted amazing sorbet made from fresh fruit (I highly recommend the mango lychee), took a couple walks along the beach, explored a hidden blowhole, ate a huge pancake breakfast and went sight-seeing.

During one of our conversations, he made an observation that made me stop and think a bit. He looked around, smiled and said, “you live here,” gesturing toward the surrounding lush green mountains and endless ocean stretching out towards the horizon.

I realized in that moment that I’d been caught out. Caught up in the details of life (the refrigerator problems, the rain, the cost of living). Details are certainly important, but they don’t dictate your experience.

a foggy waimea canyon

I noticed myself getting excited again with new experiences: seeing phosphorescent plankton in the bay (magical pinpoints of neon blue light glowing in the water at night); the scent of sweet jasmine in the air; seeing a canyon shrouded in fog; tasting a fresh mango for the first time in months.

Watching Andrew's enthusiasm and appreciation for where he was and what he was experiencing reminded me that awareness comes in many forms.

Sometimes it’s as simple as seeing something usual with new eyes. Recognizing the extraordinary in the ordinary. Witnessing others reactions to things you experience every day.

It’s a beautiful and inspiring reminder to open your eyes and take a look at where you are. Thanks Andrew.