When you walk in the woods, do you see the forest or the trees? Do your eyes come to rest on the bark of the closest trunk or is your vision focused on the woods behind it?
Similarly, when you’re walking on the beach, are your eyes scanning the shore for a special shell, a heart shaped stone or a bottle with a message in it, or are you gazing at the horizon line?
It’s easier to focus on the trees nearby if the path ahead is tangled with vegetation. The possibility of ticks in the grass or mosquitoes lurking in the deeper woods may prompt you to take a closer look at the soft new growth on the branches within your grasp.
If the path ahead appears clear and bright, you may be more inclined to venture into the forest.
At home or at work, I often find myself caught up in the details in my surroundings. My eyes dart quickly back and forth looking to re-arrange or make right whatever seems out of place. However, when daily life sometimes becomes cluttered, as the beach is with seaweed after a storm…
I lift up my eyes to focus on what’s ahead. (One of these days I’m sure I’m going to see a mermaid sitting on top of that big stone).
Our ability to shift our focus is a gift that allows us to be happy in any circumstance. All that’s required from us is a willingness to refocus our attention, perhaps for just a moment, before getting back to the task at hand.
Text and photographs copyright Amy-Lynn Bell 2012
Flandrum Hill 
Beautiful photos! And if you ever do see a mermaid, be sure to take a picture. Even though the US Gov’t says they don’t exist!
Ruth, if I have my camera with me I’ll surely take a photo! I wonder what kind of research the US Gov’t did to come to that conclusion 😉
I don’t know, but they also said that zombies and UFOs don’t exist either!
What great ideas to ponder on a weekend! You inspire me to pull out my photos to see what it is I focus on.
We each see the world with a unique point of view. I’m glad you were inspired to look more closely at your way of capturing the world around you 🙂
Really enjoyed the post and what lovely photos. I am going to try to link your post to mine. First time I have done it but I am sure that anyone reading my post would enjoy yours too.
Thanks Corinne. I tried to connect to your site but wasn’t able to find a link to it. If you have a chance to read this, please let me know.
Loving this post, Amy-Lynn. Just actually being in my surroundings, rather than my head (whether detailed view or larger view) feels present and wonderful.
Kathy, that space in the head can be so limiting at times. Hopefully your surroundings aren’t too hot these days. Thankfully, we’ve been spared the terrible heat that much of the rest of the continent is experiencing.
I hope you see that mermaid one day!
Amy Jean, I do too. I’ve been waiting a long time already but that will make it even sweeter when I finally do see one (or two!)
Love the photos. I must say I lean toward viewing the horizon. I particularily enjoyed the last paragraph. A very good word!
Garden Gate, I’m glad you enjoyed it 🙂 A horizon viewer eh? I certainly was one this morning too as there was a beautiful sunrise.
Interesting question. Hmmmm. I flit. You’ve probably seen my “flitting” … I call it seeing “shiney things”. The world is a fascinating place.
And I believe in UFO’s too. One crashed here in Nova Scotia in Shag Harbour in 1965 …
Sybil, there’s a hummingbird in the animated Disney Pocahontas movie called Flit. It’s constantly flitting here and there. And why not? The world IS a fascinating place, mermaids, UFOs, sasquatch et al.
What a positive post. I think the changing perspective gives us the opportunity to change our minds.
Tammy, it does indeed. A shift in focus must be the best antidote for being stuck in a rut. I often wonder if depression is an inability to shift one’s focus.
[…] And if you want something really lovely to look at then check out https://flandrumhill.wordpress.com/2012/07/07/shifting-focus/ […]
Hi
Wasn’t able to leave you a reply by other routes. Obviously doing something wrong but now managed. I have tried to do a trackback but don’t know if it’s worked. My site is soulsnet.com and the post why should I carry on links to you. I got to you via it but couldn’t leave a reply that way.
Good job my blog is about daily inspiration as am feeling rather with the technology. My strapline is
May we all be peaceful and at ease. Have to remind myself of that.
All I am trying to do is link from my post to another. Is there an easy way????????
Am also getting sight of all your lovely comments. Your site is obviously much loved.
Hi Corinne, the technology can certainly be a source of frustration. WordPress does have a link button in the post toolbar that allows you to provide a rollover and link to text you’ve highlighted in your post. I haven’t made use of the reblog function yet so I’m not sure how that works.
Yes I receive some pretty wonderful comments from visitors who add so much to the topic with their insights 🙂
Lovely pictures and thoughts.
Thanks Patti 🙂
Excellent commentary and reflection….many applications in life!
Thank you catharus 🙂