Waiting, Watching and Focusing

Have you ever noticed how quiet it gets when people turn toward the west and watch the setting sun?  There is something magical about that moment as we collectively turn and notice when daylight gives way to twilight and nighttime darkness takes over.

That moment of waiting, watching, and focusing draws us together.

Clouds, fog, haze, or clear skies may influence our interaction with the sunset.  If lucky, we may even see The Green Flash -- that moment where colors bend and green rests on top of the setting orb.

When was the last time you waited for a sunset?
(Photo credit:  The Green Flash in Pirates of Caribbean:
At World's End, Science On blog)

Many aspects of our lives require us to wait, watch, and focus:

• The months of pregnancy leading to the birth of a child
• The weeks at work or in a classroom as we learn new skills and insights
• The days on retreat leading to new awareness 

Listening to people's stories of the past few months, I hear these themes of waiting, watching, and refocusing.  We are learning to rebalance our many public and private roles and responsibilities as we navigate through this COVID-19 Era.

Waiting.... watching... and focusing...

What feelings have surfaced during COVID-19?
 (Manchester Hyatt Marquis, San Diego:
a Tribute to COVID health care professionals)

Walking downtown recently, I noticed a building where the window curtains had been opened in the shape of a heart.  Throughout that next week, I saw similar signs on other buildings.

How long had these symbols been there?  Why was I just noticing signs of love and caring?  Were there others around that I had not seen... or were hidden, waiting to be discovered?

What values are reflected perfectly in your life?
 (San Diego harbor)

A perfect sunset -- like a perfect reflection -- may be in the eyes of the beholder.  Storm clouds in our life may draw forth vibrant colors.  Foggy or unclear insights may be appreciated when solutions become clear.  New and differing experiences each day may sharpen our desire to wait, watch, and refocus.

The question for me today, as I listen to contrasting understandings of post-COVID life:

Am I willing to turn and be drawn together as we share varying views of this one event?

 
This week, may we wait... watch... and focus, using our dialogue skills to better understand another aspect of what we are seeing (or not seeing), experiencing (or haven't experienced)... and waiting to discover together!
 

Larry Gardepie

Dialogue San Diego Consulting

(click on link for website)