David Abram wrote those words.
“A student of subtle differences”.
I wrote them down because I really wanted to understand what he was talking about.
And when I am out in nature, I get a glimpse of it.
Like how the air temperature can slightly drop at a certain point on a walk. Noticeable but only just.
Or how the buds on the trees are a touch fuller than yesterday. Subtle but there.
And it’s that act of noticing that I think I am writing about today.
Because it is by tuning into the subtleties, within us and around us, that we get the opportunity to learn something new and become more grounded in the process.
Because noticing slows us down.
And by slowing down, we notice more.
And that is especially relevant when it comes to people too.
People don’t change for no reason. The signs are there. Noticeable but only just.
What we need to do is notice more.
To become students of subtle differences.
Amen, Brother.
I also think of Mary Oliver and her wise words about paying attention. I wonder what we miss in our always-on world where speed breeds vacuity and less a canticle of faith but more a merciless need for perfection and certainty.
Kind regards
Ju