The Observant Mind
The gift of the artist is not in the hand; it is in the eye.
The hand doesn’t know how to draw what the mind does not see. And the mind does not see what the eye does not observe. It is observation that gives eyesight to our mind.
Observation is also what arouses the thinker.
Astute thought comes from how well we watch, how intently we listen, how curiously we touch. More importantly, how richly we re-observe these as they settle into the soil of our mind.
Through constant observation, the artist develops an ability to draw accurately. So does the insightful thinker, whose mind is always observing for accuracy and clarity.
Bias or preconception is sabotage. To capture the likeness of something is to focus only on what is – not on anything imagined or preconceived. Such is the observant mind.
We suffer for lack of thinking because, often, we do not want to see things as they are.
"To erase false perceptions, tell yourself: I have it in me to keep my soul from evil, lust and all confusion. To see things as they are and treat them as they deserve. Don’t overlook this innate ability."
— Marcus Aurelius
“If someone can prove me wrong and show me my mistake in any thought or action, I shall gladly change. I seek the truth, which never harmed anyone: the harm is to persist in one's own self-deception and ignorance.”
— Marcus Aurelius
