Sitting at my desk, I look out the window. For about three seconds. I make a quick mental note, feeling blessed to have this perfect late February day in Carlsbad, California. Weather is mild and I like having the window wide open. Then I silently scold myself and I return to work. I focus on the computer screen, check a fact, follow up with a client via a text, make a phone call and email an editor and return to the screen, watching my words appear all black on a white and gray background.
However, I missed something that takes but moments and could potentially improve my writing whether I do it in my head or jot down notes. Maybe you’ve missed it, too. It’s intentional observation.
Intentional observation is a term I selected for an assignment in the Travel Writing class that many of you have taken. For the assignment I ask that you go someplace, coffee house or library or back yard, sit still for some time and then capture the mood, feelings, sounds, smells and even temperature of the place including who or what is there, what they’re doing and what you’re doing.
Intentional observation is a technique all writers use and the best writers know its power, using it as naturally as breathing. Well placed descriptions make all writing come to life and if you’re writing in first person and present tense, you’ll pull the reader straight into whatever is happening.
What should we expect from intentional observation? Humor me and come along to a big box DYI store.
Look around and stare. It’s not just a home improvement store. It’s a magical realm. Can you smell it already? Breathe in the heady perfume of fresh sawdust with a hint of glue and a smidgen of machine oil and where the hypothetical, at least for some, becomes reality. It’s a place where people who look like they were once linebackers for the Broncos lovingly smooth calloused hands over 2 x 4s as others discuss the immeasurable merits of one chainsaw over another. If you can hold a paint brush, swing a hammer or dig a hole, you’re welcome in this equal-opportunity Disneyland for doers.
[Full disclosure. I recently spent way too much time at Home Depot, but the new wood flooring is gorgeous. Thank you. I did a lot of intentional observation while waiting in the queue to place an order.]
By practicing intentional observation each time you’re out and about or as you look through a window, you will give your brain a playdate, which is healthy and reduces stress and eye fatigue. Plus, you’ll expand your craft.
Forget what Grandma said. If you’re a writer, it’s good to stare.
Love this! And thank goodness I’m not the only one who “intentionally observes.” I’m the worst! Well, my daughter Kate is a smidge worse than I. I’ve had to walk by and push her jaw up, but other than that, I’m pretty bad about it. And you are right, Eva, it’s a great way to make mental notes. I quickly enter those observations in the notes section of my phone in my ‘clipping file,’ otherwise, I may forget before I get home.
Ian lookingEva for the papers regarding the purchase of our home in NC and I found you instead. Unlikely I know, but a welcome surprise. The paper is from 11/5/2007. You were apparently teaching classes at Harrisburg Community College. Aside from your other many qualifications, you carry my mother’s name, Eva.
I am an aspiring author of 73 who is running over with articles and stories to write but totally inadequate in computer skills which limit my ability to spread the stories around to folks that could be encouraged or challenged by them.
Your blog post about being Intentional in observations. It struck a cord with me and I’m more curious now about where you began your career.
Any insight would be wrlcome
Loved the Home Depot description of the smells of the wood. I never thought to describe them that way.
Tis true, I have been brought up with the lesson to keep in mind, it’s not polite to stare. In other words, I took it as treating people as you would want to be treated. I always believed and still do that observation is a skill. I’m such an empath and can be very sensitive to how my environment effects me which on the flip hand side has made me observant to what’s around me and why do I feel that way I feel whether it’s for my good or for me remove myself. I used to be a correctional officer and inmates used to tease me often calling me a “point dexter” because I often notice what other people don’t but it worked in my advantage at the time, often I find it bittersweet in my work and personal life when it comes to observation. I even have a tattoo in reflection of how observant I can be. I call it, ” my bittersweet awakening”. It’s nice to be observant but I also find that I remove myself from scenarios because I see what others don’t and it’s not my place to give my opinion on every little thing. The older I’ve become the more self-discipline I’ve become with not letting my observations give me anxiety, being totally human. Thanks for the lead/reminder, much appreciated.
Not sure what happened to my first comment. So I’m going to give another try. I ‘m thinking it may have to do with the website not being securing and not really sure how to secure it better so I can know if what I’m sharing is being sent or not.
Throughout my line of work I’ve always said that observation is a skill that can be used as tool for one’s own gain. I’ve worked with at risk youth altogether for 7 years as a residential counselor and a correctional officer. By gee golly wow if you aren’t paying attention it could lead you into a a whole heap of trouble when it comes to policy and procedures. My nickname at one point in time was “point dexter’ the youth used to tease because I used observation to my own advantage to build up to communication and deescalating situations. Tis true I was brought up to not stare because the reality is I don’t appreciate it either. Intentional observation is bittersweet, I feel. The technique and how it can be used and for others a cause of anxiety. Thanks for the lead
Thank you for this article on “Intentional Observation”. There’s nothing more satisfying than meandering among trees that have stood the test of time and smelling the pitch of the pines, feeling the soft bed of needles under my bare feet, or hearing the persistent caw caw of the noisy blue jay. I have used this way of seeing things on many of my travels but never thought to use it for my writing. Yeh! One step closer to freeing my creative ideas onto the written page. Eva, you are an inspiration.
I love your piece about Intentional Observation. I stare a lot when I’m out and about. You are right, the only way you can get a sense of the aroma, colors and appearances on paper is to stare. Your blog is great and lots of fun to read.