How often do you notice the small details?
The important things in life which don’t shout loudly and can be so easily overlooked.
Some years ago a very dear friend of mine, Paul recited a poem to a small group of friends whilst on holiday.
It has always stuck in my mind and serves me as a reminder to make sure to pause and notice things once in a while.
The poem is called Slow Dance by David Weatherford
A talented actor friend of mine, Peter kindly did this superb reading of it.
The recording is here:
Here's the full text.
Have you ever watched kids on a merry-go-round, or listened to rain slapping the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight, or gazed at the sun fading into the night?
You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short, the music won't last.
Do you run through each day on the fly, when you ask "How are you?", do you hear the reply?
When the day is done, do you lie in your bed, with the next hundred chores running through your head?
You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short, the music won't last.
Ever told your child, we'll do it tomorrow, and in your haste, not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch, let a friendship die, 'cause you never had time to call and say hi?
You better slow down, don't dance so fast, time is short, the music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere, you miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day, it's like an unopened gift thrown away.
Life isn't a race, so take it slower, hear the music before your song is over.
I love living life at high speed and making things happen.
And at the same time, I know to remind myself to notice the small things which so often are the big things.
Two sides of the same coin.
Take a moment today, what are you missing because you’re running so fast?