Beauty surrounds us,
but usually we need to be walking
in a garden to know it.
Rumi
My father was a landscape artist and he used to carry a small piece of cardboard with a rectangular section cut out which he used as a viewfinder.
Looking through this simple tool helped him isolate different aspects of the same scene and settle on a composition for his paintings.
I carry one around in the folder of my sketch book, and when using it I notice how it de-clutters my field of vision and simplifies my choices.
There are many ways we can use the idea of a viewfinder to focus our attention.
I’ve been on a few silent meditation retreats and I relish the feeling when that first bell rings, signaling the beginning of silence.
It’s like having a frame of simplicity placed over my life for a few days.
That single change reduces the many social interaction choices we need to make during the day, as well as bringing in a velvety cloak of silence. This has an immediate calming and focusing effect on me.
By taking away these choices it becomes so much easier for the mind and body to settle deeply.
My writing practice of noticing works in this way too, limiting my writing choices to one: record what is happening in the present moment. It takes something infinite and provides an access point that retains a sense of expansiveness, while reducing the sense of overwhelm.
This act of framing and simplifying makes it easier to give our full attention.
Once our attention is focused and intensified; beauty, and detail, and previously hidden patterns are revealed. Our curiosity is fed, and we are open to the vibrancy of everything around us.
This might be where we get that idea of attention as a form of love.
When I think of the word ‘attention’ in this way, other words float up; like ‘attending’ and ‘tending’ and ‘tenderness’.
As Rumi points out, when we do find ourselves walking through a garden, we have our own cultural frames that guide us in how to experience that garden so we can receive it fully. Beauty is all around us, but a garden acts like a frame, so when I visit a garden all my senses become attuned towards beauty, and I can’t help but find it.
There is so much focusing and attention required in the creation of a garden: in the act of envisioning the garden, the focused attention given as each plant is put into the ground and nurtured along, the thought put into the placement of each element, with an eye to how future visitors will experience the garden.
These all require shifting viewpoints that bring simplicity, the results of these choices then come together, like a mosaic, to build an experience of beauty for us as we arrive to experience the garden.
***
Are there activities in your life that you frame with simplicity? that inspire attentiveness, tenderness and focus? I would love to hear about them.
I love how you are using the idea of the frame here, Dave. I think one of the things I do is to look up occasionally. It really helps me to clear my mind and become present to all the nuances of beauty around me.
Hi Bobbi,
I love your practice of looking up, it sounds like a palate cleanser for the eyes and mind!
I also really like the image of that cardboard rectangle,Dave. I think that one will stick with me.
Particularly in large complex situations, I try to consult simplicity. Not always successfully, I might add.
Just today I was reminded of that by our friend, Mary J.
(and then by this post, too)
Hi Gary,
In large complex situations I try to find an element of simplicity as well, even if just to get a toehold and ward off feeling overwhelmed for a while. I think it’s totally possible for simplicity to live inside complexity, too.
As an artist myself I was aware of using a rectangle cut out to frame a scene but had never thought of using this idea for life itself. Brillant idea – and brillant post. Thanks.
Thanks Jane, it’s a nice little trick that transfers well.
cheers!
P.S. Love the painting.
I like your idea of putting a frame of simplicity on things.
Each afternoon I walk for an hour, sometimes I vary the places I go but mostly I visit our local botanical gardens for an hour. I have become quite familiar with these gardens and never tire of the plants as they change with the seasons and the weather. I love taking out my iphone and framing objects of interest.
Hi Priska,
Your afternoon walk sounds like a pleasant routine, what a great way to nourish yourself each day. After I posted this I was thinking how much the framing thing is mirrored in the realm of photography, using your iphone is a great way of framing.
This will be so handy to keep in mind! I’ve definitely found myself overwhelmed with beauty and I think that this idea of a frame or viewfinder, will help me focus immensely – kind of giving me permission to just enjoy what I can, and not feel the need to “take it all in.”
Hi Kim,
Your point on the frame giving permission to enjoy is interesting, I can really see that.
Hey Dave,
For a guy who writes on a website named “Value of Simple,” you might think most of what I do is framed with simplicity. But that’s not the case. There are a number of things I intentionally don’t try to simplify because they lead to poor analysis or bad results (too many to list here).
But one thing I’m always trying to reduce to the least complex components is exercise. That’s why I prefer body weight exercises over anything that requires equipment (and a trip to the gym). That’s also why I love yoga because it can be practiced anywhere, at anytime, and in pretty much any clothing. Attentiveness and focus are definitely required and at least with yoga, tenderness toward myself is a primary goal.
Hi Joel,
Nice example! Yoga is a great frame for working with the body, and yes, very portable.
And I agree with your point about simplicity not being the best option in all cases. Complexity is good too!
I bet there’s a lot to be learned from studying the relationship between simplicity and complexity.
Cheers!
Wow! What a beautiful post! There is magic in that simplicity! Who would have thought something so simple like looking through cardboard could have such a profound effect on what you truly take into the present moment. I will use your ideas to be more conscious of the present moment
Hi James,
It’s a great little trick, and makes a difference. As a bonus, it works metaphorically as well as in cardboard form
This is a breath of fresh air. I love my gardens and I really resonate with the Rumi quote. The point about how giving attention and focus to something can allow the beauty and hidden detail to be noticed is really powerful and made me stop to consider this before I read on. Yes, you are so right: simplifying does make it easier for us to settle and to focus and experience beauty.
Hi Patti,
I like gardens too (they’re also a breath of fresh air!), I think that’s why the Rumi quote really hit home when I came across it. Thanks for your thoughts.
cheers,
I’m a little late to this party, but just wanted to say that I love the beauty of this post. What way to think of reframing. Love the artist idea of carrying the little rectangle around. I often forget to snap out of my internal reverie and just notice. When I do, it’s always a wake up.
Beautiful Rumi quote too!
Hi Sarah,
I’m often locked away in my own internal reverie too, it can be a cozy place
Thanks for the kind words,
Cheers