Noticing That We’re Not Noticing
A recent issue of the ezine, The Certain Way published by my friend Rebecca Fine, featured the following from Scottish psychologist R. D. Laing:
“The range of what we think and do is limited by what we fail to notice. And because we fail to notice that we fail to notice, there is little we can do to change — until we notice how failing to notice shapes our thoughts and deeds.”
If you’re wondering if you’re supposed to try saying that three times fast…no, don’t bother. 
but you might want to do what I did, and that is, read it three times slowly and really take in its meaning.
I’ve often spoken and written (and read) about belief systems and how they affect our thinking – and often, non-thinking – process. It is harmful to our progress in many areas to be stuck believing a certain way for no reason other than that is what we’ve been been taught and unquestioningly accepted (perhaps through a combination of upbringing, environment, schooling, news media, television and movies).
As such, we might fail to “notice” alternative ways of thinking, figuring and problem-solving.
However, what’s more harmful – perhaps devestatingly harmful – is to not even realize that the reason we are holding onto certain beliefs and failing to notice other aspects is because of those beliefs we have unquestioningly accepted and embraced.
These beliefs are are so unconcisouly ingrained that we don’t even know that they’re there, and we certainly don’t know that we don’t know that they are there (okay, that you can try saying three times fast).
We need to be aware; we need to notice. And we need to notice that we don’t notice. To paraphrase Dr. Laing (and perhaps Yogi Berra), it’s only when we notice that we aren’t noticing that we are able to notice.
Our belief systems don’t necessarily need to change. Many of them are valuable and serve us well. We just need to be aware/conscious that much of what we think, say and do are a result of those beliefs. Let’s simply take notice so that we can act out of strength and choice as opposed to unconciously accepted programming.
Great post, Brother Burg. “The Art of Seeing.” We truly never notice, or see, everything that is before us. We all have our own beliefs, traditions, past experiences and it all prevents us from seeing. We see through our own concepts of what we “think” we are seeing. That causes a lot of problems when we don’t “see eye to eye” or we don’t “see the forest for the trees.”
That was a tongue twister, but a good one.
Maybe more a mind bender.
I agree 100%.
Hi Bob, This is really interesting. There’s so much to think about here. It seems like it is all about awareness. There is so much value in taking time to meditate on your day/week/year. Did I miss anything… What went well and why? What didn’t go so well and why? I agree with you – be in the moment and choosing our actions as opposed to being an automaton and going with the flow. Thanks for sharing!
This is a great reminder – thanks, Bob! I know that everything that occurs in the world is simply data for us and we will get that information either through a message, a lesson, a problem or a crisis. The only way we can really live our dreams is to wake up, and just noticing what we notice is a gentle way to begin that awakening (distinct from the clanging alarm five inches from your head that shows up as a crisis). Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Great advice Bob, Thank You for sharing them with us – I appreciate you!
Now, what about the things we do notice, but don’t take action on ? One of my favorite sayings is ‘When we know what we know, why do we do what we do ?’
Hey Benjamin, maybe the “knowing” is the problem with the “doing.”
How timely Bob! Thanks for sharing yet another great lesson!
One of my intentions last week was to actually “hear” and be conscious of my thoughts and self talk. There was a time that I was a better “listener” and I had become bogged down with a variety of other things that dulled my “ear.” Careful what you ask for!
I had numerous opportunities to notice quite a few thoughts, actions, & self talk! I am grateful to have a better sense of what I need to give attention to and develop the appropriate plans.
The question now is, what am I not noticing while I am focusing on these things?
Just a quick note to thank all of you for your excellent comments. Much appreciated!!
Bob, I love that you are bringing this information to people’s attention. My buisness is “What You Notice Matters!” I truly belive that awareness is the key to mental, physical, emotional and spiritual evolution. And, of course, to attaining the success and satisfaction you desire. I alway tell people, you can’t appreciate what you don’t notice; you can’t change what you don’t acknowledge. Also, for me awareness is a link to direct knowing. The Universe is always trying to give us feedback and direction, focus, and life-changing information. Living awareness allows you to access more of all that.
Thank you, Melissa. Awareness of anything is certainly its foundation, isn’t it? Thank you for sharing.
Note: Check out Melissa’s website at http://www.melissawadsworth.com.
Bob,
I really enjoy your blog! I am just finishing Andy Andrews new novel, “The Noticer.” It’s a great book and fits with what you said in this post.
Thank you, Doug. Much appreciated!