As our world speeds up due to the technology we now have, and the seemingly huge demands that are placed upon us to be active and involved, I sometimes wonder if we are becoming less involved. Often, the seemingly busyness can mean that we do not see what there is to see, do not hear what there is to hear, and in our café culture, the speed of eating may mean that we do not appreciate and taste what we eat.
I had decided to walk between appointments in London, and on one longer stretch of walking I passed a favorite place that I had not visited for a while. I have enjoyed many an evening dining at some of the restaurants, and one in particular was a firm favorite. It was in this fine place, after a day with clients, a colleague and I would share conversation and thoughts from the day. It is where a long friendship developed and still to this day we enjoy wonderful conversation when we get together.
Many people who live and work in London do not know of the place I was referring to, and far more visitors will speed past as they aim for shops on Oxford Street, or places of reference in their guidebooks.
As you can see from the picture there is not much to notice when looking at the buildings. This seemingly simple picture shows the entrance to St Christopher’s passage, which houses some wonderful boutique shops and places to eat.
The message for me was simple – as I speed from place to place am I missing some of the places that it would be good to discover. What insights can I gain from just becoming more aware, by looking wider, by having that curiosity that can yield some wonderful surprises?
As I specialise in making sure that people gain insights into themselves, and others, it is a wise move to take some of my own advice.
Did I pop back down the passage and renew my interest – most definitely, and whilst it is always good to walk down memory lane once in a while it is also good to see what fresh eyes can spot.
So as I speed from place to place I aim to take a little more notice. Perhaps even turn off my mobile phone so I don’t get sidetracked. Maybe ask yourself the simple question – in all the rush and speed of modern day life is more haste creating less speed? Now there is a good old fanshioned question that seems so up to date!
My best wishes,
Peter
