Learn to Look, Then Learn to See

© Elaine M. Grohman

Standing in a cavernous room surrounded by people, I feel both curious and uneasy, not certain where to look first. Like a boulder standing amid a moving River, I strive to hold my ground, not wanting to rush this experience. I want to Learn something; I just am not sure what I am meant to Learn. Everyone seems to be following an invisible path, unhurriedly moving us toward a narrow passageway in the far corner of the room. Eventually each of us will leave this Space, some rushing and missing so much, while others will linger, taking in the wonders displayed before us.

Facing a painting, I look intently at the enormous image before me, aware of the ebb and flow of others around me. Those moving closer to view details in the painting respectfully make Space for others, awed by what we see. A calmness unfolds in the Space between the Observer in Me and the painting that speaks volumes. I am Learning.

In this memory I am a Child, standing in one of the great halls within the Detroit Institute of Art, surrounded by paintings that offer invitations to curious Minds. Some images seem to have been designed to frighten us into being leery of one another, while other images help the Mind to blossom with Wonder. My Body responds to everything, and I wonder, how did another Human Being create this painting? What message did the artist wish to convey, and how did this artist begin to see their world with different Eyes? I marvel how the application of various values and hues of colored pigment can create depth and dimension with each stroke. How did the Mind and Hand of this one Human Being transform a blank canvas into a piece of art that has the potential to Teach us something.

An expanding Space of Appreciation emerges within the Stillness of Observation. When we begin to comprehend what we perceive through our Senses, we Learn from the Information before us. Our Senses are designed to help us discern the difference between what distorts our thinking, and what expands our Mind. This capability is built into our Human Body and is reinforced in multiple ways. Our Senses are designed to alert us to what is happening in our environments. Awareness then can help our Choices be more balanced.

There will always be those who rush through this cavernous Space called Life, attempting to “win” by any means necessary - pushing through crowds but failing to see the Wonders all around us. From my Childhood to this moment, I am trying to Learn not to rush through Life, but to pause, wonder, appreciate and reintroduce my Self to all that collaboratively supports all Life on Earth without prejudice, without limiting beliefs, and without willful negligence. It is my hope to continue to Learn how to create, with my own Mind and hands, images that bring stillness, wonder and hopefully some Wisdom to the observer.