Learning Moments

You’ll Notice More.

“Look!”
“Paint what you see, not what you think it looks like.”

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my painting classes, it’s the art of truly looking. My painting teacher is a gifted observer. Last week, we worked on a composition with several objects: two busts, a chair, a lamp, and a goat skull, all arranged into an intriguing scene. I watched her brushstrokes, noting how her eyes moved constantly between the canvas and our carefully arranged composition. She reminded the group: “Look for the space in between, the negative space, the shapes and lines.”

The world becomes more colorful, brighter, and endlessly fascinating when we look beyond the obvious—not just in painting, but in conversations and everyday life. The space in between, the hidden, the subtle hints and details reveal themselves. During a Street Wisdom walk*, the slow pace and curious mindset transform the mundane into something magical. Every street corner holds potential for discovery. Similarly, an Unhurried Conversation* creates space to connect—not just with others, but with ourselves, allowing fleeting thoughts, ideas, and wisdom to emerge.

All we need to do is take the time to pay attention. 

The simple act of noticing with curiosity opens us up to the extraordinary hiding in the ordinary. It’s a skill I want to get better at. 

What about you? 

If you’re up for it, I invite you to join me in this practice of noticing. Here’s a tiny booklet for you: a Zine (a self-published, small-circulation booklet created with a DIY—Do It Yourself—spirit). Print it out, fold it according to the instructions in the photo, and it’ll fit perfectly in your pocket—ready to accompany you during quiet moments of reflection.

What unfolds when you choose to notice more?
I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.

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*Street Wisdom walk = A mindful walk guided by your senses, where you ask the street a question and discover surprising insights.

*Unhurried Conversation = An open, meaningful dialogue with simple rules, allowing freedom to explore what matters while ensuring everyone is heard.

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The bit at the end

Exciting events on the horizon to support your exploration:

• I invite you to join the upcoming Unhurried Conversation, sign up here for free.
• For Street Wisdom walks and more Learning Moments, subscribe below to my newsletter for timely updates delivered straight to your inbox.

Wishing you joy in noticing and warm seasonal greetings. See you in 2025!
Nadia

P.S. 1: My gratitude goes to my painting teachers—Liselotte, Paddy, and Alper—who taught me to look, and to Dave Gray, who showed me how to make a Zine.

P.S. 2: The paintings featured on the blog are my own.