Enhance your observation skills by taking a walk without your phone. This is an exercise in noticing what you are drawn to and using your senses to record a memory.
sink into observation: learn to see like an artist
Lately I’ve been carrying two cell phones which is surprisingly heavy. On a few recent walks I’ve left the phones behind to shed the weight, and wow, what a different experience.
Instead of immediately reaching for my phone to take a photo of something that catches my attention, I’ve been trying to imprint it in my memory instead. This has led me to take more time, to pause and really look and observe. What is it that I am trying to freeze frame and why?
Taking a walk without your phone opens you up to a different way of interacting with your surroundings.
ingredients
you
a place to walk
optional: a sketchbook, pen, pencil or watercolor kit
recipe instructions
Step 1: Take a walk without your phone or any camera.
Step 2: Every time you notice wanting to take a picture, ask yourself: Why do I want to take a photo of this? What is it I’m drawn to? What am I trying to capture?
Step 3: Look at what you wanted to take a photo of. Observe closely. What do you notice? Sit for a minute. Draw a sketch or write a note if you’d like.
Step 4: Keep walking. Repeat the steps above every time you want to take a photo.
Step 5: At the end of your walk, reflect back. Notice if there are patterns in what you are drawn to.
benefits
1. Enhanced Observation Skills
Improve your ability to notice details. Walking without a phone encourages a different way of engaging with the world around you and you see things you might have passed over before.
2. Activate Your Sense Memory
Observing with all of your senses helps you develop a deeper connection to the moments you experience.
3. Creativity Boost
Spark your creativity by finding new ways to capture and express your observations through sketches, stories or written notes.
4. Increased Focus
By eliminating the distraction of taking photos, you develop a sharper focus on what truly captures your interest and attention.
5. Self-Reflection
The practice of questioning why you’re drawn to certain scenes and reflecting on your walk can lead to insights about your preferences, interests, and emotional responses.
6. Digital Detox
Taking a break from technology will refresh your mind, reduce digital fatigue, and help you reconnect with the natural world.
additional resources
Mountain Climber Resting by Winslow Homer, 1868
“Begin now by observing as much as you can of what nature teaches, and you will find a new happiness in life.”
– Marianne North
Marianne North was a painter, world traveler and discoverer of unknown plant species. Over 800 of her paintings are still on display today at the Marianne North Gallery, Kew Gardens in Britian.
Explore the art of creating repeat patterns with vegetable prints. By carving simple designs into the surface of your vegetable, you can create stamps that produce intricate and varied patterns when pressed onto paper or fabric.
Tracing your hand is a way to ground you in the moment, connect you with your body and warm-up the drawing and sensing parts of your brain. You can do it in 5 minutes or let yourself loose track of time, adding details, color and shading.
