What an observation

Few months ago strange things were happening to me. A feeling of boredom and drowsiness were engulfing me. i wasn’t finding myself involved in almost all the acts of life. I was hurting my near and dear one; and to my surprise, I was not even realizing that. My friends were telling me a “lost boy” but I was finding it extremely difficult to involve; a kind of void or say emptiness was enveloping around me. I was feeling as all my skills were getting exhausted and there is no way to rejuvenate it or to refill the life with new wind until I discovered the “art of people watching”.

Last month I happened to meet one of my college friends, first time after leaving college. He made me in splits with his incisive insights into peoples’ quirks and mannerisms. He seems to look at those I have known though out my life with a different eye; often pointing out characteristics I seem to miss out.
I learnt a person with astute observation skills and an eye for details manages to extract an extra kick out of life that the unobservant cannot. Those who indulge in people watching know what this means.
He told me, “you know how most of the Punjabi laughs HE HE HE J.”                                              Most of them laugh in parts with sudden force and try to suppress their laughter after sort interval and again start suddenly.                                                                                                                               What an observation**!** It opened up a new vista of thought for me and I found myself waiting for my colleague happened to be from Chandigarh to laugh.
God they say is in the details and one who has mastered the art of focusing on the minutest details; has mastered the art of blocking out the unpleasant, to focus attention on that which gives pleasure.
When did you for instance last really, as in really enjoy the food you put in your mouth? Chances are that you worried and fidgeted and thought for something else when ate! Focus on what you are chewing and discover a new pleasure.
When did you last really pay attention to the music you love? Did you ever focus on the actual beat, the rhythm, and the words? Do so now, and find yourself falling in love with all over again.
When did you last really look at the faces of those you love? Look, as in, really observe? Were you watching when that wrinkle formed on the beloved face of your father or mother? Or, did it creep in and multiply while you were looking elsewhere?                                                                                       Why are we shy of looking at those we love?
For that matter, when did you last meet your own eyes in the mirror and try and understand what they are telling you?
When did you last shift focus to study those around you?
This is the skill that lovers develop around beloveds when they are deep in love. While the rest of the world may not be able to figure out the attraction, the lover may find the depths of a woman’s eye or a strategically-placed mole so all consuming and exotic that for him the woman becomes those eyes or just that mole.
No fine actor, director, a writer or a Speaker- in fact, no fine person- can develop unless they have studied life in details.
Haven’t we learned how to walk, how to talk, how to play, how to dance, how to sing, and almost all the things by observing others.
I feel amazed, when my father describes about his journeys and past events in a very vivid descriptive manner including all the finer details. My mother where ever she goes, whom ever so meets irrespective how many can tell exactly about their Sweater’s design and its complexities, what jewelry one was wearing, their name, face complexion etc. How can I forgot my neighbor aunty she is always busy in ripping others to shreds, having a sharp eye focused on people’s little foibles and weakness. It is just so much grist for her gossip mill.
They are able to do so because they have the ability to objectively and intelligently observe others by dispassionately placing themselves away from the situation.                                                                           Yes, there is a certain voyeuristic tendency involved in close observation. And a wealth of understanding and insights to be obtained. A study of human behavior, reactions and body language can prove to be an extremely interesting exercise. And some of the best places to indulge are railway stations, bus stops, in buses, trains, airport lounges and doctors’ waiting rooms…. And whenever you feel bore and want to learn more
Coming late from office work, frustrated because of hectic work schedule and even more worse got stuck in traffic jams, happen to play switch on the radio which is playing your “the favorite song” which you were looking for years and suddenly all the discomforts fade into the background. And even the long queue of cars giving you idea to write one song on that. Here the idea is keep your self involved and you will find rhythm in your life.
As any good photographer will tell you, the best faces to study are those that are artless and have been through hardships. For their characters and their struggles are etched onto their weather beaten faces.  But I feel greater challenges are the suave, controlled faces around us… What secrets do they hide?
And, just like listening to your favorite song makes you forget the undesirable circumstances, focusing on small, inconsequential details, apart from keeping you away from boredom, helps take your mind away from disturbing, untenable thoughts.                                                              
So keep observing my dear friends.