October 2024
Hello Dear Reader // Hoi lieve lezer,
Thanks for subscribing to our Kaapsche Hollandsche Monthly Table Talk.
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In our recent September Table talk, we spoke about “how to live in truth”.
In this October edition we table talk about the power of observation!
Being observant allows you to notice the minute details or information that others may miss.
Having great powers of observation also helps your ability to interact with others and to respond to them in an appropriate manner.
All of this is beneficial for family, work and home life.
Observation is defined as ‘the action or process of closely observing or monitoring something or someone’.
Some people are better observants than others.
These days we are surrounded with smart phones; people are more prone to gaze at their devices than at other people’s faces.
Why is the ability to observe an important skill?
Firstly, when you are able to observe and gather information about your surroundings you become a better communicator.
It’s a way of gathering information. Not like Let’s Google it…..When you hone your observation skills, you are able to interact with people better. You notice things like facial expression, fidgeting, tapping, distractions etc.
Improving your observation skills allows you to see the bigger picture and therefore helps you to make better decisions.
Now the next step in becoming a better observant is this:
Would you be able to observe yourself?
Most of the time our observations are rather passive; we are ruled by our own thinking and emotions. Our focus is mainly on others and particularly on how they “behave” towards us!
The exercise of detaching yourself from yourself in order to look at a situation as the viewer can be the most effective way of observing things with greater clarity, objectivity and focus.
This is a higher skill we can tap into when we get so entangled in the emotion of
any given situation, that we fail to identify the bigger picture.
Getting in the role of observer is firstly not a natural one nor is it going to make the problem disappear, but it forces you to take a step back and simply observe yourself with perspective.
I have seen it allows me to accept and maybe even embrace the situation, in a totally different light.
When we go through trials and tribulations- and we all go through these; it helps me to stay “sane”?
Does that even make sense?
I’m currently trying to do just that; extricate myself from my situation, in order to observe it with partiality, objectivity, and calmness.
May you be able to observe your surroundings and yourself better this month!
The season is about to change and there is much to see.
Start making memories around your table, it will make you truly rich!
Thank you for reading our table talks.
Met liefde,
Nelleke van Heerden
