People Watching

I am an introvert, I confess. I'm an IFNP on the Myers-Briggs and it suits me well. I cringe at the word "mingle." I would much rather be up in front of the crowd than forced to walk through it making pseudo-conversation. Yeck. Dental visits are more appealing to me. Seriously. Just me and the dentist -- I know his name, we share a common purpose, most of the time I don't have to say a word -- it's a beautiful thing.

Not that I don't enjoy meeting people, I truly do. I'm a friendly person. I might even strike up a conversation with you at the bookstore or the coffee shop. I simply prefer one-on-one conversation. I like to get to know someone and exchange more than name and occupational data if possible.

That being said, I do quite a bit of people watching. I love observing humanity. Where else would I get my writing material? Old people, young people, fat people, thin people, parents, children, men, women (some whom I can't identify), anyone and everyone; people fascinate me.

Babies and children I find particularly interesting. Studying how they see the world helps me to see it differently. I have yet to read the book "Zen Mind, Beginner's Mind," but the concept pops into my head every time I glimpse little ones learning about their world. Toddlers are stellar to watch. Looking at things anew -- exploring, expressing, discovering; no preconceived notions or judgments, they are a site to behold.

I happened across this gorgeous little red-haired girl yesterday who was doing exactly that -- discovering her world. It was the cutest thing. My heart nearly leapt out of my chest wanting to capture the moment. Graciously, the parents granted me permission to take a photo.



May we all view the world around us with such beginner's eyes. See the beauty and share the wonder.