Rob Walker poses an interesting question that we all know but often forget: How much of your attention is being directed by others or the outside world?
If you’re like most of us, it’s a lot. Just think about what happens when you pick up your phone. The algorithms have become incredibly skilled at delivering the kind of content we love to consume.
We’re in a real battle for attention, often without even realising it. We’re losing without even knowing what we’ve lost.
But what we’re loosing is our vital life energy. As William James said, “Our life experience will equal what we paid attention to, either by choice or by default.”
Energy follows attention. What are we giving our life energy to?
Without sounding dramatic or alarmist, it’s worth taking this seriously—not in a way that makes you feel guilty for scrolling through social media, but in a way that invites curiosity about another approach.
Rob Walker’s idea isn’t to stop digital distractions altogether, but to re-engage our senses and make time to notice more than we usually do. Creativity relies on this kind of noticing—seeing what’s not obvious or what usually gets overlooked. That’s where the juice is. Can you become a “first-class noticer,” someone open to seeing what usually stays hidden in the shadows?
Re-engaging our senses is also about reclaiming innocence—being open to seeing and experiencing the world through a child’s eyes. Here are a few key ideas from his book The Art of Noticing:
1. Attention is a skill that can be cultivated.
Walker argues that in a world filled with distractions, noticing is an intentional act of reclaiming focus. By training ourselves to observe the world deeply, we can enrich our experiences and uncover new layers of meaning.
Key Idea: Attention is like a muscle—you can strengthen it through practice.
2. Curiosity is the foundation of creativity.
We can approach the world with a sense of wonder and openness (and be less defensive). By asking questions and exploring the unfamiliar, we unlock fresh perspectives that fuel innovation and creative thought.
Key Idea: Noticing isn’t just about seeing more; it’s about seeing differently.
3. Notice the overlooked and the ordinary.
Walker emphasizes that the mundane holds immense potential for insight. Everyday objects, patterns, or moments often go unnoticed, but focusing on them can reveal beauty and provoke reflection.
Key Idea: Transform the ordinary into the extraordinary through observation.
4. Playfulness and experimentation lead to discovery.
The exercises in the book are playful and non-linear, designed to break routine thinking. Walker believes that experimenting with how we engage with the world can spark new insights and make life more interesting.
Key Idea: Treat noticing as a creative game.
5. Slow down to see more.
Walker advocates for slowing down and being present. When we rush, we skim the surface of experience. By pausing and giving our full attention, we can uncover the richness hidden in our environment.
Key Idea: Depth of attention is more valuable than breadth.
6. Build a personal practice of noticing.
Develop a regular practice of observation. A range of things, from looking at shadows or listening to ambient sounds, to more abstract tasks like identifying patterns in strangers’ clothing.
Key Idea: Make noticing part of your routine, like journaling or meditation.
7. Noticing strengthens connections.
By paying attention to our surroundings, we also deepen our connections to others, our communities, and ourselves. This creates a richer, more meaningful experience of the world.
Key Idea: Attention fosters empathy and understanding.
8. Attention shapes identity.
What we choose to notice defines who we are. Walker suggests that by consciously deciding what to pay attention to, we craft our identities and our narratives.
Key Idea: You are what you notice.
Practice Idea: Seeing and the Visual Field
The Edges of Vision
Consider the story of the artist Georgia O’Keeffe. O’Keeffe famously focused on the “edges” of natural forms, painting the world not as it was typically seen, but as she experienced it—up close, magnified, and with heightened attention to subtle transitions of colour and shape. This is exactly the point: all that we miss can become a source of fascination, as simple and ordinary as it may initially seem.
To expand your awareness of the visual field, focus on the peripheral and unnoticed aspects of what you see daily. This practice encourages observation beyond the obvious, cultivating a richer sense of presence and attention.
Step 1: Orientation
Begin by choosing a place to sit or stand quietly for 5-10 minutes. Ideally, this is a place you frequent but may not have explored visually with intention—a corner of your home, a favourite café, or a park bench.
Take a deep breath and relax your focus. Let your gaze soften as you allow your eyes to take in the scene. Resist the urge to “look” for something; instead, let the scene come to you.
Step 2: Periphery Play
With your gaze fixed on a single point (like a distant tree or a spot on the floor), become aware of what’s at the edges of your vision. Ask yourself:
- What colors or shapes do I notice at the edges?
- Are there movements—subtle or obvious?
- What textures or patterns emerge when I stop seeking and simply receive?
Write down a few words or phrases that describe the sensations of observing the periphery, even if they feel abstract.
Step 3: Subtle Transitions
Shift your gaze slightly and notice what changes. For example:
- How does the quality of light differ between the center and the edges?
- What details come into view when you scan the space slowly?
- Are there objects or elements that blend into their surroundings?
Focus on the spaces “in between”—shadows, reflections, or places where colors merge.
Step 4: Mapping the Overlooked
Take a piece of paper or use your phone to create a quick sketch or description of what you noticed in the periphery. Don’t aim for accuracy; instead, aim to capture the feeling or impression of what was at the edges of your attention.
Add notes about what surprised you or felt unexpected.
Reflection
After completing the practice, spend a few moments journaling:
- How did this exercise shift your perception of the space?
- Did you notice any emotions or thoughts arise as you focused on the periphery?
- What might this say about how you navigate the world beyond your visual field?
Remember, noticing is an act of curiosity and care. By exploring the edges of your vision, you open yourself to seeing the overlooked beauty that surrounds you.
