Sometimes what brings us to a state of stillness is seeing the big picture—feeling as though we’re a great condor or eagle soaring high in the sky and experiencing a panorama of our existence that puts our confusion or suffering into perspective. At other times, however, it’s helpful to apply ourselves to focusing and zeroing in on what’s right in front of us. Precise attention to detail helps us to do that. Focusing on the intricacies of a flower, or a musical piece, or the cadence of someone’s words helps us to be present in the now. So does deliberate breathing, during which we become conscious of each breath—sound, smell, expand-and-contract. When we give our whole attention to a single experience, ongoing frustrations, worries, and stress dissolve into a sweet clarity. It’s not an easy practice to sustain, and we don’t want to overdo it, because details can overwhelm us as much as the larger picture can. But paying attention to detail can be like practicing mindfulness: at the very least, it’s soothing and, at best, enlightening.
