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Taking time ....

Writer's picture: StuStu

This hastily snapped picture captures a once-in-a-lifetime moment; and the benefits of taking time to observe.


Here’s what happened. As I slowly made my way through a clearing on the West Coast of the South Island of NZ, I caught a glimpse of a fawn that was partially concealed in the tussock.


I saw the fawn.


The fawn saw me.


The fawn didn’t run away (…what ?!?)


Instead, it wandered around the tussock and started walking towards me. I couldn’t believe it.


The wee fawn approached to within five or so meters and then stared me out for two long minutes before ducking off into the bush.


I heard a bark from its mother from inside the bush line. My translation: “that’s the last time I let you out in a clearing …”


This moment was, in part, a pay-off for taking time to quietly observe what was going on and not rushing in. If I had crashed in without pausing to see what was there, the fawn would have bolted. Moment lost.


This reminded me of how easy it is to rush into a conversation without taking the time to observe what’s really going on. There is power in the pause. Taking time to deliberately observe. Slowing down to see more.


What do I see? What don’t I see? What do I need to see?


The payoff? We get closer to the reality of the situation, can better focus our efforts and are less likely to “startle the fawns”.

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Wellington

New Zealand

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Tel: +64 21 224 7282​

stu@stuvanrij.com

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