This week, I’ve been reflecting on the film ‘The September Issue’ made in 2009. A behind-the-scenes documentary on Vogue magazine and how the edition is pulled together. Anna Wintour is central to the film, but the star of the show is the creative director Grace Coddington.
I remember a scene where she was in a taxi looking out the window and said.
"Always keep your eyes open. Keep watching. Because whatever you see can inspire you."
I often think about what she said.
I hate to think how many hours we spend looking at our phones every day. Our heads stuck in an online world, oblivious to what’s happening around us. It’s addictive and the people who run social media platforms are paid to keep you hooked. While on our phones we miss so much of what’s around us.
I’m as guilty as anybody. I’ve therefore given myself a challenge.
Remember to Look Up
This means putting your phone down and consciously looking around you. Here are some examples.
When Travelling
This is particularly satisfying in airports and on buses. At airports, I love watching people walk through the arrivals door. Families, holidaymakers, business travellers from all over the world. Their outfits are always interesting. I wonder where they’ve come from and where they’re heading. I love watching the reunions. People waiting to meet them are often holding cards and gifts. There are often big hugs, passionate kissing and inevitably tears. I speculate on what their stories are.
Buses are fun too. The top deck of a bus in particular gives you a fresh perspective. You’re looking down. You travel through different neighbourhoods. There’s always something to see on top of a bus shelter. There are all kinds of people hopping on and hopping off.
Even sitting on a tube is interesting. I’m particularly fond of looking at people’s footwear. Trainers or shoes? Polished or scuffed? You can tell a lot about people by looking at their shoes.
When Walking
I often walk with headphones, listening to podcasts, lost in this world. Lately, I’ve started to leave them behind, particularly as the days are lengthening. In my neighbourhood, I’m noticing new things, by consciously looking around me. I read inscriptions on walls. I visit churchyards. I notice how the architecture changes. This is where looking up comes into its own.
Using All My Senses
I don’t just look, I listen. What sounds can I hear? What can I smell? How does it change throughout the day? This is particularly noticeable when I’m in a new part of the world. Everything is different to what I’m used to.
Last year I went to several cities in the USA and was often overwhelmed by all that was around me. Sometimes I would stop, pause and look around. I wanted to take everything in.
Making Connections
Whilst looking up, I reflect on what’s around me. For example, I try to understand why and when newer houses in our neighbourhood were built. What became apparent was that pockets of new houses were the result of bombing from World War 2.
When I visit different cities I try to understand their history and background. It makes the experience so much richer. It’s even more enriching if you stop and talk to people.
Summary
There’s a wonderful Eurostar advert from a few years back called ‘A Travel State of Mind’. It outlines how we should see the world when we travel. The fifth piece of advice is…yes, remember to look up. This has always stuck with me. It’s easy to get distracted by your phone. Try to avoid it. As Grace Coddington said, keep your eyes open. There’s inspiration everywhere. The most interesting parts of life are right in front of us. Remember to look up.