One practice I love to share (and use every single day) is called somatic orienting.

It’s simple, it’s accessible, and it’s all about taking in the world around you through your senses, especially your eyes.

Somatic orienting means slowing down enough to notice the things in your environment that are aesthetically pleasing, that spark joy, that give you energy. It’s like stop and smell the roses... except here, you’re drinking with your eyes.

And when you do stop to smell along the way, all the better.

Why does this matter? Because when you focus on something that feels pleasing to you in your environment, your brain releases dopamine: a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. At the same time, you’re sending a powerful signal to your brain: I’m safe. That combination helps your nervous system shift out of stress mode and into a state of calm connection.

Earlier this week, I was walking when I noticed a striking yellow building. (Here it is.👇🏼)

It was the kind of happy canary yellow that stops you in your tracks.

At the take-out window bar counter, two people were deep in conversation. Further to the side, an older man with a brilliant, snow-white beard—like a very hip Santa Claus in summer—sat nearby. The whole scene felt like it belonged in a novel. I slowed down, asked if I could take a photo, exchanged a few words and laughs, and kept walking a little lighter than before.

And then tonight, another moment: a summer park at night. A bocce ball field lit up, players tossing balls, drinks in hand, laughter spilling into the warm air. A baseball diamond glowing under bright lights, with a couple lying side by side on a picnic blanket, reading. Two students eating dinner at a picnic table while the game went on in the background.

There’s something so alive about that.

Here’s how to try it yourself:

Next time you’re walking or driving, set aside a portion of your route for this practice.

Instead of focusing on how slow traffic is or how much you have to do, turn your attention outward. Look for the things that might be “notice-worthy” and then soak them in.

Drink them up with your eyes the way you might drink in a sunrise on vacation.

It doesn’t have to be a mountain view or a beach sunset. It could be the way streetlights pool on wet pavement. The tilt of someone’s head as they laugh. A game in the park under glowing lights.

Drink it in. Drink up the life. Because this is the only one you have.

💜
Vivian
Founder of Unshakable Parenting

P.S. If you try this practice, I’d love to hear how it feels for you. Simply DM me on any of social channels I'm on. You can find me in the footer.