The Art of Really Seeing
Have you ever noticed how quickly we glance at a thing – art, nature, even one another—and move on? What if we paused for a moment longer, and slowly looked?
What is slow looking? According to Harvard researcher and expert Shari Tishman, it’s the practice of moving beyond first impressions to observe details that might otherwise be missed – whether it’s a painting, a tree, or your morning cup of tea. Instead of rushing past and moving on, you linger. You notice. You tap into your senses for a richer and deeper experience. Simply put, it’s quality over quantity.
Slow looking isn’t just for museums. You can use it anywhere, in any setting. All it takes is curiosity and patience. There are two ways to engage: introspectively – asking how something makes you feel; and externally – thinking about its origin or story. Both deepen your experience.
And the benefits? Sharper focus, better observation, and stronger learning. In classrooms, it helps students interpret and discuss with more clarity. For the rest of us, it’s a way to reconnect – with our senses, our surroundings, and ourselves.
As Van Gogh wrote, “Painters… teach us to see.” Slow looking offers that same gift – not just to see, but to really see. In a fast-moving world, this small act of attention becomes a quiet, powerful practice.