What we’re about
On Noticing is a discussion group for people who enjoy slowing down and thinking together about ideas, stories, and experiences that matter to us and shape how we move through everyday life.
Each meetup centers on a shared piece of material—an essay, short reading, speech, film, or documentary—chosen in advance. Sometimes we’ll read on our own beforehand; other times we may watch something together. What matters most is not the format, but the act of noticing.
We gather to talk about what stood out, what felt true, unsettling, or unresolved, and how it changed our perspective.
This is not a lecture series or a debate club. Our discussions will be welcoming, supportive and non-pretentious. You don’t need special background knowledge, and you’re never required to speak. Some people participate quietly; others enjoy talking things through. Both ways of being are welcome here.
This group is intentionally crowd-sourced. The organizer will facilitate the first few meetups, but over time, members are welcome (never expected) to suggest readings, films, or questions—and to help facilitate conversations if they’d like. Facilitation here is light-touch and collaborative, not expert-driven.
If you enjoy thoughtful conversation, reflective texts, and the chance to notice more carefully—both in art and in everyday life—this group is for you.
Upcoming events
1
Noticing in the New Year: Attention, Kindness, and Everyday Life
Meeting House Cafe, 1811 E 11th Avenue,, Spokane, WA, USOn Noticing - First Meetup!
This Is Water (David Foster Wallace) + Commencement Speech on Kindness (George Saunders)
For our first gathering, we’ll discuss two short commencement speeches that ask a deceptively simple question: What do we owe our attention—to ourselves, to others, and to ordinary moments of life?
We’ll begin with David Foster Wallace’s This Is Water, a brief, powerful reflection on how our “default settings” shape what we notice—and how much freedom we actually have in everyday situations.
We’ll pair it with George Saunders’s Commencement Speech on Kindness, a short, personal essay that looks back on moments of missed kindness and asks what those late realizations can teach us while there’s still time.
No background knowledge required, just openness and curiosity.
### What to expect
- A lightly facilitated, open discussion
- A welcoming, supportive, non-pretentious social dynamic
- No pressure to speak if you’d rather listen
How to Prepare
Please read or watch both speeches in advance (they’re short—about 35 minutes total). Links:
- David Foster Wallace ("This is Water"): Watch here or read here
- George Saunders on kindness: Watch here or read here
### About On Noticing
On Noticing is a discussion group for people who enjoy reading, watching, and thinking together. Each meetup centers on a shared essay, short text, speech, film, or documentary, and explores how attention shapes our experience of the world.
This group is intentionally collaborative. Future meetups may be facilitated by members who want to suggest readings or lead conversations—but participation at any level is always welcome.3 attendees
