Observation #2

For this week's observation I went to the Summit Athletic Club. There is a fantastic viewing area on the second level. I walked on a treadmill and gazed down at the open floor below me that contains the the strength training machines. Everyone down in that pit seemed to know what they were doing, those that didn't I found would not make eye contact as readily as those that obviously knew how to use the machines. I also noticed that those going past the weightlifting machines to the cardio upstairs seemed to not make eye contact either. They had their earbuds in and kept their face forward. Those in "the pit" all seemed to come with a friend. They would talk animatedly with their hands while they go about their lifting. With the cardio I noticed everyone seemed to be in their own personal little world, not a lot of looking around. Mostly looking at the TV screen, reading a book, listening to their music, faces were stern with concentration. If anyone drew their attention it was a quick smile and then back to doing what they were doing. Very opposite dynamic between the two. 

Journal #2

I am definitely aware of the obvious facial and body expressions. It's very clear what girl in the picture above was thinking when she found out that she did not win. I was never so aware of the small details that can be just as revealing as that facial expression! I haven't really paid that much attention to some of the pacifying behaviors I have until I read them in the book. I do a lot of those, I'm now curious to see how that behavior is read by other people. 

I also found it VERY interesting to learn that the most expressive part of the body was the feet and legs! Who would of thought? I'm a nervous shaker, so it was interesting learning about what triggers that and what it says to people you are around. If anything this week just makes me watch to observe more, look for the small nonverbal details and see if I can find a commonality between people.