One of the first places I visited when I moved to the Pacific Northwest many years ago was Snoqualmie Falls. This weekend I revisited the national park and I was surprised by how many things I forgot about the experience. Like, I knew the waterfall was big, but it still made an impact when I saw it again. I forgot the sound of the waterfall and that the crashing waves at the bottom would look like smoke. And it was a surprise that I would feel the mist on my skin from the observation deck. It was only when I wiped the moisture off that I remember I had to do that the last time I stood on the deck.

After my first visit I remember the big picture, but I was more aware of the details after my second visit. Who knows what I will see the next time I visit.

Writing something down is how I learn, remember and communicate. But sometimes I need to get out of that comfort zone and find other ways to convey a thought or emotion. The best way for me is watching a foreign film.

One of my favorite Bollywood movies

The first time I watched a Bollywood movie the subtitles weren’t working properly. Unfortunately, I don’t know Hindi. The people who were watching the movie with me were deeply engrossed with the story and kept forgetting to explain what was happening. This could have been a very frustrating experience (and it was a struggle!) but I was surprised at what I understood without subtitles. I saw the romance unfold with a gesture, the swell or absence of music, and the use of color.

These days when I watch a Bollywood movie I pay closer attention to visual cues and the use of music. ­­I try to remember these techniques when I’m struggling with the “show, don’t tell” rule. If you want to watch a film in a different language for an artist’s date, I recommend a Bollywood movie.  They are big, bold and colorful!