Before being aware of our body and mind within, awareness starts with knowing our surroundings. How many times have we traveled without noticing what was on the way? Have we really paid attention to the whole picture or only noticing what we are designed to by instincts?
Our sense organs are designed for us to gather as much knowledge about the world. But are we using them to the fullest? Or have we narrowed its use to suit us depending on our hunter-gatherer days?
Research says that we pay attention only to intense external stimuli like loud noise, colorful clothes and so on and certain life-saving internal stimuli like hunger (for food), love-interest (for mating) and our children (protection of species). We hardly pay any attention to other things in life and even if we do – it is driven by our survival instincts.
Being aware of our surroundings helps you to be in the present and absorb the moment fully as it is. Listening to sounds around you, noticing minor things consciously, becoming aware of smells and the feel of the wind on your body helps you to grasp the environment fully and be wholly present in the moment and not just driven by instincts.
The next time while traveling make an effort to look around and notice the sights and smells that may be unusual and even at home make an effort to observe the ticking of the clock or the whirring of the fan or the water dripping from the bathroom faucet. Maybe you’ll turn it fully and save some water!
Practicing mindfulness by observing your sensations for a few minutes on a daily basis helps you to be mindful more often. When we are mindful, we understand the environment and are able to appreciate and preserve it more holistically.
To get an idea about meditation and mindfulness, you might want to checkout the FREE Five-days Introduction to Meditation and Mindfulness here.
Bell The Mind 