Can you listen and not make a comment? Can you hear what somebody has to say and not express an opinion? Can you be aware without reacting?
Awareness is a skill. One that is surprisingly easy to get better at. And also something that most people are absolutely lousy at.
Everyone can do this simple exercise to increase awareness. First of all, you have to leave your house to do it.
Go someplace where you can stand or sit undisturbed for 90 seconds. It doesn’t have to be a quiet place. But it does have to be a place where you can be away from family, friends and the drone of our regular lives.
If possible, go someplace new. It doesn’t have to be across town. Just someplace you don’t normally go. Like a new bus stop bench. Outside a restaurant down the street. Or a playfield at a nearby school.
Clear your mind of chatter. Close your eyes and listen for 90 seconds. Try to take in as much auditory information as you can. Rain coming off leaves and down gutters. Dogs barking. Cars. Wind. Birds. People talking. A distant siren. Your heart beating. An airplane. Your breath.
Actively listening increases your awareness. Makes you more in tune with the world around you. And yourself.
Become more aware of the world around you. When you do so you’ll be more open, less hurried and more content. And when you do throw in your two cents, it will be more thoughtful and understanding.
