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Inculcating Awareness in Daily Life
As I wrap up my day, I often ask my wife, “How did the day go?” Tonight, her response is heavy with concern about a small girl who accidentally drank pesticide and may not survive. The distress in her voice is palpable. Despite her daily exposure to such tragedies, this particular incident deeply affects her.
We discuss what might have gone wrong and whether the family could have prevented this tragedy. Our conclusion? If they had been more aware, they could have taken steps to protect their child.
This brings me to the heart of this blog: How to Cultivate Awareness in Daily Life.
What Is Awareness?
Awareness is a multifaceted concept that can mean different things to different people. Dictionary definitions refer to “knowledge or perception of a situation or fact,” but I believe it’s more profound. Awareness is a state of mind where the brain continuously engages with its surroundings — an active, ongoing process rather than mere memory or perception.
In simple terms, awareness is the absence of “automatic decision-making.” It means being conscious of your every breath, thought, and movement. In contrast, an unaware mind reacts to situations without thoughtful consideration.
