Aware

adjective: Having knowledge or perception of a situation or fact, concerned and well informed about a particular situation or development

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I am becoming increasingly aware that awareness has been skirted around several times on this blog, so I feel it’s due its share of the limelight.

We’re all encouraged to be aware from a very young age. As children we were told “watch where you’re going”, “be careful” or “watch out for cars”. We were asked “how are you?”, “do you like that?” and “which do you prefer?” We were told “you’re being ridiculous”, “don’t be stubborn” and “don’t be cheeky” (or at least I was!). The list’s different for everyone, but the intent is the same: be aware of what’s around you. Don’t wander blindly into danger. Be self-aware. Know what makes you feel good or bad, know how your behaviour appears to others. We seem to learn and teach this unconsciously, without either party being aware that these are the lessons being taught. Why?

This may seem a little tangential, but what separates humans from other animals? Our wanton destruction of each other and the whole planet? Well, there is that, and it’s certainly worth being aware of, but it’s not where I was going. Our compassion? Still no. Our creativity and ingenuity? Now we’re getting closer, but still not quite there. Need a hint? The clue’s in the title.

Our awareness makes us special, at least in my opinion. It gives us the ability to predict likely scenarios and act preemptively, rather than just fumbling through life on the back foot. Of course, there are levels of awareness. Generally speaking, the more aware you are the easier it is to get what you want. You achieve more and do so in a more timely manner than those who are less aware. You want to cross the road? If you’re aware of the traffic and crossings and such, you simply cross at the nearest crossing to your destination or as soon as the road’s clear. Simple. If you’re less aware, crossing only occurs to you when you’re practically at your destination. You’re aware enough to cross safely, but in doing so you wait ages for traffic. Or, if you’re completely unaware, you wander into a moving car. Oh dear.

Now, we generally want to avoid getting hit by cars, right? It’d hurt, if not kill you and would certainly cause anyone lucky enough to be close to you a tremendous amount of worry and grief. It’s our awareness of these consequences that makes us careful when crossing a road. There is no animal instinct that tells us it’s dangerous: that’s why dogs need to be trained to wait before crossing. But awareness is so much more than a safety mechanism…

Without awareness – or more specifically self-awareness – we don’t know who we are. If we don’t understand ourselves, how can we expect to know what will make us happy or what we’re good at? How can anyone know how best to handle anything if they don’t even know what sort of person they are? Should they put up their own fences, or are they likely to put the nail or screw through their hand? Should they go for a walk to relax or soak in a bath? How can anyone hope to fulfill their dreams if they’re unaware of what they truly desire?

Now, dear reader, what I desire most of all at this moment in time is to urinate. So until next week, take care of yourself, be aware and don’t think too much!

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