We are constantly bombarded by stimuli in this modern world: sounds of traffic, flashing lights and signs trying to gain our attention, our cellphones, cameras, and social media drawing our focus are a few quick examples that come to mind. I’m sure you can think of many more. How then, do we not get lost in the sensory overload of today’s world and maintain our awareness?
First, let’s acknowledge there are many ways the term “awareness” can be used. Here, I refer to awareness in a sensory manner. Awareness, like any “muscle” can be trained with exercises that help expand our abilities to sense the world around us. My Grand Tuhon in Kali would often ask me to “close my eyes”, and “feel” the strike coming in, while training with sticks. Make no mistake, this resulted in many, many bruises for me, and much delight for him. In fact, many martial arts styles from around the world have exercises to expand this sensory awareness because in a fight, or any survival situation, milliseconds matter.
So, how can you train up your awareness? Here’s a couple of fun suggestions I’ve adapted from those shared with me which are far more fun than getting hit!
Be in Nature. Take a chair or mat on a nice day and go outside. Bring a scarf or sleeping mask with you. When you’ve found a comfortable position, cover your eyes with the scarf or mask. Bring your attention to your surroundings. What do you notice? Do you feel the wind against your face? Do you hear the crunch of the grass if people walk by, or the rustle of leaves on the wind?
Ready for a little more advanced, but fun practices? Expand your awareness with a friend, and take turns being the one to “close your eyes”. This time, using a soft object such as a rolled up socks, have the closed-eye participant, lets say “A”, stand. The second participant, “B” picks a point some where behind, or to the side while endeavoring to move about quietly. Participant B shall call “Open eyes”, and throw the soft object towards A, while participant A opens their eyes, turns around and attempt to catch the object.
Remember, try not to get frustrated, and have fun! Frustration leads to tension which in turn decreases our ability to physically respond.
So, how does this help, you ask? The ability to expand your peripheral vision, and awareness via other senses, helps us move through our environment, whatever that may be, with increased safety and confidence, even if its just not walking into a lamp post while chatting on the phone! So, in the words of the great Obi Wan Kenobi, stretch out with your feelings, and enjoy.
Until Next time, Jeanette.
