Introduction: More Than Just a Walk in the Park
Thursday in the Be More Social Daily Challenge is all about cultivating awareness, and let me tell you, I didn’t expect the emotional rollercoaster this day would bring.
What I thought would be a quiet, uneventful stroll through Gilchrist Park turned into one of those days when life whispers lessons at every corner. And sometimes, those whispers turn into wake-up calls.
From observing my dog Pip’s peculiar habits to being asked to leave a club just as I was trying to help them, I found myself immersed in moments that demanded more than just surface-level attention. They asked me to reflect. To shift perspective. To grow.
Let’s walk through what I learned—and how cultivating awareness has changed how I show up in the world.
When Is the Best Time to Cultivate Awareness?
Awareness doesn’t need a calendar invite or a perfect mood. It’s not reserved for yoga retreats or journaling at sunrise.
For me, it often arrives in the in-between moments:
- On morning walks under blue skies.
- In the stillness of observing others without judgment.
- When I stop multitasking and am present.
But sometimes, the best opportunities to cultivate awareness come disguised as the worst.
The “Worst” Time — Or Was It?
I’d been up since 2:30 AM, running on sheer determination and a power nap. My focus? Crafting a proposal to help a local RSL (Returned and Services League) club host fundraising events through our Be More Social initiative.
I was on their balcony, outside, vaping. Alone. Relaxed. Focused.
Then, I was asked to leave.
No confrontation, just a polite but firm request. And honestly? It stung.
I wasn’t breaking any laws (as far as I understood), and no one was around. But to them, it was a breach of policy. To me, it felt like a rejection of my help and intention.
It was frustrating. But more than that, it was revealing.
What Triggers Awareness?
1. A Dog and Some Grass
Let me introduce Pip — my loyal pup who, today, decided to chow down on some grass mid-walk, then promptly threw it up.
Gross? Sure. But also… enlightening.
See, Pip wasn’t being naughty or dumb. She was doing what her body told her she needed—cleansing herself. Naturally. Intuitively.
That small moment reminded me:
- Awareness isn’t always about intervening or correcting.
- Sometimes, it’s about trusting the process, in ourselves and others.
2. Childhood Conditioning and the Rebellion Within
Growing up Catholic, I heard “Thou shalt not” more times than I can count. Ironically, that made me more curious, more rebellious, and especially when it came to habits like smoking.
For 35 years, I smoked.
Vaping, for me, has been a step toward health. Not perfect — but progress. And awareness is what’s helped me reframe that narrative from shame to growth.
Instead of thinking, “I have to quit,” I now say:
“I’m becoming someone who doesn’t smoke.”
Language matters. Identity matters. Awareness transforms both.
The Three Layers of Awareness
As part of today’s reflection, I considered three levels:
1. Conscious Awareness
What I know and actively focus on.
Example: I’m aware I’m walking my dog. I’m present in the moment.
2. Subconscious Awareness
What runs in the background — patterns I don’t always think about.
Example: My habitual language, like saying “I need to quit” vs. “I’m becoming.”
3. Unconscious Awareness
The blind spots. What I don’t even know I don’t know— until someone points it out.
Example: My team in the Philippines gently told me that my habit of walking while on video calls was distracting. I didn’t see it — until I did.
That moment? Gold. Because that’s when real growth begins.
Awareness in Action: Lessons from the Day
Here’s what I observed today — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally:
- People interpret the same rules differently.
- Personal intention doesn’t always match public perception.
- Quiet moments can be powerful teachers.
- Not all feedback is comfortable, but all of it is useful.
Some Unexpected Teachers:
- The club staff who asked me to leave taught me about perspectives and unspoken policies.
- Pip, through her instincts, reminded me to trust natural processes.
- My team, through honest feedback, helped me refine how I communicate.
These were all “aha” moments wrapped in everyday experiences.
Practical Ways to Practice Awareness
Want to cultivate awareness without adding stress to your schedule?
Here are three easy ways to start:
Go for a 10-minute Walk
Leave your phone. Just observe your surroundings— colors, sounds, smells, body sensations.
Ask for Feedback
Try: “What’s one thing you notice about me that I might not?”
Be open. Listen without defending.
Reflect on a Misunderstanding
Replay it like a scene in a movie. What assumptions did you carry in? What might the other person have seen differently?
The Be-Do-Have Model: Awareness in Practice
Another powerful framework I revisited today was the Be-Do-Have model:
- Be who you want to become (e.g., a mindful, present person)
- Do what that person would do (e.g., take mindful walks, engage in reflective conversation)
- Have the outcomes that flow from that identity (e.g., deeper relationships, clearer decisions, more peace)
It’s not magic. It’s awareness applied to identity and action.
Final Thoughts: Cultivating Awareness Isn’t a One-Time Event
This Thursday gave me more than I bargained for — but in the best way.
Awareness isn’t just about big revelations. It’s about noticing what’s in front of you, understanding what’s within you, and being open to shifting your lens.
It’s not a once-a-week task — it’s a lifestyle.
So wherever you are today, I encourage you to pause, observe, and lean in.
You might just uncover the lesson hiding in plain sight.
Your Turn: Try This Today
- Reflect on a recent misunderstanding. What could you have missed?
- Go for a distraction-free walk — notice your thoughts and surroundings.
- Ask a trusted friend for honest feedback about your habits or behaviors.
And if you’re ready to be more intentional with how you live, join us in the Be More Social Daily Challenge. Just 10 minutes a day can change your entire week — or life.
