Thinking

So much of being aware is simply thinking. Just think. Notice something, a situation, a new fact, a thought process, and think about it. Mull it over, wonder why it is the way it is, try to understand it.

This seems to be a major key in practicing awareness. And something many people seem not to grasp very well. It is not enough to be aware that you stepped on your friend's foot while you were walking behind him. You should then consider why you did it. Is it because he walks slower than you? Because you didn't see his foot? Because you took a longer-than-normal-step to avoid a giant pile of dog shit? Or simply because you are a dickhead (read: good friend).

Understanding why you have done such a thing can teach you about your friend, your environment, and yourself.

One of my brothers (well actually all three of us) loves steak. Red meat is fantastic. But one of us swears he will never stop eating it. He wants to eat it as often as possible. Now I am no vegetarian, but I can see the positives to not eating red meat so often, if at all. Whether it be price, social/political/ecological beliefs, taste, health concerns, etc. there are plenty of reasons not to eat red meat every day. If my brother were to apply awareness and thought to his love of red meat, I posit that he might eventually change his mind. To understand that the only reason to eat red meat as often as possible is personal desire (at least for him) is important. Combine that realization with knowledge of the processes that are involved in bringing that meat to a table (and the above mentioned reasons) and it should be easier to understand why eating red meat so often isn't such a great idea.

But all of this, of course, requires a person to be a bit more humble and selfless than they might otherwise be. And that is a whole new topic of awareness.