The Kind Caller® Guide to Awareness
Noticing ourselves, others and the world around us.
Caring for our attention in a distracted world
Awareness takes many forms. Caring for our attention begins with noticing how we relate to ourselves, others, and the world around us. Compassionate Strength™ Practice invites us to practise caring for our attention in everyday life, even when it naturally drifts.
What do you notice about your own awareness and attention?
Awareness of ourselves
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Noticing our thoughts, feelings, reactions, habits and behaviour.
Example: Recognising that our attention has drifted or that we’ve become distracted.
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Noticing the feelings that arise and how they change.
Example: Becoming aware of distraction before responding.
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Noticing the sensations and movements of our bodies.
Example: Feeling our feet on the floor or noticing tension in our shoulders.
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Noticing our thoughts and how our minds work.
Example: Realising we're replaying a conversation in our minds.
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Reflecting on what matters to us, what gives life meaning and our place in the world.
Example: Appreciating what makes an ordinary day meaningful.
Awareness of others
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Noticing other people's experiences, perspectives and needs.
Example: Recognising when someone would like to join a conversation or have a little space.
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Noticing what happens between us and others as we spend time together.
Example: Becoming aware of how we listen, respond and make room for one another.
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Being open to different cultural experiences, values and ways of seeing the world.
Example: Recognising that people may have different ways of communicating or expressing respect.
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Noticing what is happening within a group or community.
Example: Becoming aware of how people share space, participate and work together.
Awareness of attention
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Noticing where our attention rests and when it moves elsewhere.
Example: Realising we've become distracted.
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Noticing what is happening here and now.
Example: Feeling something in our hands or noticing the light through a window.
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Noticing what we see, hear, smell, taste and touch.
Example: Hearing birdsong or feeling the texture of a puzzle piece.
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Noticing what is happening around us, our circumstances and how things may be changing.
Example: Becoming aware of the people in a room and what's happening nearby.
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Noticing the places we spend time in and the natural world around us.
Example: Observing the weather, trees or changing light.
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Noticing things that might affect our safety or wellbeing.
Example: Seeing a slippery path and choosing where to step.
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Noticing the passage of time and how we experience it.
Example: Realising how quickly time has passed while we've been absorbed in an activity.
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Exploring a sense of connection, meaning or belonging in ways that are personal to us.
Example: Feeling a sense of connection while spending time in nature.