I have noticed over the years that when my life is feeling groovy, my awareness level is elevated. When I am paying attention, I am more in tune with my surroundings, activities, and relationships. I feel in balance and appreciative.
On the other hand, when I am experiencing fearful feelings or having the low-down dirty-dog blues, my awareness level is practically nonexistent.
I might be sleeping a lot, watching too much TV, and eating poorly. Those are some of my Early Warning Signs. If I can remember my WRAP, I can manage to turn to my Wellness Tools and Action Plans, which step to the forefront of my life and help to revive me.
One of the best Wellness Tools I like to use is what I call extreme listening. I simply listen closely to the sounds around me. If I am in the kitchen, I will listen to the water in the sink, the hum of the refrigerator, the sound of the side door when it opens, and a cupboard door opening and closing. Within about 2 minutes, I am feeling more relaxed and centered. When I listen to classical music after I have done extreme listening, I feel like I can hear the music more distinctly.
One way I regain my awareness when I am feeling down is to do the opposite of my inclinations. If I feel like lying on the sofa all day, I take a walk. If I feel like calling off work, I go to work. If I feel like isolating, I call one of my supporters. Sometimes if I am feeling really low, it might be difficult for me to remember uplifting things I have read, advice from counselors, or other wisdom I have encountered along the way. But I can usually remember that one word—“opposite”—and put it into effect. The opposite of low energy levels is usually uplifting, and I start to feel better and become more present in my life.
I try to do things every day to increase my awareness and be encouraged. Since I am a collector of Wellness Tools, I have lots of things to do that are often fun! Isn’t it remarkable that we can lift our spirits and increase our awareness by doing fun activities? If I find myself in a difficult situation, I can think of something that will help me hope. For example, one of my best Wellness Tools is going to the movies, usually by myself. I settle myself in with some snacks and get enveloped in the movie on the screen. When it is done, I feel invigorated, more hopeful, and ready to re-engage with my life!
Another word for awareness is mindfulness, both of which help me be present for each moment of my life. The past has no power over me and the future doesn’t scare me. In one minute, if I spend 20 seconds thinking about the past, and 20 seconds thinking about the future, I only have 20 seconds of my “now” to live my life. When I feel bad memories starting to surface, I replace them with good memories or affirmations.
I meditate almost every day. It really is a wonderful opportunity to be in the present moment. There are many ways to meditate, but basically the goal is to calm your mind and get to a quiet place. There is lots of information available on starting the mindfulness practice of meditation. Audible meditation guides are also available. Feeling the peace of a quiet mind reminds me of this idea: “Be here now. Be there later.” After I meditate, I feel more connected with myself and spiritually refreshed.
When I worked at my wonderful retail job at Borders Books and Music, I was often at the information desk or the cash register. I had lots of time on my hands to people watch, so I would pick one thing to observe—hairdos, wallets, shoes, jewelry, whatever. It was fun to use my awareness and curiosity to do fun little surveys to pass the time and raise my awareness levels.
Dancing is another wonderful way to be utterly in the present moment. Sometimes, when all I want to do is retreat to a nap when I am not even sleepy, I tune into some rock and roll music and dance! I did that today, and it was a fun way to redirect my energies and fill my time with more productive things than losing part of my life to an unnecessary nap. One time my friend Jo Ann challenged me to dance for 15 minutes every day for a month. It was so fun and energizing. I have danced four days in a row now, so maybe I am heading for a new dance challenge!
Here’s a funny idea for being aware of your surroundings. There is this terrific thing called “Duck Duck, Jeep” where people who drive Jeeps exchange rubber duckies with each other and collect them on their dashboards. I have gotten into the habit of watching the traffic so I can spot my rubber duckie Jeeps. When I see one, it really makes me laugh and raises my mood immediately. I have my own stash of rubber duckies, even though I drive a Subaru! Sometimes I secretly put a rubber duckie on a Jeep when no one is looking.
As my ability to be consciously aware increases, I find new pleasures in the performance art of the sky, the preciousness of a baby’s face, the shape of a tree, the love in someone’s eyes as they look at me, and so many of the details of my ever-changing life.
When I am aware, I can identify good and bad energy more easily. Then I can increase the good energy and decrease the bad energy using the skills, Wellness Tools, and Action Plans I have developed over the years. I have found that since I have accepted awareness as a gift that greatly enhances my life, improves my outlook, and helps keep me in the present moment, the quality of my life has improved dramatically! I wish the same for you!
For more Wellness Tools, check out Carol’s Substack.
Carol Bailey Floyd is a Retired Advanced Level WRAP Facilitator and Former Director of Programs, Mental Health Recovery and WRAP
