5 Powerful Ways to Cultivate Mindfulness and Embrace the Present Moment

Monday Morning Musings: A Reflection on Bil Keane’s Timeless Wisdom

“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present.”
Bil Keane

Have you ever experienced the feeling that despite being surrounded by people, they somehow seem distant and disconnected? How often do you catch yourself drifting away during meetings or social gatherings, distracted by your phone or wandering thoughts? Monday mornings, especially when accompanied by gloomy weather like the rain outside my window, can be particularly challenging.

But even on the sunniest of Mondays, we can all relate to that initial struggle to get into the groove. One thing that consistently helps me combat this morning malaise is my meditation routine. As I followed my usual morning ritual today, I reached for my trusted Insight Timer app — for the 1,129th time, to be exact. I would not be as successful in my mindfulness journey without it. Today marked a personal milestone: my 903rd consecutive day of meditation. And within that app lies a little ritual that has become an essential part of my mornings — the daily quote.

Today’s quote was a classic from Bil Keane, the renowned American cartoonist behind “The Family Circus.” For over five decades, Keane graced the pages of newspapers with his endearing comic strip, capturing the essence of family life. Even after his passing in 2011, the torch was admirably carried by his son, Jeff Keane, who continued the heartwarming legacy. The timeless humor and profound insights into the triumphs and tribulations of family dynamics never cease to bring a smile to my face and remind us all of the power of love, laughter, and forgiveness.

Bil Keane’s cartoon shows Dolly talking to one of her little brothers as they sit together on the grass. Her words, though simple, resound with a profound message: “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift, which is why we call it the present.” This statement beautifully encapsulates the essence of appreciating the present moment. It reminds us to cherish the here and now, and not get too caught up in dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

A Simple Yet Powerful Message

The simplicity of this message is what truly strikes a chord with me. It paints a clear picture in my mind, emphasizing the importance of embracing the gift of today. In our fast-paced world, it is all too easy to get caught up in the constant distractions and to lose sight of the present moment. How many times have you been with friends and family in the same room, yet their attention on the miniature screens as opposed to engaging with one another.

Keane’s words serve as a gentle reminder to remove ourselves from the endless cycle of regrets and anxieties, and instead focus on the beauty and opportunities that exist in front of us.

Carpe Diem: Embracing Each Moment

In Japanese culture, there exists a beautiful proverb known as Ichigo ichie, which translates to “one time, one meeting.” This profound concept reminds us to seize the opportunity presented by each passing moment. Every encounter, no matter how ordinary or seemingly unremarkable, is to be embraced and cherished.

This proverb encapsulates the essence of being fully present and appreciating the uniqueness of every experience. It serves as a profound reminder that these fleeting moments will never be replicated, urging us to savor them to the fullest. So, let us embrace the philosophy of Ichigo ichie and live each moment with a sense of wonder and gratitude.

This perspective encourages us to embrace gratitude and mindfulness, reminding us to fully engage in our day-to-day experiences. It teaches us to appreciate the present as a precious gift, allowing us to savor the little joys, find peace in chaos, and cultivate a deep sense of contentment. Often, we find ourselves weighed down by the past and consumed by worries about the future in our fast-paced world.

However, as Keane wisely suggests, it is essential to shift our focus to the present moment, recognizing its simplicity and clarity. This shift enables us to let go of the burdens of the past, live free from the anxieties of the future, and truly cherish the irreplaceable gift of the present.

Life is bound to throw us curveballs, forcing us to encounter unexpected twists and turns. Whether it’s the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, or the unforeseen termination of a job, these events are inevitable. How we navigate through these challenges will greatly influence our future.

Although the future remains cloaked in uncertainty, we can find solace in the present moment. It is within this moment that we can relish in the joys, share laughter, and foster meaningful connections with the ones who hold significance in our lives. Therefore, it becomes crucial to remain present and not constantly be fixated on screens, allowing us to truly embrace all that life has to offer.

Keane’s wisdom finds particular resonance in today’s world, where the relentless onslaught of information and digital distractions threatens to sweep us away. In acknowledging this challenge, maintaining mindfulness can be difficult amidst the constant bombardment of notifications, emails, and social media updates. However, it is precisely in these moments that mindfulness becomes most crucial.

Stay Present

5 Techniques to Foster Mindfulness and Embrace the Now- Think BEERR

Get ready to explore 5 incredible tools that have truly transformed my mindfulness journey. But before we dive into the details, let’s raise a glass to the cleverly humorous BEERR acronym, which pairs well with these practices (pun intended!). So, grab a seat, sip some mindfulness, and let’s explore how each method can help you cultivate peace and awareness in your daily life.

1. Breathe mindfully as you embark on a journey of inner calm and presence.

Take a few deep breaths, allowing the air to fill your lungs and then gently release. As you do so, feel the sensation of the breath entering and leaving your body, a steady rhythm that grounds you in the present moment.

Let go of any distractions, allowing your awareness to fully rest on the soothing flow of your breath. With each inhale, invite relaxation and clarity into your being; with each exhale, let go of any tension or worries. This simple act of mindful breathing holds the key to cultivating a peaceful state of mind and cultivating a deeper connection with your inner self.

The Image displays a woman sitting breathing, the bubble above her head describes the breathing technique.

2. Engage Your Senses

Tune into your surroundings and allow yourself to fully immerse in them. Pay attention to the sights that unfold before your eyes, taking in the vibrant colors, intricate details, and beautiful landscapes.

Listen carefully to the sounds that reach your ears, whether it’s the gentle rustling of leaves in the wind, the melodic chirping of birds, or the rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore. Notice the scents that waft through the air, from the fragrant blooms of flowers to the earthy aroma after rainfall.

Take pleasure in the diverse flavors that dance on your taste buds, savoring each bite and sip. And don’t forget to relish the tactile sensations that come with touch – the softness of a petal, the coolness of water, or the warmth of a loved one’s embrace. By engaging your senses, you not only awaken a deeper awareness of the present moment but also cultivate a greater appreciation for the wonders that surround us every day.

The image is of a poster describing the 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique to ease the mind during stressful moments.

3. Embrace Non-Judgment: Observing Thoughts and Feelings with an Open Mind

Observing your thoughts and feeling without judgement is a powerful practice that allows you to become more aware of your internal experience. By taking a step back and simply observing without judgment, you create space for self-reflection and insight. This practice encourages mindfulness and helps you develop a deeper understanding of your own mind and emotions.

Instead of getting caught up in the content of your thoughts and becoming overwhelmed by your emotions, you can cultivate a sense of detachment and perspective. This allows you to respond to situations with greater clarity and wisdom, rather than reacting impulsively. So, take some time each day to sit quietly and observe your thoughts and feelings. Allow them to come and go, without clinging to them or pushing them away. Embrace this practice as a way to cultivate inner peace and self-awareness.

4. Release the Past and Future:

In order to experience true peace and contentment, it is crucial to let go of the burdens of the past and the anxieties about the future. By dwelling on past mistakes, regrets, or resentments, we are unable to fully enjoy the present moment. Similarly, when we constantly worry about what might happen in the future, we are unable to fully appreciate the beauty and opportunities that exist in the here and now. Instead, we should strive to shift our focus to the present moment, embracing it with mindfulness and gratitude. By practicing meditation and focusing on the present, we can release ourselves from the shackles of the past and future, allowing ourselves to experience true freedom and inner peace. If you’d like to explore this further, you can find a helpful meditation course on releasing anxiety from the past, present, and future here.

5. Return to the Present: Mindfulness is a powerful practice that can help us to stay grounded and focused in the present moment. However, it’s not always easy to keep our minds from wandering. Our thoughts can easily drift to the past or future, causing stress and anxiety. The key is to gently guide our attention back to the present whenever we notice our mind wandering. With patience and persistence, mindfulness can become a natural part of our daily lives, helping us to find peace and joy in each moment. If you’re looking for guidance, you may find this helpful: Return to the Present Moment – 5 Minute Daily Insight.

Final Thoughts

In a world that ceaselessly propels us forward, Bil Keane’s words beckon us to pause, breathe, and embrace the present as the precious gift it truly is. Amidst the chaos and clamor of modern existence, we can find tranquility and meaning by simply being present in the here and now.

These techniques have proven to be invaluable on my mindfulness journey. By implementing the “BEERR” approach, I have learned to breathe mindfully, engage my senses, embrace non-judgment of thoughts and feelings, release the past, and always return to the present moment. These powerful practices have not only enhanced my mindfulness practice but have also provided a solid foundation for cultivating peace and awareness in everyday life.

In our fast-paced lives, it is easy to be caught up in a never-ending cycle of planning for the future or dwelling on the past. We are constantly bombarded with reminders to achieve more, buy more, be more. Yet, in this relentless pursuit, we often overlook the beauty and joy that surrounds us in the present moment. Bil Keane’s insightful words remind us to break free from this cycle of constant striving and to appreciate the beauty of the now.

By embracing the present, we can tap into a sense of gratitude and contentment. It allows us to fully experience the simple pleasures that life has to offer – the warmth of the sun on our skin, the sound of laughter, the taste of a delicious meal.

When we let go of our worries and immerse ourselves in the present moment, we become more aware of the small miracles that often go unnoticed. Keane’s quote serves as a gentle nudge to slow down, appreciate the present, and embark on this day with a renewed commitment to savor the gift of the present moment.

Let’s stay present and allow its boundless beauty to guide us on a path of true fulfillment! With each precious moment, let’s tap into a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of now. Together, let’s seize the day and savor life’s wonders as they effortlessly unfold before us. This beautiful journey of presence awaits, and I have no doubt that with the BEERR technique – Breathe, Engage Senses, Embrace Non-judgment, Release the Past, and Return to the Present – we will thrive in our quest for a bright and fulfilling future. Stay inspired and let the magic of the present moment be your guiding light!

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti

Disclaimer: The insights and suggestions presented in this article are based solely on my personal experiences and the tools I’ve found effective in my own life. I am not a certified or licensed professional in any field, and the information provided should not be considered a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Individual experiences with mindfulness and personal growth practices may vary, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s essential to consult with qualified professionals or experts in the relevant fields for personalized guidance or if you have specific concerns.

Please use your discretion and consider your unique circumstances when implementing any of the ideas or suggestions mentioned in this article. Always prioritize your well-being and consult appropriate professionals when necessary.

Compost for Change – My Path to a Greener Lifestyle -How We Diverted 2,205 Metric Tons of Food Waste

Are there things you try to practice daily to live a more sustainable lifestyle?

Mark and I have been on a remarkable sustainability journey for the past decade. Every day, we diligently compost our food scraps and waste. Knowing that there’s a distinction between the two is important. Food scraps are the remnants of the meals we’ve enjoyed, while food waste represents the uneaten and discarded portions. It’s alarming to realize that a staggering 40% of all food in the United States goes to waste, generating a mind-boggling 135 million tons of emissions. This colossal problem stems from the food we never even savored but instead allowed to go to waste.

Rotten fruit and vegetables, farmers waste, unsustainable agriculture concept.

When we founded Homegrown Harvest in 2011, our mission was crystal clear: to live a more sustainable lifestyle ourselves and inspire others to do the same. We embarked on a journey of selling, installing, and nurturing raised bed gardens to encourage and educate people about the significance of growing their own food. I would often take the stage to deliver engaging lectures on gardening and composting, spreading the message of sustainability far and wide.

Composting, as we soon discovered, could be quite a challenging endeavor. It had its fair share of messiness, odors, and time-consuming aspects. If not done correctly, it could turn into a toxic mess, attracting critters from all corners of the woods. We initially followed the traditional cold process, mixing, mashing, and repeating, but it took an eternity to obtain usable compost. Winter posed another obstacle, making composting nearly impossible depending on where one lived. The barriers to ease and success were abundant, frustrating our composting ambitions.

“Composting is not only about recycling waste; it’s about creating life. It’s a way of honoring the cycle of nature and nourishing the earth that sustains us.”
-Beth Ojczyk, Composting enthusiast

While running Homegrown Harvest, I constantly sought out companies offering sustainable solutions. That’s when I stumbled upon a great Canadian company that manufactured a game-changing machine called FoodCycler. No larger than a bread machine, this compact device could sit right on your kitchen counter, transforming food scraps and waste into compost. With FoodCycler, you can instantly replenish your garden with nutrient-rich compost. Collecting your food scraps and waste in the cast iron container, starting the process in the FoodCycler, the machine would heat the food, eliminating harmful molds and bacteria, and pulverize it into compost. The beauty of it was that even meat, poultry, and fish scraps were welcome, bones included. Vitamix acquired the company a few years back, revamping the design, and while we have yet to try the new version, it’s heartening to witness companies focusing on such innovative products. I’ve heard of another company called Lume with a similar product, but I have yet to have the chance to explore it. It’s incredibly inspiring to witness these companies addressing a solvable problem, offering consumers a tangible way to live more sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint.

During our early FoodCycler days, we were still raising three kids, two in high school and one living with us. As a family of five, our garbage output was substantial. However, with two FoodCyclers running daily, we found solace in having a system that worked for us before moving to New Hampshire. Given the local wildlife, harsh winters, and subzero temperatures, outdoor composting was simply out of the question.

Our town boasts an impressive recycling and refuse center, segregating our waste into at least eight categories. We separate burnable items, including food scraps and waste, aluminum foil, batteries, plastic, glass, cans, cardboard, and newspapers/magazines. This comprehensive recycling system occupies three of my kitchen cabinets and requires a minimum of two trash cans per room, even in the bathrooms. Everything that ascends the mountain eventually makes its way back down. By subtracting food scraps and waste, we significantly reduce the amount of garbage we haul to the dump each week.

It’s vital to understand that when food ends up in landfills, it generates methane, a greenhouse gas more potent than carbon dioxide. People often overlook this fact, assuming that since food is biodegradable, there’s no harm in tossing it in the garbage—it’s not like plastic, right? Unfortunately it doesn’t work out that way. The problem lies in the way landfills operate. Initially, food waste undergoes aerobic decomposition, releasing minimal methane in the first year. However, the trouble arises afterward when anaerobic conditions set in, and bacteria decompose the waste, producing copious amounts of methane as the food slowly breaks down.

Landfill with burning trash piles. Environment pollution concept. Birds flying over the trash dump

Sadly, landfills and wastewater globally contribute to a staggering 67 million metric tons of methane emissions, accounting for 20% of all methane released. The climate impact of methane is significant, as it possesses global warming potential 25 times higher than carbon dioxide and is a whopping 84 times more potent in the first two decades.

The U.N. Food and Agricultural Organization estimates that throwing away just one pound of food results in a staggering 3.8 pounds of methane gas. Applying this calculation to our composting efforts, Mark and I conservatively estimate that we composted approximately 1.5 pounds of food scraps and waste daily, which adds up to at least 547.5 pounds of food per year. Over ten years, we prevented a jaw-dropping 5,475 pounds or 2,205 metric tons of food scraps and waste from reaching the landfill. That’s thousands of tons—tremendous amounts of sustainable impact. This equates to 20,805 pounds or 9.437 metric tons (10.4 short tons) of methane we diverted from polluting our atmosphere.

Nowadays, whenever I travel, a sense of guilt washes over me when I have to dispose of food scraps or waste into a non-compostable bin. It’s one of the simplest ways everyone can contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle and care for our planet. Our kids, too, have embraced the benefits of the FoodCycler, even using it in their apartments. They’ve discovered it’s cleaner than letting food waste sit around in the garbage can; even throwing the compost in the trash is a better alternative than filling the landfill. I hope more companies focus on creating manageable and affordable home composting solutions. Moreover, companies in the food industry should be held accountable for composting, considering the significant amount of food waste generated by restaurants and other food-related businesses. Adopting simple measures like these could result in a substantial reduction in methane emissions.

Renowned environmentalist Wangari Maathai once said, “In the course of history, there comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness, to reach a higher moral ground. A time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” Living a sustainable lifestyle is our opportunity to embrace this new level of consciousness and leave a positive mark on our planet for generations.

The Importance of Soil

This past year, as part of our journey into meditation and living a more mindful life, Mark and I began listening to talks and lectures covering topics about Buddhism, Taoism, spirituality… The app Insight Timer which is our go-to app for all things mediations also has a number of courses and talks. The talks vary in length depending on topic and teachers- some as short as 4 minutes long, others over an hour.

One of the teachers we follow is Sadhguru. Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation are dedicated to raising human consciousness and fostering global harmony through individual transformation. Sadhguru (Jagadish “Jaggi” Vasudev) started teaching yoga in southern India in 1982. He established the Isha Foundation ten years later. According to their website as part of their mission, “the foundation offers a variety of programs that provide methods for anyone to attain physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. Its offerings allow participants to deepen their experience of life, and reach their ultimate potential.”

Sadhguru gives great talks – he has a wonderful sense of humor which you don’t expect from an Indian yogi. “Stop Limiting Life’s Possibility”, A Crash Course to Become More Receptive”, Enjoy the Creation” and “Inner Engineering” are just a few of the wonderful talks he has on Insight Timer. It was Mark who always does the deep diving and found Sadhguru’s website which introduced us to the Isha Foundation and his other projects.

Specifically, my ears perked up when I started to hear him discuss the importance of soil. I was a research analyst who covered the agribusiness and water sectors in another lifetime. During this time, I first learned about the importance of our soil and how our global soil is in trouble. Soil degradation is not just a problem that Americans face but also a worldwide issue. So when I heard Sadhguru talking about it, I was intrigued.

” Save Soil – Conscious Planet is a global movement launched by Sadhguru to save soil from extinction, and bring the necessary policies to address the catastrophic issue facing humanity.

This movement has garnered support from global leaders including Marc Benioff, Jane Goodall, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, and institutions such as United Nations – Convention to Combat Desertification, World Economic Forum, World Food Programme, Food & Agriculture Organization of United Nations.”

#Savesoil

Yesterday was the first day of spring! A day that everybody starts to look at the ground more in anticipation of the arrival of the beautiful colorful flowers which grace our earth. Others are testing their soil and preparing their beds for planting.

Sadhguru began a quest to bring more awareness to people about the importance of our earth’s soil. Yesterday he embarked on a 100-day journey from the United Kingdom to India. 26 countries, 30,000 kilometers on his motorcycle. Sadhguru has worked for two decades to bring awareness to this soil crisis.

In 2004 he started the Project GreenHands initiative which resulted in 35 million saplings being planted over the years. They even hold the Guinness World Record for most saplings planted in a day. 6,284 trees were planted across 27 districts in Tamil Nadu, India in 2006. During the three day event, 852,587 trees were planted.

Too many people don’t fully comprehend why it is imperative to focus our attention on the global soil crisis. Sadhguru continues his mission to raise conscious awareness of the importance of our soil so that there will be nutritional soil to grow food for generations to come.

He has asked people to help him raise awareness about the soil crisis by talking about it or with your friends and family in person or on social media. I join this him in this mission – I have understood the importance of our soil for decades and have been frustrated with how our world seems to take it for granted.

When Mark and I ran our business, Homegrown Harvest, we started it to help to make it easier for people to grow some of their own food. We taught people about the quality of their soil and how commercial agriculture has decimated our farmlands with chemicals, over-fertilization, mono-cropping, and destroying the microbial organisms with heavy machinery.

I gave many talks at local libraries and clubs to help educate people about the degradation of our farmlands, encouraging people to grow some of their own food so that they will be able to increase the nutritional quality of what they eat by planting in healthy soil.

We also made it a point to teach people to be gentler with their soil and not use root-tillers that destroy the microbial organisms which are so important to good soil.

Awareness is just one step in the right direction; however, I feel that everyone can make an effort towards saving our soil each day, simply by composting their food waste. Landfills are one of the largest anthropogenic sources of the methane gas produced by this world. Food waste is about 22% of what ends up in landfills and it can not organically decompose which results in the output of methane gas. Composting food waste would keep food waste out of landfills and would nutritionally benefit the environment’s soil.

Another way that people can make a difference is by helping to plant more trees. Today is International Day of Forests, a day in which we should reflect on the importance of our global forests. Trees are a crucial ingredient in helping our lands maintain healthy soil. Their roots help maintain the soil structure, helping to reduce erosion. Check out the National Wildlife Federation’s article How Trees Make A Difference to learn more.

Distractions

Head’s Up!

How many times have you been talking to someone and they are distracted by their cellphones, checking their mail or some all important thing that can’t wait until you finish your conversation? Or you were late to do something because you’re cell phone distracted you? Have you ever bumped into someone or something or took a misstep because you were too busy looking at your phone? You wouldn’t be alone if you have, although some people’s misfortunes end up on You Tube or the national evening news, such as the man who fell down a manhole because he was distracted by his cell phone. It’s a world-wide problem apparently and a quick Google search turned up a slew of videos of people too distracted to pay attention to their surroundings because they were looking at their phones.

The cellphone is one of the biggest distractions that people face on a daily basis, whether it’s at home, work and unfortunately in the car while driving. Businesses have had to make rules about their employees having their cell phones out because it interferes with how well they do their jobs. In 2008 over 1,000 people were sent to the ER with an injury that resulted from texting and walking; doubling from what it had been the two previous years. [I could not find a more recent stat for texting and walking but if it had been doubling two years running ten years ago, it certainly doesn’t bode well for today’s numbers I imagine.] Distracted driving accounted for 25% of all motor vehicle fatalities in 2018, and in 2015 , cell phones alone accounted for 14% of distracted driving resulting in motor vehicle fatalities. Somewhere along the line people began to be so consumed with checking in on their virtual lives rather than paying attention to their real ones, risking personal injury, even death to themselves and others. Common risks associated with distracted walking include: everything from minor sprains and scrapes to more serious injuries such as broken bones, concussions, spinal cord injury even death – not just to yourself but possibly another person(s) as well.

Inattentive Blindness

Scientist have been doing an increasing amount of studies into the human’s ability to visually perceive things. They once believed what the human eye took in was more like a video tape, but studies have demonstrated it is something far less precise when people are not paying attention. The term ‘inattentional blindness’ was coined in 1998 by Arien Mack, PhD of New School of Social research and the late Irvin Rock, PhD, of the University of California, Berkeley when published the book, “Inattentional Blindness,” describing a series of experiments on the phenomenon. Mack came to the conclusion that there is no conscious perception without attention. To me this is similar to the difference between hearing and listening which I discussed in an earlier blog post, Listen. Barring any medical issues, similar to the way hearing is an automatic physical process so is seeing – they are two of the five human senses: sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch. However, similar to the way one must pay attention in order to effectively listen, so one must also do so to effectively be able to visually perceive what’s going on around them.

Constantly having your head in your phone or staring at your computer screen endlessly for hours on end is not healthy. It doesn’t take a medical degree to know that. Perhaps, it takes a little common sense, which in that case – society may be in trouble.

Are we really capturing the moment when we take photos?

I saw a headline flash across my Alexa EchoShow the other day while working at my desk. It said that a recent study concluded that taking pictures detracts from a person’s overall experience. Kind of hard for a photographer to read but as someone who has been behind the camera for over 40 years now, I completely agree.

A number of years ago when my children were actively playing on their lacrosse, hockey and football teams, I would watch them through the lens of my camera. My daughter was goalie and as the mother of a goalie let me tell you – watching your kid get pelted with missiles that are aimed at them traveling upwards of 30-50mph is very difficult. A mother’s instinct it to defend their young when they are under attack and having to watch and do nothing wasn’t an option for me, so I hid behind my camera, narrowed my focus just on her and not the players on attack.

Many times, hours after the game when the house was quiet I would go over the game photos and find that I relived the game all over again. I would have whole different perspective on the game simply because I had narrowed my focus so much. But did this detract from my overall experience of the game at that time? Absolutely, I wasn’t “present” for the whole game experience. I wasn’t sitting in the stands with the other parents, talking about our kids and cheering them on together; choosing instead to sit on the sidelines by myself with my face in the camera. I wasn’t taking in the entire scene – stepping back and taking in the bigger picture of my environment.

Pay Attention

I remember listening to a security expert who was talking on the news shortly after one of the school shootings who was advising kids and adult alike not to get their cell phones out during these intensely dangerous situations because you are not entirely taking in the situation when you are doing that – even if you are just holding your phone up and not looking through the lens.

“Using phones can distract people from the actions they need to be taking in the moment, such as running, hiding and listening to directions from first responders.”
– Ken Trump, Security Expert with 30+yrs experience

The power of observation can be a very effective tool in our life skills and one that should be given a little bit more attention these days. It may be the difference between life and death. If you think you are more observant than the next person, check out a few of these videos to see how well you do.

The Monkey Business Illusion

Brain Games – Inattentional Blindness and Smooth Pursuit

Selective Attention Test

How’d you do? Next time you take out your cellphone while your walking, think twice about it and remember that you are missing a lot of what is going on around you.

Sources:

Distracted Walking – Safety.com

Sights Unseen – American Psychological Association

Takes Steps to Avoid Injury – National Safety Council

Heads Up, Phones Down – National Safety Council

Texting and Walking Injuries – Reader’s Digest

100 Distracted Driving Facts & Statistics for 2018 – Teensafe.org