This month and next we’re exploring awareness. Here we reveal the benefits of bringing more awareness into your everyday, plus how to make it happen...

Imagine yourself sitting on a train, travelling at high speed through the countryside. Your mind is occupied, maybe you’re thinking about work, maybe you ponder your never-ending to-do list, or maybe you re-run the argument you had with your mum last night. You look out of the window and you watch the landscape go by in a flurry of indiscernible images. You watch, and yet, you don’t really see.  

As soon as the train decreases its speed, the puzzle become reassembled and the world comes slowly back into clear view. Living life at high speed is a little bit like that. It can blur and dampen your senses: we look, but we don’t always see. We hear, but we might not really listen. We experience, but we don’t always truly feel. This is where awareness comes into play.  

Awareness is about being conscious of all your senses and truly experiencing them, instead of living on autopilot. By allowing ourselves to slow down the pace of life, we give ourselves the gift of seeing the world through an unobstructed view. And, by learning to embrace the art of paying attention to all our senses, we suddenly experience a deeper awareness of all the beautiful things and moments that life, people, and the world have to offer us. It is in this flow of attention, of consciously listening to others with interest, and opening our eyes to see what and who is in front of us – when we attentively smell, taste, and experience – that we become truly aware. Cultivating awareness is paying attention to all your senses, and rediscovering the beauty of childlike curiosity and wonder. After all, happiness and bliss can be found in the smallest of things, but only if you make the time and put in the effort to watch and truly see… 

Awareness: A deep dive 

Set intentions or resolutions for the new year? This awareness meditation will help you make healthier, more positive choices. 

Want to do good? We reveal 13 ways to have more awareness for the planet  when shopping. 

Writer Jes Selter explores how understanding our gut instinct can help us lead a happier life. 

Another facet of awareness that’s trending right now is colour theory. Whether you’re a cool spring or a warm autumn, finding the right colours for you can transform the way you look. Find yours here. 

Bring a little more awareness to everyday routines, with this mindful nighttime skincare meditation.

Looking for something new to try? Discover the 7 hobbies that boost awareness and improve mindfulness.  

Read all about The Art of Soulful Living and each of the compass points here.

Want to know more about awareness? Our first ever book, The Book of Rituals, delves deep into this topic and so much more. Featuring inspirational articles, unique art work and wellbeing wisdom, this luxurious self-care book is the ultimate guide to soulful living. Click here to shop The Book of Rituals. Click here to shop The Book of Rituals.