Hello, friends and welcome to another edition of Wednesday Words!

Our word today is “Waken.”
The dictionary says it is to rouse from sleep, to become aware or to stir into action.
Sounds like something we do on a daily basis. But are we truly awake as we move through our days?
Studies suggest people spend roughly 47% of their waking hours with their minds wandering rather than focused on what they’re doing (from Harvard research on mind-wandering). This “mental time travel” means we’re often not fully present in our current experience. How many times do we get in the car to drive to a familiar place and then realize we’ve arrived and didn’t notice anything along the way. The correct word would be auto-pilot.
Research also indicates the average person checks their phone 50-100+ times per day, which fragments attention and pulls us away from our immediate surroundings. Studies on “inattentional blindness” show people can miss obvious things right in front of them when their attention is elsewhere.
Hmmm. That sounds much like sleep-walking.
So, what can we do to shake ourselves out of this state of being?
What if we purposefully take a different route to work, or use our non-dominant hand for simple tasks. Maybe we could even rearrange our entire morning routine. New experiences force your brain out of autopilot mode and into active attention. Instead of rushing from one task to the next, what if we take even 30 seconds to reset? Ask yourself: “What just happened? What’s about to happen? How do I feel right now?” If you feel stuck, change your environment. These are some simple things we might try.
What are your thoughts? Do you have other ideas about how we can be more present in life?
Taking a different route to work or the grocery store is a great idea. Sometimes, when it’s safe to do so, I walk backwards which has the same effect (especially if you’re ruminating and not thinking of anything else but your problems).
I am definitely one who makes notes, especially when going to the grocery store. An what a great idea about walking backward. I once did a round of physical therapy where I had to walk backward on a very slow moving treadmill. That is a sure-fire brain reset. Thanks, Priscilla! c
Come to think of it, I’m not sure but maybe I learned that walking-backwards tip from you, Jan.
Perhaps I blogged about that physical therapy. 🙂
Hi Jan, I use my left hand for my mouse now and also to apply mascara. Keeps my mind sharp and reduces stress on my right shoulder.
I’d stab my eye out if I tried using my left hand to apply mascara, Robbie, lol!
Oh my goodness, Robbie. I would hate to see what it would look like if I tried to apply mascara with my left hand. 🙂 It would no doubt be a mess. You are brave!!
You’re absolutely right, about shaking up routines, though consistency is what I love about habits. I go on autopilot, knowing the outcome will be fine because I’ve done it This Way so often.
That is so true, Jacqui. Routines are our comfort zone, but we do tend to go into autopilot and move through without any conscious effort. Thank you so much for stopping by and adding to the conversation!
I am a huge believer in the benefits of exercise and walking. It’s my form of meditation. I let my mind wander as I appreciate my surroundings. I feel much sharper mentally after I go to the gym or take a walk,
Walking is such a great form of meditation. It’s a great way to bring ourselves into a state of mindfulness and we then do notice little things we might otherwise miss. Thanks for your wonderful comment, Pete!!
I’m really bad with this, but I think its linked to my writer inside. I can mix reality with that. I do try to be more present at times though when needed. Sometimes just sitting and taking in where I am helps. Great post, Jan 🙂
I think we’re all bad at this, Denise, and especially when we have a creative mind. I think your forest walking trail is a great place to return to that state of mindfulness. Thank you so much for chiming in!
Fascinating thoughts, Jan. Serious concentration on the moment helps me.
That is so true, Tim. When we catch ourselves moving on autopilot, we can bring it all back with a single thought. Thank you for your comment!
My pleasure, Jan. I am currently reading The Convict and the Rose. The story of the characters at Leavenworth Penitentiary is fascinating to me, particularly since my Army buddy that I reenlisted for Vietnam with served some time there.
I’ve tried to be more present and challege my brain a little – taking different routes to places, focusing on the moment. But as a writer, my mind drifts sometimes, and that’s when I seem to get the best ideas. Usually it’s when I’m in the shower or at the gym, so I’m not complaining about that.
Those moments of letting the mind drift is where the magic can happen for creative minds, Teri. You’re so right. I’ve gotten some great ideas in the shower and driving down the road. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment!
I am most mentally engaged when writing, creating new scenes and characters, rather than editing. I also think some parts of life are best dealt with as if they are a morning fog that will clear itself way soon.
Very true, Pat. Thank you for your comment.
Great post! This really makes you think. It’s so true how easily we can go on autopilot. I’ve been clearing out my garage for a week, and it’s been surprisingly mindful. Having the dumpster right there in the driveway has forced me to be really present and intentional about what I’m keeping and what I’m letting go of. It’s like a physical version of hitting that 30-second reset button you mentioned. Definitely shaking up my routine.
Oh wow, Jeanie. There is so much purging going on with a lot of people I know, as well as myself. It’s the energy right now, nudging us to let go of things we don’t need. It is definitely a mindful task as we decide between what we need and what we keep because we think we have to. Thank you so much for your comment! Happy purging!
Interesting! On the one hand, routine is vital to ease stress, but that routine can cost us in other ways. SHAUN OF THE DEAD has a great sequence showing how the same thing every day can lead to missing some pretty changes…like the arrival of zombies, lol….
Lol, Jean. That’s a great example. I sure wouldn’t want to miss out on that . 🙂
Jan, this is the first time I have tripped across your site in months. I can’t seem to get it into my reader or via the email subscription. I will try to work on that, because I love this site. I have more time available to deal with things like this now.
I’m sorry to hear that my site fell off your radar, Craig. Thanks for stopping by now, and I look forward to seeing you back around!! Hope the issue gets resolved.
Tech. Ugh!
Yep!