No one can miss an elephant balancing on a ball, even if there are other acts going on. And it’s sure to be an act that is center stage. But people do actually miss what’s right in front of them (or maybe they just pretend not to see). Our perspectives remind me of a kaleidoscope – so many things to see and hear and feel – but we have to narrow the scope so that we aren’t overwhelmed. The problem sometimes lies in what we choose to focus on and what we choose to ignore.

Even if it’s just a conversation with one person, we sometimes tune out or pretend something wasn’t said because it was awkward or just something you knew you didn’t want to hear. But it’s not polite to interrupt what is about to be said because sometimes you aren’t correct in what is going to be said. It is important to hear the person out and then either let the person know that you are not interested, state your argument or agreement, or walk away. We all think that what we want to say is important, and we all want to be heard – especially if it took courage to say something.

We should never be limited to tunnel vision except in an instance like someone needing to defuse a bomb. It’s more practical to use the same awareness that we have when driving – knowing where we are headed but aware of others around us and how they are driving, cycling, or walking (and of course adhering to signs and traffic lights). More and more, however, people are easily distracted by their phones or wear ear buds so they can’t hear what’s going on. There is nothing urgent in a text message or post that you have to read immediately unless you are expecting something important to come through, or if it’s a 911 call or text from family or friends. And then you should either pull over or be stopped and out of other people’s way.

When in social settings it is especially important that we understand the surroundings so that we can adjust accordingly. Formal settings call for a certain decorum; lectures require a quiet audience; shopping requires carefulness; and children asking you a question requires your full attention. Of course, all these things depend on whatever position you find yourself in (like talking and not being able to interrupt an important conversation or call).

Even when we’re alone, we need to be aware of our surroundings. Homes are no longer safe because intrusion is always a possibility, so we need to be sure that things are secure. It’s sad that we can no longer walk into our homes without checking all the nooks and crannies. And forget about leaving doors and windows open or unlocked.

All I’m trying to say is that awareness is key in all situations. In an age where invasiveness comes in so many forms and information comes from so many places, diligence is the key.