I

Anything can happen at any time. Yet, life normally hums along slowly, even when love and fortune; and death and disaster are at stake. The moments which we remember afterwards - either the worst pain or purest joy - these are brief instances, interspersed by lengthy pauses of waiting, wanting, hoping, and biding the seconds of our existence.

But, each seemingly insignificant instant, and every arbitrary gesture, or tone of voice, should be nourished and noted; for we never truly observe everything in our environment. Every little detail that passes us by, may be a vital clue that could enrich our lives with understanding.

But what good is understanding if we cannot act on it? For, if we did act with real intent, with genuine curiosity - if indeed we were not only truly alert to our surroundings, but aware enough to take heed of what the details are telling us, and therefore have the gumption to act with intent, we could avert most of the disaster that plagues our ordinary lives. The key to this process of awareness, begins with careful observation.

Yet, careful observation only becomes important to us, when the imperative truth slips beyond our grasp, without us noticing, until its almost too late. Observation and critical personal truth, is our only shield against the rampant march of banality.