The Top 10 Forms of Context to Keep in Awareness

Originally Submitted on 11/14/99.

One of the secrets to remaining in balance, mentally and physically, lies in knowing where we are, so that we can make decisions regarding our direction. We also need to be able to make allowances for the surrounding terrain. This concept extends much further than just knowing where we are geographically. Here are some forms of context, all of which we do well to keep in mind so that we can remain centered and in balance, ready to move in whatever direction is called for, at the appropriate time.

1. Navigational context.

This is very literally related to where you are, and where other things are in your immediate vicinity. If you do not know that there is a chair in front of you, you may stub your toe. If you are not aware of the parked car in front of you, you may run into it. Sounds obvious but...

2. Chronological context.

This relates to timing, and timing, it has been said, is everything. With chronological context we are aware of the order in which things are happening, how time is passing, what we should be doing next, and how much time we have to do it in. It avoids the last minute panic, the embarrassment of being late and the equal annoyance of being far too early. It also has to do with being in the right place at the right time.

3. Historical context.

This may be seen as an extension of chronological context. It spans years, perhaps even centuries, rather than hours and minutes. The history of your community, your country, and of the world all relate to and affect what is happening now and how you think. Awareness of this history and this influence helps us to adjust our decision-making accordingly.

4. Geographical context.

You do not live the same way in tropical countries as you do in Scandinavia. An inland region is very different from an archipelago. Living in a valley brings different issues than living on a hill. Awareness of geographical differences, and flexibility of our response to these differences, can make the difference between comfort and failure to survive.

5. Experiential.

How you have experienced your life affects your decision-making, and being aware of these prior influences enables you to make allowances for the ways in which your past may affect your present choices, not always to your benefit.

6. Physical.

It may sound bizarre to consider not being fully aware of one's body, but it happens. If we are attuned to our bodies at all, our awareness is often of the body as it used to be. Pregnant women will often misjudge their size as they bend or as they reach for something. That change takes place relatively quickly, but we all experience changes we have not adapted to in our minds. Current fitness, size, capabilities all need to be in our awareness as we move.

7. Directional.

Some people get lost when they head for the mail box nearest to their home. Others can be on a road they have never seen before, but will still head, unerringly, for their goal. They may not know the roads, but they know the direction in which they need to travel. An awareness of time and sun position help here.

8. Spiritual.

Spirituality usually involves being attuned with a Something, whatever one may call It, that is greater than oneself. Regardless of what It is called, and how or where one acknowledges It, what is crucial is keeping It, and one's relationship with It, in awareness as constantly as possible. From this awareness comes calm, and guidance.

9. Hierarchical.

We may disapprove of hierarchies, but we live in them. Most of us have partners, bosses, people we must make decisions for, people we are responsible for, and those we are responsible to. An awareness of what is going on at all these levels keeps us from getting caught unawares, or from behaving in a way that may be appropriate at one level but not at another.

10. Genetic.

Our genes do not need to be our destiny, but they do affect us. A genetic tendency in one direction or another may be a help or a hindrance. Either way, awareness of it allows us to allow for it and, if necessary, try to compensate for it or protect ourselves against it.

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