Awareness is an aspect of consciousness where we can witness ourselves, our surroundings, and circumstances clearly, as if we turned on a bright light and noticed things from an outside perspective. Whether part of our emotional, physical, or social awareness, we actively pick up cues from our environment that inform our thoughts and actions. We can train our brains to be more open and intentional in looking for and evaluating these cues—whether through meditation or mindfulness, journaling, or other techniques—in order to help us make more informed choices.