By Kayvya Thathsarani

Have you ever had one of those moments where your friend is halfway through telling you a story and you realise you have absolutely no idea what they just said? Or you sit through an entire movie, and when the credits roll, you’re left wondering…wait, what was that even about? 

If the answer is yes, you’re definitely not alone. We are all guilty of living on autopilot sometimes, with our minds going back and forth between tomorrow’s to-do list, that text you forgot to send, and what to eat for dinner (again). But there’s something strangely comforting (and surprisingly fun) about snapping out of it and practising the art of paying attention to everything and everyone around you.

The subtle joy of people-watching
One of my favourite quiet hobbies is people-watching. (No, it's not creepy, I promise.) Whether I'm at a cafe, waiting in line at the grocery store, or even watching out the balcony, I like to let my eyes wander and pick up the tiny details like the woman quietly humming to herself, the guy absentmindedly tapping his foot to music only he can hear, and the kid tugging at his mom's hand because he needs to pet the adorable cat right now. 

It's almost like being a silent participant in hundreds of tiny stories. And sometimes, just for fun, I'll imagine what their day might have been like or where they are headed next. This might sound boring, but once you start doing this, you realise how beautifully chaotic, funny, different, yet relatable everyone is. You'll start noticing that life is worth living and love comes in all forms...you just need to pay attention to it. 

Turn your brain into a sketchbook
Another thing I love to do is to carry an actual sketchbook or even just use my phone's note app and record quick impressions and details of what I find beautiful. It doesn't have to always be perfect drawings or poetic sentences. Just fragments like, "The woman having a cup of coffee at the cafe, staring out the window with a soft smile, looks happier than anyone I've seen today”, or "Raindrops sliding down the windows make the day seem slower and less complicated."

It's like capturing life in photographs, and it keeps you grounded in the moment. Plus, it's a surprisingly effective way to train your brain to notice details you would otherwise miss. 

Be curious (about the boring stuff, too)
We usually think paying attention only matters for "important" matters like a lecture, a job interview, or a friend's crisis. But the truth is, life is full of hidden stories waiting to be discovered. The way the sunlight falls through your window in the morning, the chirping of birds outside, and even your own feelings and thoughts...they are worth noticing, too. 

You can make this a fun activity, too. Next time you're walking to class or work, try to spot five things you've never noticed before. You'll be amazed at how rich your surroundings actually are. 

Listen like it matters (even when it doesn't)
Yes, sometimes your friend's gossip is a bit... repetitive. When you genuinely listen (not just nod absentmindedly) but ask questions or react naturally, you'll find surprising depth or humour. Even if not, you're giving someone the gift of feeling heard. (And who knows, you might get a juicy plot twist at the end of their story!)

Why bother?
Living like this doesn't mean forcing yourself to be focused all the time. We all need to zone out now and then. But paying attention, truly noticing what's happening around you, makes life feel fuller, lighter, and more connected. This allows you to explore your creativity, strengthens relationships, and keeps you from sleepwalking through your own story…

So next time your mind starts drifting away, gently bring it back. Watch, listen, and wonder. Sketch in your mind and turn ordinary moments into something worth remembering. Because life isn't always about finding new places to go or big things to do. Sometimes, it's about seeing the same old places and the same old people...just with new eyes.