As children, we are remarkably aware. We absorb and process information at a speed that we'll never again come close to achieving... we are learning about our world and its possibilities.

Holmes serves as an ideal model of how we can learn to see and think better.

the most powerful mind is the quiet mind. It is the mind that is present, reflective, mindful of its thoughts and its state. It doesn't often multitask, and when it does, it does so with a purpose.

Looking at scenes of nature, for even a short while, can help us become more insightful, more creative, and more productive.

When we are forced to do multiple things at once, not only do we perform worse on all of them but our memory decreases and our general well-being suffers a palpable hit.

But when we observe, we are forced to pay attention. We have to move from passive absorption to active awareness. We have to engage.

How many thoughts float in and out of your head without your stopping to identify them? How many ideas and insights have escaped because you forgot to pay attention?