around, there is a dazzling variety of colors and sounds and smells, the buzz of many conversations is striking. there are so many conversations going on; how is it possible to select just one and follow it? you don’t have to be looking at the person talking; you may be listening with great interest to some gossip while pretending not to hear. however, once you are engaged in conversation with someone, you quickly become aware that you cannot also listen to other conversations at the same time. you also are probably not aware of how tight your shoes feel or of the smell of a nearby flower arrangement. on the 