Become the Aware Observer

At times, we get so completely wrapped up in a situation that we lose all objectivity. This way of being can be emotionally draining and confusing. At times like this, it is good to know the skill of disentangling your awareness from the situation. This process is the core of most meditation practices. It is a mental perspective that I call the "Aware Observer." It is a simple technique and I will teach it to you now.

Once you learn this skill, you will be able to respond to life's situations with greater depth and clarity. Without the mental perspective of the Aware Observer, you will find yourself simply reacting to situations rather than responding. This perspective is an essential element in relationships, with problem solving, and in living a rich and creative life.

Let's get started. Notice an object that is near you but out of reach. You can easily understand that you are sitting in one place and the object is at some distance from you. The object is different from you -- it is not you. This is a simple but somewhat uncommon thought. It illustrates the difference between "self" and "other."

Now, let us do the same thing but observe what is happening inside you. There is probably a flow of images, words, sensations, and feelings. But, there is one more important element here. There is something observing these images, words, and sensations. That something is your consciousness -- it is "you" that observes your thinking process. Just like the "object" at arm's length that you observed a moment ago, the images, words, sensations, and emotions are at some "distance" from "you" who is observing. This is a way to disentangle your consciousness from your thinking process and experience the relief and peace of that. Congratulations! You have become an Aware Observer of your mind!

In the beginning, it is likely that you will be able to sustain the mental perspective of the Aware Observer for only a few minutes at a time. However, with practice you can remain there for longer periods, and more frequently. Like a muscle, as you use this skill it becomes stronger and you can begin to enjoy the tranquility and creative spark that comes with this perspective. As you learn and gather skills for a rich life, you can delight in a mind that becomes less easily hooked by what passes by.

- Aaron Gaul

Photo Credit: Sarah Lewis