Observation Without Judgement – Soulfully Connecting

I have learned, that one of the most important principles of life is to be more observant of yourself than your partner, spouse, or person with whom you are relating. Self-observation will help you to understand yourself, which can never be done through the observation of another, other than observing your responses to stimuli, or provocation by another. I have also learned that if we have the eyes to see, the ears to hear, and the heart to feel, we will eminently succeed in observing the secrets of creation, which will assist us in living a life of ease and grace, in a divine and perfect way. A film that really helped to remind me was ‘August Rush,’ in which the young star, Freddie Highmore, was describing the benefits of listening to the sounds of creation. If we spent more time observing without judgement, rather than wishing to be the observed, we would learn a lot more.

In a town called, Pahrump, Nevada, USA where I lived for several years, I met a man, who was probably, the most intelligent man I have ever met. He had a way of observing people, and describing such observation, that illustrated his ability to be the non-judgemental silent observer. He gave me a concept to consider, which I’m going to share with you, and which may, at first glance, appear to be quite esoteric. This concept may have been of his invention, or that of another, which he just passed on to me. Nevertheless, he was the sort of man who dwelt upon these radical, thought provoking ideas, and his line of enquiry into the mysteries of life always appealed to me. I am used to this type of experience, because very wise people have told me things that have taken me years to comprehend. One such concept was “achieve more by doing less,” and which was followed by, “accomplish everything by doing nothing.” This direction was given to me by Maharishi mash Yogi, and which took me about 25 years to understand. So, here is what my friend in Pahrump told me:

“Pay attention to attention, before attention collapses into the object of attention, resulting in the creation of a subject separate from the object, resulting, in the egocentric separate sense of self, which is the fundamental delusion.”

You may understand this immediately, and if not, may I suggest that you allow this concept to percolate in your mind and being, and then discuss it with others, and with their contributions, and your own, you will appreciate the fundamental beauty, simplicity and profundity of this sentence.

The attributes of observation were further highlighted to me, when I attended the Vipassana meditation course of S.N. Goenke, in California, USA, which is a form of meditation that is purported to be the original Buddha meditation. It is also quite non-sectarian, and offers a means by which one can observe oneself, and which I can fully recommend. There are Vipassana centres all around the world. This meditation is based upon the absolute observation of your mind and body, and in the practice of this meditation one can experience a powerful means of unlocking one’s innate intelligence, leading one to greater clarity of perception and consciousness.

‘Self-observation,’ is a practice that is a form of meditation of self-awareness which can lead one to develop their innate intelligence and natural abilities. Anyone with sufficient positive intent can do this, but in all cases, it does require focus, pure intent with a pure heart, a consistent application, and ultimately, the courage to see all that within oneself as good. I believe, it is in Self-observation that one is able to find the key to the door of understanding oneself, and one’s relationship with everything and everyone else, including the ability to connect with that which is known as God, Hashem, Allah, The Source of All, The I Am Presence, and other equally wonderful descriptions.

I am reminded of a lecture I was giving, on “The Power of the Sub-Conscious Mind,” and a member of the audience quoted me this, “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable before Thee, O LORD, my Rock, and my Redeemer,” which In Judaic scripture, is psalm number 19, line 15, and which was originally written by King David, and which has been replicated in various other bibles and forms. The audience member was responding to my statement about observing one’s own thoughts, words and actions to be able to begin, or continue the journey to self-awareness. Of course, Observation of creation, including Self-Observation does not rely on, or require any religious involvement. Such religious inclusion is purely voluntary by individuals, if that is their choice.

Observation without judgement is, therefore, a key to knowledge and wisdom, and all we have to do is to practice this regularly, and by doing so consistently, we will find that life is quite beautiful and wonderful.

Anthony Altman is an author of books on Self-Empowerment, Self-Help/Improvement and Self-Healing, and also provides lectures, workshops and seminars on these subjects. For further information and contact, please visit his website.