The Practice of Mindful Observation: Developing Present-Moment Presence
A uncommon and valuable talent in today's technology-driven, fast-paced society is being totally present in the moment. Originating from ancient contemplative traditions, mindful observation has become a potent technique to combat the tensions and diversions of contemporary living. People are encouraged by this art to intentionally and unconditionally become aware of their thoughts, feelings, and environment. It is essentially a technique that invites us to be aware of the richness of our experiences and to live completely.
Fundamentally, the practice of conscious observation is an invitation to abandon the automatic pilot that frequently runs our life. Mindfulness encourages us to ground ourselves in the present moment rather than becoming sucked into the never-ending stream of thoughts about the past or the future. Being aware of our ideas, feelings, and experiences without becoming sucked into them is an intentional and conscious endeavor.
Non-judgmental awareness is one of the core tenets of mindful observation. It entails observing feelings and ideas without giving them a name or value. A curious and accepting attitude is what mindfulness urges us to adopt instead of labeling experiences as good or terrible, right or wrong. We can gain a deeper grasp of who we are and the nature of our experiences by adopting this open and non-reactive attitude toward both our inner and outward environments.