Mar 24 2007
Developing the Witness Observer
In the prior discussion about reading energy, I spoke about developing a witness/observer so that our actions are proactive versus reactive. Developing a witness/observer is also imperative for becoming better at reading energy as an intuitive, energy healer. In this post we’ll explore just how to create and utilize a witness/observer.
The witness/observer is basically a “persona” within you that is not identifying with what is going on. It’s just noticing what’s happening. It’s response is always one of curiosity. Another part of your mind might be judging or labeling the experience—the favorite one being “This is bad”—but the witness/observer perceives everything from the premise of allowing and trust in a good universe. It’s an open mental stance, not closed or contracted. In Buddhism, developing the witness/observer is a foundational piece of their teachings.
Besides helping you begin to conscously read energy, the witness/observer will help the body manage stress better as well. If we are in a reactive state, the body secrets stress chemicals that cause inflammation, the major cause of degenerative diseases and aging. By using the witness/observer with its innocence, openness and trust, we can sail through adversity in a healthier way.
But how does one develop a witness/observer, you might be asking? The Buddhists can take years of meditating to develop this aspect. In Energy Healing, however, this can occur more quickly. Of course, practice does make perfect, or at least more proficient. Be sure to work with the witness/observer on a daily basis and start with simple exercises. Here’s how you can work with the witness/observer to begin to read energy better:
- In the beginning, it’s easier to pay attention to an external source then your own internal landscape. Notice what catches your attention—a sound, a visual, a feeling. Let’s say a dog walks down the sidewalk. You notice it’s limping. Instead of jumping to “Oh my gosh, that dog needs a vet” take a deep breath and…
- After doing the meditation below for calling in a witness/observer, mentally choose to switch your point of view to the witness/observer. You can do this with the visualization of your witness/observer, or just say “switch!” Let a small, peaceful smile light up your face (or visualize the inner smile).
- Staying relaxed and breathing at a measured pace, center into your body. Next let the witness/observer begin to ask questions without the need for an answer or an action. Use “I wonder” to begin every sentence: “I wonder why that dog is limping?” “I wonder why that dog is alone?” “I wonder if that dog is coming from his home or going to his home?” Feel the difference between asking “I wonder why that dog is alone?” and “Why is that dog alone?”
- Sit with the body feelings after you’ve asked the questions. Sometimes intuitive information comes in immediately. Sometimes it’s later. Be detached from having to know. It will come to you in right timing. Sometimes instead of information, a wonderful interaction takes place such as the dog suddenly coming up to you and lifting its paw to have the burr taken out. Such is the magic of being in the witness/observer stance!
- In the beginning start with what you are most detached about but as you continue improve your skills, you can read energy for family, friends and even yourself.
Meditation for calling in the Witness/Observer
Get comfortable, in a quiet place. Make sure you have turned off all potential distractions, such as the phone and your kids (i.e. shut the door). Bring your awareness into yourself. Feel your breath slow down. Feel your head/mind connect to your heart. Place your awareness on your breath for about five minutes. Notice what is going on within your body. If something hurts, just breath into it. During this time of simple breathing for five to ten minutes, your electromagnetic field is balancing, sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems balance, and your energy shifts into the most core essence of your being, located just below the belly button. When you’re ready, smile just slightly and invite in your witness/observer. If you’re visual, you might see a young child, a nature spirit, or some other symbol of trust and innocence. Perhaps you hear the voice of your witness/observer or feel a shift in your body. Just notice what changes or perhaps doesn’t change. If nothing happens, say, “I wonder if it happened, and I just haven’t noticed it yet?” “I wonder if for now, I choose to believe I have a witness/observer anyway?” Feel how your body feels when you ask those questions. With soft eyes look around you. Listen to the sounds in your environment. For further entrainment purposes you can practice this meditation every day for three weeks.
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Copyright © 2007 gia combs-ramirez. All rights reserved.
To develop the witness observer described in ths post is a very powerful exercise. It teaches one how perception and beliefs do not need to exert the control over you that has been allowed. You can harness the energy of your inner power. This raises conscious awareness of choices about how to discern and refocus your abilities.