Wherever we are and whatever we may be doing, a fundamental Awareness is always present. This awareness can be cultivated through the practice of Silent Witness.
The practice of Silent Witness is simply inwardly observing our mental, physical and emotional states, the thoughts and feelings that arise, our words and actions, without any judgment or attachment and aversion. The Silent Witness simply watches as an objective observer.
We begin by observing the body, its posture and movements and sensations. Next, we bring our awareness to our underlying feelings and emotions. Finally, we observe the thoughts and mental states that arise with these feelings and emotions. Without any judgment at all, without any attachment or aversion, we simply witness.
Often, when thoughts and feelings arise, we identify with them. For instance, if anger arises, we feel a personal attachment or identification with the anger; 'I am angry.' In the practice of Silent Witness, we simply witness the thoughts and feelings of anger as they arise. With no attachment to them and no personal identification with them, we may feel no need to act on them.
If we wish to know ourselves, it is important that we observe ourselves without judgment. Our self-judgments modify our thoughts and behavior, and we wish to know ourselves as we are. There may be things about ourselves we would like to change, yet unless we see ourselves as we are, without judgment, we are powerless to make changes. As we observe without attachment or aversion, and let go of identification and judgment, we often find that those things we might like to change naturally and spontaneously dissolve. In the practice of Silent Witness, we don’t change anything, we simply observe.
This practice can be done anywhere at any time, at all times, in the midst of any activity. It is one of the key methods of integrating spiritual practice into daily living. While we can begin by practicing five or ten minutes here and there throughout the day, consistent practice produces a constant Presence of Awareness.
