inner witness

Discover your inner witness.

Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras begin with this statement: “Yoga is the control of thought-waves in the mind.” On first reading, you might think this remark is absurd. Isn’t it more likely that our thoughts control us? They arise without ceasing. Life’s challenges and frustrations run through our minds constantly—as if we could control them with more thinking. So how could we possibly curb all that noisy mental chatter?

Fortunately, there’s a cure for mental noise. That cure begins with a special kind of awareness. Yogis call it witness-consciousness. It means watching the thoughts that pass through our minds. And we do this without becoming involved with them. It’s a passive, not active, observation.

This might be a new concept for you—simply watching the mind, not acting on its thoughts. But, in a way, we all have some experience with this technique. Have you ever done any people-watching? It’s a favorite activity when we arrive early to see a movie or listen to a music concert. You get settled in and then watch as others file in. You notice what they’re wearing, where they sit, on what snack they’re munching. You might be close enough to hear their conversations. But in all this witnessing, you don’t join in. You don’t move closer, ask to share their treats, or join their discussion. You just watch.

This activity (or non-activity, if you prefer) is the beginning of controlling your own mind. Too much thinking makes the mind restless. However, witnessing your mind makes it calmer. In time and with practice, you’ll realize that a calm mind is both controlled and strong. It serves you much better than a mind filled with should-have-said conversations, problem solving, or planning.

Witness-consciousness is a powerful spiritual tool. All meditators know the frustration of beginning their practice—only to become acutely aware of the appearance of unrelated memories, ideas, and conversations. During meditation, you might often need to remind yourself to witness without judgment. I assure you that it gets easier with practice. Soon you’ll be able to observe your mind in all situations.

The Exercise:

The following exercise is so simple that you can do it when you go to bed each evening. When you turn out the lights and close your eyes, turn on your awareness. Become the witness of your mind. If it helps, imagine that your thoughts are like strangers in a movie theater. They walk in, mind their own business, and you lose interest in them. Be no more involved in the thoughts that pass through your mind than you would be with strangers in a movie theater. Just watch. As an added benefit, you’re likely to fall asleep more easily.

Remember, this is the secret: Witness the mind without involvement. Don’t encourage the thoughts and don’t discourage them. For success in meditation and on the spiritual path, this practice is essential. And everyone can do it.

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