Witnessing of our thoughts

Witnessing the flow of our thoughts, our feeling and activities and asking ourselves, who is this Witness, is a very useful aspect of expanding our consciousness.

Witnessing the thought process means to be able to observe the natural flow of the mind, while not being disturbed by, distracted or attached to the incoming flow of thoughts. In other words, rather than seeing ourselves as the object of our inner and outer experiences, we see ourselves as the impartial Witness.

This process can also be combined with meditation for those who endeavor to go even deeper into the higher states of awareness and finally transcending all thoughts, in Samadhi (Oneness) or Union with the Infinite.

This simple formula can be a helpful guide:

Witnessing = observing and non attachment

Witnessing starts with a simple process of

1) Observing individual thoughts and or activities,

2) Just letting the mental impressions go.

3) We may want to discriminate which of the thoughts are useful.

Calming the mind

This practice is quite insightful and useful in calming the mind.

It is easy witnessing thoughts, provided we spend some time doing it, in our daily life and at our spiritual practice times.

Weakening of habit patterns

The practice gradually weakens the deep habit patterns, which are not favorable to our growth, and are blocking spiritual realization.

Increase freedom

Realizing that we are the Witness of our thoughts, rather than identifying with them, results in the thoughts losing control over us.

The more we can become a witness to our thoughts, the less control will those thoughts have over us.

Preparation for advanced meditation

Witnessing prepares us for advanced meditation and samadhi.

Practice patience

We need to be patient with ourselves while learning this method of observation.

Both in daily life, and during meditation:

It is extremely important to know that we can practice much of the witnessing in daily life. We can do it while we are in the middle of our other activities.

Normally we do this witnessing while meditating, but tremendous progress can be made without having to set aside a single minute of extra time while doing our other activities.

Witnessing of thoughts does not mean a psychological suppression or repression of thoughts and emotions, we simply observe, and let go.

What about the positive thoughts?

When positive, helpful thoughts arise that lead us in the direction of growth and spiritual truths or enlightenment, we can remind ourselves, "This is Useful,” then we can allow those useful thoughts to move into actions.

Practice makes perfect. Very funny Ha, Ha wise guy.