My Unexpected Journey into Witness Consciousness
Several years ago, I stumbled upon this transformative state of awareness in the most unlikely of places – a local pizza joint. Let me take you on that journey...
Witness consciousness is a state of awareness in which one observes one's own thoughts, feelings, and experiences without becoming identified with or attached to them. Being able to observe yourself objectively can be enlightening! Several years ago I experienced a spontaneous shift into his state and it enabled me to lighten up. The experience was very freeing.
I was at a local pizza place waiting for my calzone to be ready. I had ordered it to go and was standing by the door waiting, and waiting. It was busy so I had been patient but I noticed that people who had come in after me to order were leaving with their orders. I had ordered and paid quite a while ago. I stepped up to the counter to inquire about my calzone. I was told, in what I interpreted as a very condescending tone of voice, that I would be called when the calzone was ready. Then, because I wasn’t vacating the area near the counter fast enough I was instructed to step away from the counter and stand out of the way.
Shocked that someone running a business could be such a ……… I stepped back, as I had been ordered, and felt a rage fill my body. I was livid! The voice in my head was jabbering, “How can someone be so rude! I will never patronize this place again!” Etc. etc. Then, suddenly the thought entered my awareness in a very bold and clear way, “It’s interesting you are getting so mad isn’t it?” I was equally captivated by the question and by the unique tone of this voice. It was as if someone else was asking the question. I had but only a few seconds with my thoughts before my eyes were drawn to a pizza box sitting on a shelf by the counter. I had noticed it before (quite a while earlier!) but now I was sure that was my calzone and it had been sitting on that shelf for about 10 minutes.
I noticed I was no longer mad. I stepped up to the counter and asked if that box had my calzone. The woman looked at it and did a little double take. Then, she picked it up and handed it to me without saying anything. I took the calzone and left.
On the drive back to the house I thought about what had just happened. Who asked me why I was getting so upset? I had an ongoing habit of self reflection and analysis. But this process always took place long after some experience. It also was a tediously long endeavor that ended up with no definitive answers or insights.
This process was spontaneous. It was just a question that I didn’t have time to ruminate on or come up with some hypothesis for. Within seconds the unpleasant emotion was gone and I felt lighter and curious about what had happened. At the same time I had no real desire to analyze the process. The whole thing was just an experience that had passed. bPerhaps my ongoing conscious practice of self observation had worked its way into my brain well enough that the process had become automatic.
My process and practice has evolved and become much simpler. Now I’llI take note of something I’m reacting to and try to let it go. I’ve decided it takes too much effort to try to figure out how everything came about and it’s tedious! I try to spend no time pondering. I just notice that I’m aware of what I’m feeling and then I move on. Then, I try to find something good that’s going on right in front of me.
I remember the calzone order night from time to time. It’s a good memory. The best part is when I remember eating the calzone once I got home. It was so good I immediately decided it would be foolish not to go back to the pizza place in the future! Just because you’re livid doesn’t mean you won’t be super happy a moment later happily stuffing your face with yummy food!
The Power of the Witnessing Self
What happened that day was more than just a shift in mood. It was a glimpse into a profound state of awareness that many spiritual traditions have long revered. Here's why it matters:
Instant Emotional Freedom: Notice how quickly my anger dissipated? That's the power of witnessing.
Clarity in Chaos: By stepping back, I could see the situation more objectively.
Effortless Problem-Solving: The solution (spotting my order) came naturally once I detached from my emotions.
How You Can Cultivate Witness Consciousness
Ready to experience this for yourself? Here are some simple steps to get started:
Practice Mindfulness: Start with short daily sessions of observing your breath or bodily sensations.
Catch Yourself Reacting: When you notice strong emotions arising, try to pause and observe them.
Ask the Magic Question: "Isn't it interesting that I'm feeling this way?" This simple query can create instant distance from your emotions.
Let Go and Move On: Don't dwell on analyzing your reactions. Just notice and release.
The Unexpected Benefits
Cultivating witness consciousness isn't just about avoiding negative emotions. It's about living a richer, more aware life. You might find yourself:
Enjoying life's simple pleasures more deeply (like that delicious calzone!)
Responding to challenges with greater ease and creativity
Developing a more compassionate view of yourself and others
Your Turn to Witness
Remember, this practice doesn't require hours of meditation or years of study. It can start with a simple moment of awareness in your daily life. Why not give it a try? The next time you're caught in an emotional storm, see if you can step back and witness. You might just find a slice of inner peace – and who knows, maybe a great calzone too!
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