Silent Witness Practice

The Practice of the Silent Witness is a practice of merely observing mental-emotional states, and all of the thoughts and feelings-emotions that arise, without any judgment or attachment and aversion. One simply wishes to watch what is happening, inwardly and outwardly, without identifying oneself with anything that is transpiring.

So long as we remain identified with what is arising in consciousness we are powerless to make any real change, but if we can remove our self-identification with thoughts and emotions, and even events in life, we become empowered to make changes. Likewise we discover that often by merely letting go of self-identification with mental-emotional phenomena and events of life, and bringing what is happening into the Light of Awareness, most problems are naturally and spontaneously dissolved. Basically, the Silent Witness is an exercise in self-knowledge and the cultivation of self-awareness - what we call the Presence of Awareness.

At any time, anywhere, just let go and let be, and become the Silent Witness of all that is transpiring within and all around you. Become aware of your body and with your awareness scan your body. Notice its posture and all of the sensations in the body, including any tensions or stresses. Then shift your focus to the feeling-emotions underlying the bodily sensations, allowing yourself to become conscious of your feelings and emotions. Then shift your focus to the thoughts associated with these feelings and emotions. Without any judgment at all, without attachment or aversion, just Witness in Silence what is happening.

This practice can be done in the midst of any activity of daily life. It is one of the key methods through which Christian Gnostics integrate their spiritual practice into daily living. One can engage in this practice for prolonged periods of time, but even just five or ten minutes here and there throughout one's day is very powerful and beneficial. While we aim to abide in this Presence of Awareness the majority of the time, this evolves through consistent practice.

Witnessing is not something you do, it is the realization that awareness is present. Awareness is always present, even when you are totally absorbed in an activity or thought. "You" might be trying to do the witnessing, yet while this "you" seems to have awareness, in reality the "you" that tries to witness is being witnessed.