We are not our thoughts

The concept that we are not our thoughts and that we are merely observers of our body's actions is rooted in mindfulness and meditation practices. This perspective offers a powerful shift in how we relate to our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Understanding the Observer Self

The idea of the "observer self" suggests that there is a part of our consciousness that can step back and witness our thoughts, feelings, and actions without being fully immersed in them. This observing part is often described as our true self or pure awareness.

Key aspects:

• Thoughts are mental events, not facts or absolute truths

• We can choose to engage with thoughts or let them pass

• Our bodies often react automatically to stimuli before conscious thought

Cultivating the Skill of Observation

Developing this ability to observe requires practice and patience. Here are some techniques to help cultivate this skill:

Mindfulness meditation:

• Focus on your breath or bodily sensations

• Notice thoughts as they arise without judgment

• Gently return attention to the present moment when distracted

Body scan exercises:

• Systematically observe sensations throughout your body

• Notice physical reactions without trying to change them

Thought labeling:

• Mentally label thoughts as they occur (e.g., "planning," "worrying," "remembering")

• This creates distance between you and your thoughts

Mindful daily activities:

• Choose routine tasks to practice full awareness (e.g., brushing teeth, washing dishes)

• Pay close attention to physical sensations and movements

Benefits of Developing the Observer Self

Cultivating this skill can lead to numerous benefits:

1. Reduced stress and anxiety

2. Improved emotional regulation

3. Enhanced self-awareness

4. Greater clarity in decision-making

5. Increased ability to respond rather than react

6. Deeper sense of inner peace and well-being

Applying the Observer Perspective to Daily Life

To understand this concept through everyday experiences, consider the following examples:

Physical sensations:

• Notice hunger pangs without immediately acting on them

• Observe an itch without scratching it

Emotional reactions:

• Recognize anger arising without expressing it impulsively

• Witness feelings of joy without clinging to them

Habitual behaviors:

• Watch yourself reaching for your phone without judgment

• Observe your posture changing throughout the day

Interpersonal interactions:

• Notice your tone of voice during conversations

• Witness your facial expressions in social situations

By consistently practicing this observational stance, we can develop a greater sense of choice in our responses to life's events. We become less identified with our thoughts and more aligned with our deeper, observing self12.

This perspective aligns with various philosophical and spiritual traditions, as well as modern psychological approaches. It suggests that by cultivating awareness and non-judgmental observation, we can gain greater insight into our true nature and experience more freedom in our lives34. The concept that we are not our thoughts and that we are merely observers of our body's actions is rooted in mindfulness and meditation practices. This perspective offers a powerful shift in how we relate to our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Citations:

[1] https://news.stanford.edu/stories/2019/08/thinking-faster-words

[2] https://www.coachingwithkrista.com/thought-feeling-action-connection/

[3] https://www.barbmorris.com/if-you-want-something-different-you-have-to-do-something-different/

[4] https://stevepavlina.com/blog/2005/02/thought-vs-action/

[5] https://www.leadingagile.com/2009/01/feelings-thoughts-and-actions/

[6] https://www.robledothoughts.com/thoughts/are-you-your-thoughts-feelings-or-actions

[7] https://www.ktherapy.ca/blog/2018/12/19/thoughts-and-reactions

[8] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/from-both-sides-of-the-couch/201209/the-great-divide-between-thoughts-and-actions