The Forgotten Power of Observation

There is one essential skill that most people have forgotten—or simply don’t use anymore—that could make life much easier.
That skill is observation.

Everyone has the ability to observe, even if it hasn’t been used for a very long time. Some people may already be observing their lives more often than they realize. Observation allows us to see ourselves—and life itself—from a bird’s-eye view.

Observation is a natural, inherent skill that everyone has. Yet not everyone is using it to the best of their ability.

The Benefits of Observation

When we observe, we are able to see the bigger picture of life. Through observation, we can understand things we normally don’t see. When we move through life with tunnel vision, we only see and understand a very small fraction of our existence.

Observation is an incredibly powerful skill. It allows us to experience life from a completely different perspective.

Many successful people use their ability to observe—whether they are consciously aware of it or not.

Successful people often have a vision for their lives or for what they want to contribute to the world. But we can’t create a vision for our lives—or for the planet as a whole—if we don’t first take a step back and observe.

For some, observation comes more naturally than for others. There are people who instinctively use their observation skills because that is simply how they perceive the world. Those who have reached higher levels of consciousness or spiritual awareness tend to observe almost continuously. They are often open to higher truths and new perspectives.

You can use your inherent observation skill to create a vision for your life. You can also use it to see where you currently are:

Are you still moving in the direction you want?
Does your vision or desire still align with who you are?
Or has it changed along the way?
What would you like to create long-term?

Observation in Everyday Life (An Embodied Example)

Observation isn’t something abstract—it shows up in very ordinary moments.

For example, imagine you’re in a conversation and you suddenly feel yourself becoming defensive. Instead of reacting, you pause. You notice the tightening in your chest, the urge to explain yourself, the thoughts forming in your mind.

You don’t push the feeling away.
You don’t act on it either.
You simply observe.

In that moment, you’ve stepped out of the reaction and into awareness. This small pause creates space—space to respond consciously rather than automatically. This is observation in action.

Better Decisions Through Observation

When we observe, we make better decisions. And better decisions often lead to more ease, clarity, and success in life.

If we want to change our lives, we have to learn to observe our lives more often.

Observation requires neutrality. We need to remain open-minded toward what we’re seeing. A lot can surface when we observe—and that’s exactly why many people avoid it. It can feel uncomfortable.

It’s important to move at a pace that feels safe for your nervous system. Observation is not about forcing awareness—it’s about meeting yourself with curiosity and care, exactly where you are.

When we train our brain to observe and remember more, we begin to pick up on details. Observation helps us better understand people, places, and situations, reach well-informed conclusions, and solve problems more easily.

How to Observe

When we observe, we zoom out of the experience we’re having. We engage all of our senses:

touch
taste
smell
sight
hearing
thoughts
emotions

We use these senses to examine or question what we’re experiencing. This often happens naturally when we’re curious. We instinctively evaluate or analyze the subject we’re observing or the experience we’re having.

How to Dis-Identify

Observation goes hand in hand with dis-identification.

In order to truly observe something, we must dis-identify from it. This is essential in healing work—such as inner child work, parts work, or shadow work. We have to step back from the experience, memory, emotion, or belief in order to truly see it.

We need to perceive it as separate from ourselves—as something we are experiencing, not something we are.

This can be challenging for the ego, because it threatens the sense of identity it has become attached to.

You can practice dis-identifying from:

your thoughts
your emotions
your body

Our internal filters shape the way we perceive the world. When we step back from them, the outside world feels less like something controlling or limiting us. Life itself becomes clearer, because we see it as it is, rather than only through our own limiting lens.

This can bring deep relief—sometimes temporary, sometimes lasting—depending on the realizations that arise through observation.

Observation vs. Dissociation

It’s important to clarify the difference between healthy observation and trauma-based dissociation, because they can feel similar on the surface—but are very different experiences.

Healthy observation is:

present
connected
felt
curious

Trauma-based dissociation is:

numb
distant
frozen
disconnected from the body

If you notice yourself feeling numb, spaced out, or disconnected while “observing,” it may be a sign to slow down, ground yourself, or reconnect with your body first. Observation should never feel forced. It works best at a pace that feels safe and supportive.

No Resistance

When we observe and dis-identify, we are not resisting what we’re experiencing.

True observation is:

open-minded
curious
non-judgmental

If we notice a strong emotional reaction, it usually means we are still identified with what we’re observing.

This is why letting go of painful past experiences can be so difficult. We often remain identified with the thoughts and emotions attached to them. Without those familiar patterns, we may feel lost or empty—so we hold on.

In these cases, resolution often comes through replacing old identifications with something new, using tools such as shadow work or parts work.

The “I Am” Exercise

A simple and powerful way to see what you’re identified with is to notice anything you say after:

“I am…”

For example:

I am a good person
I am smart
I am beautiful
I am talented
I am unworthy
I am angry
I am fat

You can apply this exercise to beliefs, emotions, and body-related thoughts. Then practice observing what arises—staying neutral, open, and curious, while gently releasing resistance.

Dis-identification is not about suppressing thoughts, emotions, or bodily sensations. We must actually feel through all our senses—even when it’s uncomfortable—in order to truly observe.

How to Improve Observation

Minimize Distractions

Reduce distractions so you can fully focus and concentrate.

Slow Down

Pause. Slow your pace. Bring your attention fully to what you’re observing so you can notice more subtle details.

Try Something New

When we enter a new environment, our awareness naturally heightens. This is a primal instinct designed to assess safety—stay or run.

New places sharpen perception and focus. The more you practice observation, the stronger this skill becomes.

The Paradox of Identification

We are all fractals of source. To have an individual experience, some level of separation is necessary. Identification with the human experience is part of the design.

Identification can even be beneficial—especially when manifesting. We often need to identify with something in order to become a vibrational match to it.

However, many people are over-identified with their human identity. They become trapped in their own perspective and lose sight of the collective impact of their actions. This leads to unhealthy relationships, fragmented societies, and an inability to see long-term consequences—such as environmental damage for example.

This is one of the many reasons why observation is such a healthy and necessary skill.