According to Brian Shiers, self-observation, the cornerstone of self-awareness, underpins mindfulness. This effectively suggests that there is no one proper way to meditate and that mindfulness is simply paying attention to and noticing ourselves in any way. While it is common for beginners to meditation to compare themselves to an imagined ideal, mindfulness is more about the experience of self-observation than it is about attaining a certain state of awareness. Practices of mindfulness aim to pique this open, explorative curiosity in oneself. This lifelong experience is referred to by Tara Brach as "waking up"—a profound change in inner consciousness that results in serenity and greater compassion and empathy.
Self-observation is an awareness technique where you focus on yourself and objectively observe your thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Imagine if someone good and impartial has complete access to your inner world. That person impartially expresses your internal ideas, feelings, experiences, etc. Imagine being able to view yourself in silence right now. Your Inner Observer is that aspect of yourself that is always in the present and keeps an eye on your internal processes.
Is the "self" my body, mind, thoughts, roles I play, affiliations I have, or feelings I experience? Brian cited the writings of Dan Siegel, the founder of the Mindful Awareness Research Centre (MARC), who postulated that our perceptions and actions are shaped by the accumulation of billions of impressions, not just those we are born with. Dan's viewpoint highlights how distinctive our "self" is. In light of the direct and indirect influence of others on our lives, Brian believes that the self is "interconnected in inter-relationships."
Mindful steps for self observation
Space Creation vs. Space Filling
Letting go is the first step in the practice of mindfulness, which includes being there, being present, paying attention, and learning to be there for you. A good place to start is by giving up drugs and addictive behaviors, such as using social media excessively. The initial stages of letting go are crucial. The same is true if you intend to start a formal sitting meditation practice or go on retreat; we start clearing our schedules. Letting go in order to make room for your attention is a key component of mindfulness and meditation. If you are spending your recovery time attending groups and "stepping," you can start moving forward in your recovery by making time for solitary introspection. You can develop the ability to support and believe in yourself, as well as to observe and pay attention to the activities of your body, mind, and emotions.
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