Look at the looker

This simple practice, taught by Robert Adams (a student of Ramana Maharshi) and later popularized by John Sherman, involves turning attention away from objects toward the one who is looking.

Normally, attention flows outward toward thoughts, perceptions, and experiences. This practice reverses the direction—instead of looking at something, you look at the looker. This is not done through thinking about who is looking, but through a direct turn of attention toward its own source.

John Sherman describes it as trying to catch a glimpse of "the feel of you." It is not seeing anything in particular, but a subtle turning of attention toward what is prior to all experience. This simple act, practiced briefly but consistently, can fundamentally transform one's relationship with life.

Several times throughout the day, take a moment to try to look at what is looking. Not at any object, thought, or sensation, but toward the source of attention itself. You won't see anything—there is nothing to see. But the turning itself has profound effects when practiced consistently.

The main obstacle is expecting to see something when you look. There is nothing to find—the looking itself is the practice. Another obstacle is making it complicated when it is utterly simple. Some also practice too long at a time; brief moments throughout the day are more effective.