Witnessing

Witnessing is the practice of stepping back from identification with experience and resting as the aware presence that observes all phenomena. Instead of being caught in thoughts and emotions, you recognize yourself as the unchanging witness of these ever-changing appearances.

This practice is found across traditions—as sakshi (witness) in Vedanta, as the observer in Buddhism, and in various contemplative lineages. It creates space between awareness and its contents, revealing that you are not what you experience but the consciousness in which experience appears.

As witnessing deepens, the distinction between witness and witnessed may dissolve, revealing that there is only awareness, seamlessly appearing as all experience. But initially, the witness stance is a powerful tool for disidentification.

Throughout the day, practice stepping back into the witness position. When emotions arise, notice: "There is anger" rather than "I am angry." When thoughts appear, see them as clouds passing through the sky of awareness. Rest as the unchanging presence that has watched your entire life unfold.

A common obstacle is creating a new identity as "the witness"—another subtle ego position. Witnessing should lead to natural ease, not spiritual pride. Another obstacle is forcing detachment rather than allowing it to arise naturally from clear seeing.