learning to be your own witness
in yogic philosophy, there’s a practice called sakshi bhava. the practice of separating yourself from you, of stepping outside your body and watching yourself moving through life.
it is a powerful way to learn how to let go of self-judgment. it is almost astonishing how much compassion arises when you see yourself this way. you find yourself forgiving more easily, allowing more freely, being kinder to this person - you - who is simply going about their day, making hard choices, facing tough moments, doing their best.
it is also a gentle lesson in releasing ego and loosening attachment. when you start seeing yourself as that third person you’re observing and following, a new kind of clarity rushes in. you begin to see your patterns, your stuck places, from the outside. you suddenly find advice for yourself, that makes more sense and that you are willing to follow.
i try to dial into this practice every now and then. it is extremely amusing, but i have also amazed myself at the kind of advice i was able to give myself in that state.