The state of "observer" or get to know yourself. Identification and internal observer mode - psychology of effective living

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The state of "observer" or get to know yourself. Identification and internal observer mode - psychology of effective living - online magazine

Self-observation practices that I use.

If we generally characterize the practice of self-observation, then we should probably consider it as a technique of transferring attention from oneself as a “participant” in events, to oneself as an “observer” of oneself as a “participant”. This transfer of attention and identification of oneself with the “observer” helps to study the “participant”, see him as he really is, realize a lot about himself and try to consciously change something in himself.

The mind is constantly looking for something to do. So why shouldn’t he become a person’s assistant on the path of self-realization? Why shouldn’t the mind start studying internal sensations, which will be in abundance during internal observation of one’s own consciousness?

In order to start the practice of introspection, nothing special is required - only the ability to concentrate internally, and probably the internal attitude - not to be afraid to see the truth about your present self.

The first thing you need to do is find within yourself “ internal observer" There is an “observer” inside every person. This is the part of consciousness that always observes what is happening, is present and witnesses everything that happens to the “participant”. She doesn’t interfere in anything, doesn’t react in any way, doesn’t evaluate in any way, just watches dispassionately.

We always seem to follow events external life, behind our emotions, feelings, experiences - we are participants. And in order to become a researcher of oneself, one must disidentify with the “participant” and become an “observer”. And then, from a new position, observe yourself as a “participant”, without changing anything about it yet. (Collect information, so to speak). While you are a “participant” and not an “observer”, it is very difficult to realize something in yourself, and even more difficult to consciously change. You must first learn to become an “observer” and do it consciously.

Finding the observing part within your own consciousness is the first step that must be taken in order to move on. Every person has an inner observer. Entering and exiting it is very often carried out unconsciously and is not registered by consciousness. But if you become more attentive to yourself, you will notice that even in the midst of very strong emotions and mental experiences, at the moment of active engagement in any activity, at the moment of reflection or pleasure, there is always something in the consciousness, as if removed from this inner and external activities. It silently observes, without making judgments, without expressing emotions, it simply contemplates everything that a person does.

The “observer” is easier to detect during quiet activity, alone with oneself, while thinking or reading. You just need to feel his presence once and remember it inner feeling"observations". And then try to highlight it in yourself during everyday activities. If possible, you can continue your normal activities from the “observer”. Then you can notice that a certain internal detachment will appear in the consciousness, and external reactions will become more conscious, behavior will be calmer, more reasonable, and less emotional. You can also notice that the sense of “observer” is very easily lost. There is no need to worry about this. The main thing is to find the feeling of an “internal observer” in your consciousness, try to remember it from time to time and sometimes go into it. That's the whole first step.

If you cannot immediately identify the “observer” in your consciousness, you can create an internal intention to detect him, remembering that he exists inside every person, without exception. From time to time you need to focus your attention inward. Or just consciously observe yourself as if from the outside. This exercise can help “awaken” the inner observer, highlight the feeling of “observation” of oneself, and make it conscious. The inner observer will sooner or later be noticed by consciousness, since it has manifested itself unconsciously many times before. But the consciousness, now aware of it and armed with the intention to find it, will certainly make it known, and then the mind, too, sooner or later will be able to detect it, and you will be able to realize it.

P.S. I will be grateful to everyone who shares theirs with me practical methods internal work, or will evaluate my own. I will answer all specific questions if anyone is interested in the practice of self-observation.

Observation is used where the intervention of the experimenter will disrupt the process of human interaction with the environment. This method is indispensable when it is necessary to obtain complete picture what is happening and reflect the behavior of individuals in its entirety.

The main features of the observation method are: - direct connection between the observer and the observed object; - bias (emotional coloring) of observation; - difficulty (sometimes impossibility) of repeated observation. Under natural conditions, the observer, as a rule, does not influence the process (phenomenon) being studied. In psychology there is a problem of interaction between the observer and the observed. If the subject knows that he is being observed, then the presence of the researcher influences his behavior. The limitations of the observation method gave rise to other, more “advanced” methods of empirical research: experiment and measurement.

Subject of observation

Verbal behavior
- Contents of speech
- Duration of speech
- Speech intensity
- And etc.
Nonverbal behavior
- Expression of face, eyes, body,
- Expressive movements
- And etc.
Movements of people
Distance between people
Physical effects
- Touches
- Tremors
- Beats
- And etc.

That is, the object of observation can only be that which can be objectively recorded. Thus, the researcher does not observe the properties of the psyche, he registers only those manifestations of the object that are available for recording. And only based on the assumption that the psyche finds its manifestation in behavior, a psychologist can build hypotheses about mental properties based on data obtained during observation.

Surveillance equipment

Observation can be carried out directly by the researcher, or through observation devices and recording of its results. These include audio, photo, video equipment, and special surveillance maps.

Classification of observations

Observation is a purposeful, organized and recorded perception of the object being studied in a certain way. The results of recording observation data are called a description of the object's behavior. Observation is used when it is either impossible or impermissible to interfere with the natural course of the process. It can be: 1. Direct and indirect, 2. External and internal, 3. Included (which can be open and closed) and not included, 4. Direct and indirect, 5. Continuous and selective (according to certain parameters), 6. Field (in everyday life) and laboratory.

According to systematicity they distinguish

Non-systematic observation, in which it is necessary to create a generalized picture of the behavior of an individual or group of individuals under certain conditions and does not aim to record causal dependencies and give strict descriptions of phenomena.
Systematic observation, carried out according to a specific plan and in which the researcher records behavioral characteristics and classifies environmental conditions.

Non-systematic observation is carried out during field research (used in ethnopsychology, developmental psychology, social psychology). Result: creation of a generalized picture of the behavior of an individual or group under certain conditions. Systematic observation is carried out according to a specific plan. Result: registration of behavioral characteristics (variables) and classification of environmental conditions.

Observation is opposed to experiment. This opposition is based on two points:

Passivity of the observer- the observer does not change the surrounding reality.
Immediacy- the observer records in the protocol what he sees.

By fixed objects

According to the observation form

Mindful Observation
Unconscious internal observation
Unconscious external observation
Observation environment

Mindful Observation

With conscious observation the person being observed is aware that he is being observed. Such observation is carried out in contact between the researcher and the subject, and the observed person is usually aware of the research task and the social status of the observer. However, there are cases when, due to the specifics of the study, the observed person is told that the goals of observation are different from the original ones. The need for such actions gives rise to ethical problems, including regarding the conclusions drawn.

This form of observation is chosen based on expediency, that is, when its use is justified by the objectives of the study, since it has significant drawbacks.

Disadvantages: the influence of the observer on the behavior of the observed; because of this, the results can only be considered in relation to the situation in which they were obtained. Several observations need to be made.

Peculiarities

The observer directly influences the actions and behavior of the observed, which, if the observation is carried out incorrectly, can greatly affect its results. Observed subjects, for psychological reasons, may try to pass off false behavior as their usual behavior, or simply become embarrassed and give free rein to their emotions. The situation when the subject is under observation may be close to stressful for him, and the results of such observation cannot be extended, for example, to his daily life. Also, the actions of both the observer and the observed can be influenced by the degree of familiarity with each other.

The specificity of situations in which direct (conscious) observation occurs leads to the fact that conclusions from such observations are very difficult to correctly generalize to other situations, and not just to the specific situation in which the observation procedure took place.

Unconscious internal observation

With unconscious internal observation the observed subjects do not know that they are being observed, and the researcher-observer is inside the observation system and becomes part of it(for example, when a psychologist infiltrates a hooligan group and does not report the purposes of his infiltration in order to obtain the most objective information about its activities).

A classic example of the use of unconscious internal observation

This form of observation was especially widely used in the second half of the 20th century by US psychologists. The use of this method caused (and still causes) discussions regarding the admissibility of such studies. One of the most famous cases of its application can be considered the study of Leon Festinger (Festinger et al.), who developed the theory of cognitive dissonance.

To test his theory, at the turn of the 1940s and 1950s, he and a group of observers joined a religious group for several weeks that predicted a specific date for the end of the world (which was supposed to occur in a few weeks). The end of the world did not follow, and the researchers received confirmation of the theory of cognitive dissonance, as most group members began to convince themselves that their activities prevented the disaster (J. Goodwin, ).

The observer is in contact with the observed subjects, but they are not aware of his role as an observer.

This form of observation is especially convenient for research social behavior small groups, while the presence of the observer is considered natural, and the fact that his role is to observe, being unknown to the observed subjects, does not affect their actions. This form of observation also raises some ethical questions about the limits of its use, since the psychologist sometimes has to infiltrate a group through deception or concealment of the truth.

Disadvantage: difficulty recording results; the observer may be involved in a conflict of values.

Peculiarities

The fact that surveillance is being conducted does not affect the observed subjects due to the fact that they are unaware of it. Also, the observer has a wide scope for obtaining information due to the possibility of direct contact with the observed subjects.

However, the observer may have difficulties with directly recording the results, including because direct recording may unmask the observer. Also, during close contacts with the observed, the observer may lose neutrality and adopt the value system of the group being studied. There may also be a conflict between the value system of this group and the value system adhered to by the observer (the so-called “conflict of norms”).

Unconscious external observation

With unconscious external observation the observed subjects do not know that they are being observed, and the researcher conducts his observations without coming into direct contact with the object of observation(for example, the observer may be hidden from the observed behind a one-way transparent wall).

This form of observation is convenient in that the researcher does not constrain the behavior of the observed and does not provoke acts of their behavior that would correspond to the goals of his research, that is, it allows him to collect fairly objective data about people’s behavior.

Peculiarities

With this form of observation, the presence of the researcher in the role of observer is not recorded by the observed, thereby reducing the impact on the naturalness of their actions. It is also possible to use technical and other means to facilitate the recording of data and the progress of the study. Another incomparable advantage is that a tired observer can be quietly replaced by another observer.

However, at the same time, the observer is limited in his actions by the place of observation; he can only have access to part of the contextual situation in which behavioral acts are performed; he cannot influence unforeseen events without thereby disrupting the course of the study.

Environmental observation

With this form of observation the researcher studies the environmental conditions of the observed that influence his behavior. He tries to draw conclusions about how external factors determine the actions of an individual or group of individuals.

APA Code of Ethics and Observations

Wikimedia Foundation.

2010.
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In order to master the “inner observer” meditation, do all the exercises described in the “Actualization” chapter, maintaining the “I” state.

"I am"

Meditation “I am” belongs to classical yoga and can be used as an auxiliary for the crystallization of consciousness.

Repeat, not tensely, like a self-hypnosis formula, the phrase “I am*. With regular and hard work, you may also achieve the state of Self.

Feeding consciousness

Meditation “feeding consciousness” can help you if you are experiencing conditions such as emotional fatigue, disappointment, reluctance to live, and most importantly, a decrease in awareness of existence. All these are symptoms of the so-called “exhaustion of consciousness,” which is a consequence of a person’s neglect of his nature, first of all, his desires. These symptoms can come on very quickly if we do something because we “have to” and not because we “want to.” After all, “should” is a superconscious attitude that is weakly supported energetically. “I want” is worth all our energy biological nature. Exhaustion of consciousness can also manifest itself at the somatic level in the form of diseases or unpleasant physical sensations that arise when you do “unwanted” things.

The purpose of this meditation is to feed the consciousness with the energy of our subconscious - the energy of desires, so before reading further text, read Appendix 2.

Update the basic needs described in Appendix 2. When you manage to feel the corresponding energies, try to realize which of the primary needs you satisfy when performing unloved actions.

The criterion for the correct implementation of meditation is a general increase in energy potential, the emergence of a positive emotional attitude towards the matters under consideration, ideally a feeling of awareness and meaningfulness of being.

Meditations aimed at expanding consciousness

If you have managed to crystallize your inner “I” - your consciousness, you can begin the process of expanding it. Expansion of consciousness includes the following stages.

1. Update various processes mental life that does not belong to consciousness - subconscious, superconscious or parallel to consciousness.

2. Interpretation, i.e. assignment to one of the known types, issuance of a name. Since the instrument of consciousness is language (or, more precisely, a sign system), consciousness can only operate with certain, named objects. It is this fact that underlies the well-known rule of magic - “If you know the name of an object, then you can control it.” The more accurately it was possible to interpret or determine this or that object of the unconscious, the greater the chances of success.

3. Taking responsibility upon oneself, i.e. eliminating the internal duality of “I” - not “I”.

Acceptance of desires

Realize that everything you do, you do only because you want to. If you experience internal resistance, analyze which of the primary needs are satisfied by you in the process of doing those things that you supposedly don’t want to do

The criterion for correctly performing meditation is the appearance of a feeling of relaxation and satisfaction. This is due to the fact that many physical constraints are associated with attempts to constantly force oneself to perform some action and the fight against these attempts.

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Self-observation practices that I use.

The first thing to do is to find the “inner observer” within yourself. There is an “observer” inside every person. This is the part of consciousness that always observes what is happening, is present and witnesses everything that happens to the “participant”. She doesn’t interfere in anything, doesn’t react in any way, doesn’t evaluate in any way, just watches dispassionately.

We always seem to flow with the events of external life, with our emotions, feelings, experiences - we are participants. And in order to become a researcher of oneself, one must disidentify with the “participant” and become an “observer”. And then, from a new position, observe yourself as a “participant”, without changing anything about it yet. (Collect information, so to speak). While you are a “participant” and not an “observer”, it is very difficult to realize something in yourself, and even more difficult to consciously change. You must first learn to become an “observer” and do it consciously.

Finding the observing part inside your own consciousness is the first step you need to take in order to move on. Every person has an inner observer. Entering and exiting it is very often carried out unconsciously and is not registered by consciousness. But if you become more attentive to yourself, you will notice that even in the midst of very strong emotions and mental experiences, at the moment of active engagement in any activity, at the moment of reflection or pleasure, there is always something in the consciousness, as if removed from this inner and external activities. It silently observes, without making judgments, without expressing emotions, it simply contemplates everything that a person does.

The “observer” is easier to detect during quiet activity, alone with oneself, while thinking or reading. You just need to feel his presence once and remember this inner feeling of “observation”. And then try to highlight it in yourself during everyday activities. If possible, you can continue your normal activities from the “observer”. Then you can notice that a certain internal detachment will appear in the consciousness, and external reactions will become more conscious, behavior will be calmer, more reasonable, and less emotional. You can also notice that the sense of “observer” is very easily lost. There is no need to worry about this. The main thing is to find the feeling of an “internal observer” in your consciousness, try to remember it from time to time and sometimes go into it. That's the whole first step.

P.S. I will be grateful to everyone who will share with me their practical methods of internal work, or evaluate my own. I will answer all specific questions if anyone is interested in the practice of self-observation.

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