Society preconditions many of us to feel that there is a “giant eye in the sky” watching us or “the boss is breathing down my neck, watching my every move” or “big brother is reading everything I type online and knows it all”.

To some extent it’s creating a society where we can “feel” we are being watched.    And when we feel we are being watched, we modify our behaviors as if we are being watched.

It leads to the old adage…   “dance as if there is no one watching…”.

It is not all bad.    A large amount of safety exists in a watchful eye looking over us.   It feels good, as children our parents watch over us and our teachers watch over us and guide us into adulthood.

But, on the other extreme, we may get instilled with the belief that we are ALWAYS being watched and not by people guiding us in a positive direction….or in the direction we want for ourselves.    This can lead to lots of inner turmoil and paranoid feelings.

The comfort of being watched can lead to the prison that is being watched too much.    Watched by your peers, by your coworkers, by big brother, by God, etc.     And if someone is always watching what can we do?

The best thing to do is realize that deep down, you are the observer, not the observed.   All the thoughts in your head and ideas and images and words, are brought in through your senses.

Of course, watching is done through the eye.    Which many call…   “the gateway to the soul”.

Like most gates, it can keep some things in and somethings out.     From this day on, remember you are the gate keeper.    You are the watcher.    You decide what is seen.    You decide who is worth observing and who isn’t.     Take the responsibility of being the watcher and help others do the same.

The opposite of extremes between the comforting safety and the anxiety of being watched, both come from letting someone else be the responsible one.   When you learn to take your own reins, you realize you are the observer, not the observed.    And this can be a very powerful practice.

E’s words for the day:  A tree will move freely in the breeze as if no one is looking.    Shouldn’t we all?