Author: Niloufer Perera
During a recent visit to my friend’s home, I found myself in awe of the technology that made life so effortlessly convenient. It was as if I hardly had to lift a finger; a simple command like “Alexa, open the curtains” was all it took for things to happen automatically. Whether it was switching lights on or off, the ease of it all left me feeling both amazed and overwhelmed. It was a new experience for me, but it seemed to be the norm in many homes across Canada, just like my friend’s.
As I settled onto the couch, intending to watch one of my favourite programs on my phone, my friend’s young daughter suggested I use their smart TV instead. She handed me the remote, and I fumbled through various channels, trying to find YouTube. After a few unsuccessful attempts, I turned to the little girl for help, embarrassed by my struggle. Without hesitation, she pressed the mic button on the remote and simply said, “Play YouTube.” The TV responded instantly.
I felt a pang of embarrassment. How had I forgotten that I could just speak up instead of wasting time navigating menus? But more than that, I was struck by a deeper realization: in this highly automated environment, there was little need to think or use my intellect. Everything was done for me at the sound of my voice.
This convenience, as wonderful as it was, left me with a lingering sense of unease. It reminded me of a central idea from The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle, a book I recently read and found incredibly inspiring. Tolle’s concept of “Awareness through Observation” teaches that by observing our thoughts and actions without judgment, we can break free from mind identification and connect deeply with the present moment. But in this tech-driven world, where every task is automated, I wondered if we were losing touch with that essential awareness.
Awareness is crucial because it anchors us in the present, allowing us to fully experience life as it is happening. It helps us detach from the constant stream of thoughts and distractions that pull us away from the now, and it nurtures a sense of inner peace and clarity. Without awareness, we risk becoming mindless consumers of convenience, missing out on the richness of life that comes from being truly present.
Yet, as I reflected on this, I couldn’t help but think about another part of the same country where the story is quite different. There, an increasing number of vulnerable youth are struggling with drug addiction and unstable minds. Perhaps it’s because they never learned how to cope with themselves, their own thoughts, or the overwhelming noise of the world around them. I doubt if they—or many of today’s youth—have any true sense of awareness in a world that’s so full of addictive screens and constant distractions. It’s as if, in the pursuit of convenience and entertainment, we’ve lost something vital, the ability to be still, to be present, and to truly understand ourselves.
In The Power of Now, Tolle emphasizes that focusing can be achieved by quieting the mind from the noise of the external world. Yet, in a curious twist, I realized that I managed all this reflection while YouTube was playing in the background. This showed me that true awareness isn’t about escaping distractions but about finding stillness within, even when the external world is bustling around us.
To cultivate this awareness through observation, Tolle suggests a few simple yet powerful steps;
7 Steps to Cultivate Awareness Through Observation
- Observe Your Thoughts
Instead of getting caught up in your thoughts, simply observe them as they arise. Notice patterns, themes, and the way thoughts come and go, without judgment.
- Pay Attention to Your Surroundings
Take time to consciously observe the world around you. Notice details in your environment that you might typically overlook—like the texture of objects, the play of light, or the sounds around you.
- Notice Physical Sensations
Tune into your body and observe the sensations you feel, whether it’s tension in your muscles, the warmth of the sun on your skin, or the rhythm of your breath. This helps ground you in the present moment.
- Watch Your Emotional Responses
Observe how you emotionally react to different situations. Recognize these emotions without immediately acting on them, and notice how they evolve or fade over time.
- Observe Other People
Practice observing the actions, body language, and expressions of others without immediately interpreting or judging. This can deepen your understanding and empathy.
- Engage in Mindful Listening
When listening to someone speak, focus entirely on their words, tone, and body language. Observe your own internal reactions as you listen, and try to remain fully present.
- Reflect on Observations
At the end of each day, take a few moments to reflect on what you’ve observed—both within yourself and in the world around you. This reflection helps reinforce the practice of awareness and enhances your observational skills.
In reflecting on my experience with technology, I realized that while convenience can be a blessing, it’s essential to maintain a balance. By practicing awareness through observation, as Tolle suggests, we can enjoy the benefits of modern life without losing touch with our inner world and the present moment. Even with the distractions of modern life, like YouTube playing in the background, we can still achieve a state of deep reflection and awareness. But for those who haven’t cultivated this inner awareness, the addictive nature of our modern world can lead to a dangerous disconnect from themselves and the present, as seen in the struggles of so many youth today. However, by embracing these practices of observation and awareness, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with a deeper sense of presence and inner clarity, finding balance and meaning amidst the busyness of the world.
