The Art of Observation: Seeing the Fish by Observing the Water

There is a profound wisdom hidden within the seemingly simple act of observing a fish. It goes beyond merely seeing the creature with our physical eyes. To truly see a fish, we must observe the water. This philosophy is not only about the objective observation of nature, but it also encapsulates a deeper understanding of life and consciousness.

The Water as Context

When we observe a fish, we tend to focus on the fish itself – its colors, its movements, its form. We may admire its graceful dance, the shimmer of its scales, or the rhythm of its fins. However, we often overlook the water in which the fish swims. Yet, the water is integral to the fish’s existence. It provides the context in which the fish’s life unfolds. Without the water, there would be no fish.

Much like the fish, we too exist within a context – a vast expanse of life, consciousness, and reality. Our thoughts, emotions, and experiences are like fish, swimming within the ocean of our awareness. To truly understand ourselves and our experiences, we must observe not only the ‘fish’ but also the ‘water’ – the context in which our experiences arise and dissolve.

Observing the Water: The Practice of knowing

The practice of observing the water corresponds to the practice of knowing now or present moment awareness. It involves stepping back from our immediate experiences and observing them with detachment and openness.

When we practice this, we become aware of the space in which our thoughts and emotions arise. We observe the silent backdrop against which the drama of our lives unfolds. This is the ‘water’ – the field of consciousness within which our experiences come and go.

The Power of Observing the Water

When we shift our attention from the fish to the water, we gain a deeper understanding of the nature of reality. We begin to see that our thoughts and emotions, like the fish, are transient and dependent on the context. They arise and dissolve within the vast ocean of our awareness.

This shift in perspective allows us to relate to our experiences in a new way. Instead of getting caught up in the content of our thoughts and emotions, we can observe them with detachment and equanimity. We can watch them come and go without getting swept away by them.

To truly ‘see the fish’, we must observe the water. This simple yet profound principle invites us to shift our perspective from the content of our experiences to the context in which they arise.

By practicing mindfulness and observing the ‘water’ of our awareness, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world. We can navigate the currents of life with greater ease and grace. And most importantly, we can discover the peace and freedom that comes from knowing that we are not just the fish, but also the water.