Observe without Evaluation

Highest Form of Intelligence

I came upon this quote from Krishnamurti:

“To observe without evaluating is the highest form of intelligence”

How can one observe without evaluating when within a nano-second or less the mind has already jumped in to take over and evaluate the thing we are observing. It names, or labels, evaluates or judges. This mostly is an unconscious activity.

It’s a survival instinct in case there is something dangerous and we need to quickly evaluate and take measures to create safety.

However, for most of us, thankfully, we are not encountering that kind of life threatening danger on a daily basis and yet the mind still operates in overdrive in a constant evaluating mode.

What if we could simply observe what arises without evaluating?

First of all we can acknowledge that we are perceiving all the time. Observing an object, a thought, an emotion. We are wired to perceive.

Artists, in one way shape or form, endeavor to “see” without naming, labeling, or evaluating what they see. A visual artist wants to put down on paper, canvas, what is being observed as quickly as possible without mind interference. Evaluation can sometimes come later when certain artistic decisions come into play to make the piece work more harmoniously.

So what happens when we observe and NOT evaluate what we are observing?

S P A C E happens

A space where we can become more curious and consequently can ‘see’ intricacies of what’s being observed.

Observation can be of visual objects and it can also be observation of one’s emotions, or thoughts.

Without evaluating observations, an intelligence is there within the flow of life. How things move and change all the time becomes apparent. And not only that, observing this intelligence of life of which we are a part is wondrous and mysterious.

Within the movement in life’s flow there is a still point. There is awareness observing from a place of stillness and infinite space. A deep exhale. There is a recognition of the intelligence of life that needs no evaluation of what’s being observed.

SETTING THE INTENTION

Habits are formed and the habit of evaluating what we observe has been grooving for a while in our brain.

To shift into observing without evaluation takes a little intentional practice.

I always turn to nature to support me in rewiring new ways of being.

In nature I can set an intention to observe, watch and listen while letting the mind chatter fall more into a background noise. I set an intention to observe without naming, without evaluating what arises in front of me and go into the "mystery".

Take time to sit with a rock, plant, watch a tiny creature doing its thing.

Observing from a stillness within and being curious, noticing, and letting life carry on without any need for our evaluations.

It’s a delightful practice.

I hope you will practice this.

Let me know how you go. I’d love to hear.

with gratitude,

www.aeshakennedy.com Your LIFE by DESIGN