Observing
- April 12, 2023
- Posted by: MAYURI
- Category: Articles
Observing
We see others and things all the time…but do we observe them?
Seeing helps us in basic interactions but does not give us any in depth understanding of others or the situation we encounter. In depth understanding is critical in life; but surprisingly a lot of us give it a miss and live life peripherally. This could be uninteresting at one level and dangerous at the extreme end!
Most situations in life require a certain amount of observation.
Interestingly, a friend once asked what I mean by ‘Observe? What is there to observe?’
For me, everything !
When I was a young school girl, my mother who never went out of home except with father, told me to observe everything around me wherever I go. It was an off – hand advice. But somehow it stuck with me. I followed it in deed and spirit all my life.
What to observe?
- The road and people you are in; are they okay? Is somebody looking at you? If so, what kind of looks are you getting from them? Is somebody behaving in careless manner? is a child in danger of a hit? How’s the traffic- slow, fast, how is the road- are there pitfalls? ….
- The room you have entered, the house you have entered. It tells a lot about the persons who own this space
- Observe people in a group; group meetings, religious gatherings, queues, at the malls, cinema theatres, apartment gathering, friend gatherings …
- Observe and listen to conversations that are randomly happening…I am not advising eavesdropping! Just pay attention to loud enough talk going around
- Most important; while talking to others, observe their facial expressions. We Indians are notorious for avoiding eye contact, facing the other while talking to them! This is so important for many important reasons.
- Pay attention to what others are saying to you; often what is unsaid is a lot more important than what is said… their expression tell us more than their words
- Observe the language, tone, diction, gestures being used by the person talking; it gives a clear understanding about that person
- Observe what the writer is saying, what questions he/she is raising in their work, it helps to understand their perspective on a range of things
- Observe a movie, don’t just watch it. Good actors bring a lot more to their roles than what is peripherally expected of them. it’s a great learning experience.
- Observe the ‘mood’ in the situation you are in. is it jovial, tense, unwelcoming , welcoming ?
Why is keen observation important?
- Observation gives us information that we cannot glean from other modes of interaction and communication. How do you know if a person likes you are dislikes you? Are they attentive or bored with you? When to stop or start an interaction? When to walk away? How much to confide and where to stop? Crucial questions, that can be answered only through thorough observation
- Observation makes us understand the other person much better; their intentions, their stand on varied issues, their fears, dislikes and perception about us!
- Observation saves us from dangers many times; on the roads, when in trains, airports, public places
- Observation is a source of information about the world around us.
- Observation sharpens our thinking about the way things are, the way they could change, the way they impact us
- Observing other persons, their posture, body language, attire give us plenty of information on what kind of persons they could be
- Observing a writers stand on issues while reading a book give in depth understanding on where she/ he comes from, and many times where they are heading in the narration
- Reflecting and introspecting are observations turned inwards. Why am I doing this? Why do I feel this way? Is it okay to say this? Should I word this idea differently?
- Observations help us stop action, start action appropriately
- When we observe before acting we rarely ‘ jump – the – gun’ and cause embarrassments at the least, serious conflict at the most
- Lack of observation has lead to multiple dangerous situations in people’s lives, wrecking of relationships, and preventable conflicts.
How to observe intelligently?
We humans have penchant for attracting attention in any group. We like recognition and appreciation. One most important ways to garner that is to be the first one to make the move, starting a conversation, picking up an activity etc. but there can be pitfalls to doing this.
- Good observation comes with waiting and watching before acting
- Listening quietly without getting into the conversation right away
- Looking directly at the person who is talking, observing facial expressions
- Observing your own feelings while in a situation, listening to others talk
- Thinking about what you want to say, what you need to say, how to word your opinions
- Everything around you is worthy of keen observation. Remember this
Good observation has always been the keystone of all scientific research. Good observers make good researchers. We all need to be good researchers in everyday life. Since, even in day to day life, good observation helps in much better understanding of the world around us and better behaviour and inter personal relationships.
Start by facing others squarely when they talk or when you talk to them. Check your surroundings wherever you go. Lastly, observe an infant…that little one knows instinctively that everything is worthy of observation. Along the way we forget this crucial life lesson.
Mayuri, the essence of observation in daily life is well articulated. I liked the part – intelligent observation. Nice article.
Nice article.I never thought so seriously about observation!so much of useful information we collect just by observation and it keeps the mind alert and sharp!
Actually animals and birds are always so alert and observant.
Keep writing Mayuri!
Atta. Please write more about Avva Tata. We know so little about them.
Atta. Please write more about Avva Tata. We know so little about them.
Very well worded Mayurigaru!
Observation is the first teacher of a child. Nature has inbuilt it in us. Unfortunately we have forgotten that skill. It is high time to bring it to the surface. Observation of self also helps us to better our personality too.
“Everything around you is worthy of keen observation. Remember this.” Yes, I shall Mayurigaru.
It is well known that individuals with high EQ (emotional quotient) have a keen sense of the world they interact with. This is primarily developed through their sensory inputs (visual observations, active listening) and extra sensory intuitive perceptions (sixth sense, cues from body language, vibes). This article reinforces why while quantitative skills can get you a high IQ, it’s the acumen based on what is referred to here as observations that makes one a perceptive individual.
Nice article. In summary…
Don’t hear, listen
Don’t talk, speak
Don’t speak, be sensible
Don’t react respond
Don’t prejudice, natural
Don’t swallow, taste
Don’t exist, live & finally
Don’t see, OBSERVE
We the human development specialists can never undermine the power of active observation in influencing learning and moulding our behaviour. As Bandura explains right from infancy child learns many things through observation, attention, retention, reproduction and motivation. Observation is the first step in learning cycle. Whether it is structured, covert , over or vicarious or participant contributes for development eventually. It is through observation only we take inputs from environment and process it and memorize internally which gets elicited when the situations demand.
A simple but important construct well explained. Very relevant information for gen z people who do not a clue about its importance living all the time in digital world away from social world who are experts in handling non living gadgets and failing miserably in maintaining interpersonal relationships.