Peak Watching, People Watching
Morning Thoughts #171
Observing the world without imposing oneself upon it is a profound act of autonomy. It involves sitting apart but not being set apart, like an observer who has learned to wipe his mind’s fingerprints from the scene. While it is easy enough to cover up the self before scenes of natural beauty, the more impressive getaway act is to do the same before the punctuated wholesomeness (which is to say, unnaturalness) of humanity.
One symptom of maturity is the ability to be completely enveloped by the beauty of another’s happiness, without encroaching resentment or envy. Simple scenes of love and community playing out by my local river made me realize that I was looking at these strangers as if they were a picturesque landscape or sunset.
What peace comes from refraining to insert yourself—your "I"—between every moment happening! It is a work in progress, learning the art of passing brief moments as a passing cloud: giving shade in the form of cover rather than inducing the taking of it.
Envy causes one to inhabit a scene too closely to appreciate the greater view. By envy, I mean even its mildest forms. The ego, dipping its toe in the water, ripples conscious observing powers irreparably.
Imagine yourself with a mountain view: do you try to think yourself a mountain, try to put your eyes in its peak? Of course not, and it is wise not to do the same for someone else’s peak either. Master this art, and you will discover the superpower of sightseeing almost anywhere.
Peak watching, people watching—and sometimes you can do both at once! It is harder for the young, and for anyone who cannot easily separate the world from themselves. To be an observer is not to eliminate the "I," but to train it to “stay” during periodic blessed moments.