If you are new to the concept of self-observation

You can grasp the essence of self-observation through this example exercise: Concentrate on this text that you are just reading (well, it would be hard to follow it otherwise…). And here comes the deal! As you are focusing on this text, realize the very basic fact that you are concentrating on something. Let’s go one step further, a bit deeper: Realize that there is something in you that is concentrating (I understand you may say, it is not something, but it is yourself). If you find that this fact is not extraordinary then I ask you to read one more sentence and then leave if you like. Only something that has consciousness in it is capable of doing such a thing.

First, I wanted to propose to concentrate on one of your body parts for the above example exercise. And then I realized – all by myself – that you would need to read through the text anyway to do the exercise. So what exactly would I ask you there to concentrate on…? Anyways; You can do the same exercise by concentrating on your body or on a given body part. That can be more powerful because it is easier to realize that you are observing your own self. 

How self-observation works, practical ideas

• The most important note in my opinion is that we don’t know exactly how it works. It is our consciousness at work. Miracle in action.
• The word observation is key: Observation without judgment. The more you can be non-critical, the more effective you become.
• The word self is important: Self-observation is about observing our own self. I am stating it for clarity.
• Do not try to control it. Observe the thing that you are working on and let your consciousness do the job. Do not try to overuse logic or what you learned, only if your self directs you that way. Most of our problems are in our unconscious and how they surface and get resolved is beyond the capabilities of mechanical logic. If something unexpected unexpected comes up that is a pretty sure sign that your self is working and arranging things for you. 
• We usually use self-observation to observe our thoughts or emotions. You can be more abstract with it. As an example, observe your thoughts as beliefs (your beliefs as the things causing your thoughts (your thoughts being the effects of those beliefs).
• Many times there are blocks in front of effective observation. Find that block and observe that.
• The more you exercise it, the more conscious you become. Not only of yourself but of everything. 
• You can do self-observation in any setting. 
• Self-observation is a fantastic tool to realize the inherent twisted nature of your thoughts, behaviors, and actions. And many times their meaninglessness. 
• Self-observation can help you to greatly mute your inner chatter. The broken record; Your thoughts repeating themselves without any added value.  
• Self-observation helps you to connect the dots in your life.  
• Let it go: It is normal and common that you ‘get stuck’. You just keep on observing something but nothing happens. It may be time to stop the observation and let it go. Let you Self to do the cooking in the background.
• Self-observation is useful with trauma.  
• Self-observation is not meditation. In meditation, you get to the point where you simply just exist. You may not agree, but I personally think that in meditation I go beyond self-observation. My focus shifts away from the personal self, And this is why I say that meditation is beyond it. But in a sense, you may also look at meditation as self-observation; When consciousness is conscious about its own consciousness. 
• For many of us, meditation equals self-observation. I personally would be careful with equating the two. Self-observation is a tool and meditation is a state. Nevertheless, I appreciate that self-observation is a stepping stone.   
• Self-observation works on many levels.
• Self-observation will become automatic when you keep using it.
• Self-observation is not the only way. The tools are countless. 
• Expect breakthroughs in your life. You may experience many, seemingly small positive things, but don’t be surprised by huge breakthroughs. 
• Personally I find this very helpful: The strength of phrasing my problems in a short and basic way.

Why self-observation is one of the best ways for self-development

As I stated above, it is not only about understanding myself better. It is about that step that happens to me when I observe something without judgment. It is no longer separate and my Self will integrate it.

Self-observation doesn’t only have to be about your problems and challenges. Observe the beauty of who you are.