Self Observation Quotes:

Without self knowledge, without understanding the working and functions of his machine, man cannot be free, he cannot govern himself and he will always remain a slave.

- G. I. Gurdjieff

topic: Spiritual, Knowledge, Acceptance, Self Discovery, Knowledge And Understanding

Observe all men, thyself most.

- Benjamin Franklin

source: Benjamin Franklin (2007). “Poor Richard's Almanack”, p.56, Skyhorse Publishing, Inc.

topic: Self Observation

Self-observation is the first step of inner unfolding.

- Amit Ray

topic: Self, Meditation, Firsts, Self Observation

The only way someone can be of help to you is in challenging your ideas.

- Anthony de Mello

source: "Anthony De Mello: Writings".

topic: Learning, Knowledge, Ideas, Self Observation

How then can we change being? By applying the knowledge of the Work through self-observation to ourselves. And remember that you do not change by being told what to do. You only change through seeing what you have to do when you realize what your being is like.

- Maurice Nicoll

topic: Self, Remember, Realizing, Self Observation

Self-observation brings man to the realization of the necessity of self-change. And in observing himself a man notices that self-observation itself brings about certain changes in his inner processes. He begins to understand that self-observation is an instrument of self-change, a means of awakening.

- G. I. Gurdjieff

topic: Mean, Men, Self, Observing, Self Change

Association with human beings lures one into self-observation.

- Franz Kafka

topic: Self, Literature, Association, Lure, Self Observation

When we play, we sense no limitations. In fact, when we are playing, we are usually unaware of ourselves. Self-observation goes out the window. We forget all those past lessons of life, forget our potential foolishness, forget ourselves. We immerse ourselves in the act of play. And we become free.

- Lenore Terr

source: Lenore Terr (2000). “Beyond Love and Work: Why Adults Need to Play”, Touchstone Books

topic: Life Lesson, Past, Self, Self Observation

The training is a set of interpersonal interactions that lead to emotional and intellectual experiences that provide a circumstance and an intrument for self awareness, self observation and reflection on the circumstances of the subject trainee, both in his individual life and as a social being.

- Humberto Maturana

topic: Reflection, Emotional, Self, Social Interaction, Interpersonal Relationship

A lot of my music is just self-observation. Like telling you, "Oh man. What did I just do? How much did I just pay for this chain? Why did I do that? Wait a minute." Let me talk about that. Or like, the temptation. Let me talk about that. Let me observe myself.

- J. Cole

source: Source: www.wbur.org

topic: Men, Self, Waiting, Self Observation

Generosity is another quality which, like patience, letting go, non-judging, and trust, provides a solid foundation for mindfulness practice. You might experiment with using the cultivation of generosity as a vehicle for deep self-observation and inquiry as well as an exercise in giving. A good place to start is with yourself. See if you can give yourself gifts that may be true blessings, such as self-acceptance, or some time each day with no purpose. Practice feeling deserving enough to accept these gifts without obligation-to simply receive from yourself, and from the universe.

- Jon Kabat-Zinn

topic: Letting Go, Acceptance, Exercise, Cultivation, Self Acceptance