Observations vs Stories

Knowing the difference between observations and stories, and that there is an option available to us other than engaging with stories, can have an enormous impact on our experience.

Observations are what is seen, heard, tasted, noticed sensorially or energetically.
Stories are what the mind presumes these observations to mean.
Observations are open.
Stories are closed.
Observations are truthful.
Stories are illusory.

Below is a list of examples of Observations and Stories.

The next time you notice the mind engaging with a story, notice it as illusory and stop engaging with it, instead focusing attention on what is observed, felt, experienced energetically etc. The less the mind engages with stories, the less they arise.

Observations — Stories

• The meat is dry — Dinner is ruined, they will think I’m a terrible cook

• It is raining — It’s miserable weather

• They did not respond — What did I say wrong, I hope they don’t misunderstand, they’re rude

• I had a conversation with someone I felt attracted towards — I’ve met the man/woman of my dreams

• There is a dense feeling in the chest area — I am sad, depressed, unfit to be around people

• There is disharmony in this relationship — We aren’t meant to be together, I should “leave”, I should “stay”, maybe I’m supposed to be alone

• The mind is active — The mind shouldn’t be active, I’m not conscious / present enough

• They are frustrated — I am frustrating to be around

• They are calling me selfish — I am selfish, I must be a selfish person or they wouldn’t say it

• I offered to buy her a drink and she said she did not want a drink — She rejected me

• I fancy lying down — I can’t lie down, I’m lazy, I should be more productive

• There is ego — There shouldn’t be ego, the ego is bad