The Moment I Realized I Was the Observer and the Observed

Thomas A. Vik
3 min readAug 10, 2023

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A revelation on October 16th, 2019, forever altered my perception of reality.

It was as if a veil had been lifted, revealing truths most dare not explore. I used to view the world as an external entity, a vivid tapestry woven outside of myself. But that evening, a stark realization hit me. I wasn’t just observing an external world; rather, when I looked out, I was also peering deep within. Our understanding of reality forms the crux of our experiences, our emotions, and our interactions.

If our perception of reality shifts, everything changes.

The Unshakable Clarity of Being

A Mirror Reflecting Inwards

Life as Thomas A. Vik had always been tethered to logic and reason.

Empirical evidence defined my reality. But that evening, a profound clarity emerged. Not from books, not from external sources, but from a deep, silent place within. I was both the observer and the observed.

This wasn’t just philosophical musings but a tangible, palpable experience.

The Vanishing Ego

The Thomas I thought I was — a Norwegian solopreneur, a sergeant, a father of three — seemed more like roles in a grand play.

An advanced thought cluster, merely ephemeral manifestations in the grand scheme of existence. Everything I believed to be “me” — my body, my thoughts, my emotions — were transient. They came and went, observed by an unchanging consciousness.

There is no ‘Thomas’ writing this, just the act of writing unfolding.

Beyond the Dualistic Illusion

For many, the external world becomes the defining reality.

They get caught up in the dualistic play of love and hate, success and failure. However, once you see beyond this illusion, a sense of unconditional love emerges. No judgments, no biases. Just pure acceptance. I saw through the theatricality of life.

And in doing so, found a love that wasn’t based on conditions — a love for myself, for others, for the very act of existence.

The Liberation of Unbounded Existence

A Journey of Integration

Post-revelation, the next few years were marked by deep integration.

Through rigorous routines of meditation, mindfulness, and introspection, every day became a step towards crystallizing this newfound perspective. Reading, journaling, and even physical exercises took on a deeper meaning, aiding in maintaining a healthy vessel to continue this mental and spiritual journey.

An Undying Beacon

The revelations didn’t make me superhuman.

But they granted me an unwavering strength. Negativity, doubts, anxieties — they appeared more as passing clouds rather than looming storms. Energies that once dragged me into the drama of existence now merely brushed past.

Instead of being ensnared by life’s theatrics, I could now play along, making the game more enjoyable for myself and those around me.

A Lighthouse in the Cosmic Ocean

In the vast ocean of existence, where countless souls are lost in the ebb and flow of life’s uncertainties, I’ve found a purpose:

To be a beacon for those navigating the rough waters. Not as a preacher, but as a fellow traveler who’s glimpsed the shore. My role isn’t to dictate the path but to simply shine, offering a guiding light for those who seek it.

Conclusion: Embracing the Observer Within

In a world obsessed with outward achievements and validations, recognizing the silent observer within is a profound journey.

It not only changes how we view ourselves but also how we interact with the world. It grants us the freedom to live without the constant weight of judgments and expectations. And in this freedom lies true love, happiness, and peace.

Remember, every external quest is, in essence, a journey inward.

Embrace it.

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Thomas A. Vik
Thomas A. Vik

Written by Thomas A. Vik

From anxious 👀 to non-dual 👁️

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