Observation means looking at something as if seeing it for the first time. To observe, one must be awake. Watching something without preconceived notions and seeing it just as it is can be referred to as ‘watch.’ The word ‘watch’ not only means ‘to look while awake,’ but it also refers to a ‘wristwatch’ or ‘vigilance.’ In Christian tradition, it also means ‘watching vigilantly at night for religious reasons,’ known as ‘vigils.’

Yes, indeed.

One of the meditation techniques is ‘seeing through a baby’s eyes.’ When a baby first emerges into the world from its mother’s womb, it looks at its surroundings. To a baby’s eyes, everything is new and marvelous. There are no preconceived notions, no comparisons, and no judgments. We must regain such ‘baby’s eyes,’ even if it means staying awake at night.