The Power of Observation - How Mindful Awareness Can Solve Life’s Dilemmas

The Art of Stepping Back

Ambassador Maryben Omollo—an award-winning mental health and leadership coach, founder of the Maryben Foundation, and a global advocate for inclusive and resilient workplaces—has long emphasised the importance of self-awareness in personal and professional growth. With a global reach of over 50 million and nearly 94,000 followers on LinkedIn, her insights continue to shape conversations around leadership, emotional intelligence, and mental well-being. In one of her reflective teachings, Maryben explores the subtle but powerful difference between observing and interpreting. Her message is simple yet profound: when facing a dilemma, step back and observe. The clarity that comes from mindful awareness can often reveal the solution that judgment clouds.

Observation vs. Interpretation: A Crucial Distinction

At the heart of Maryben’s message is the concept of “deliberate interpretation.” This practice involves recognizing when we are interpreting or judging a situation rather than simply observing it. Observation is neutral. It is the act of noticing what is happening without attaching meaning, emotion, or assumptions. Interpretation, on the other hand, is layered with personal bias, past experiences, and emotional reactions.

“The habit of deliberate interpretation is about learning when you are interpreting or judging something instead of just observing it.”

This distinction is critical because our interpretations often distort reality. They can lead to overreactions, miscommunication, and poor decision-making. By learning to pause and observe, we create space for clarity, objectivity, and wiser choices.

The Role of Mindfulness in Problem-Solving

Maryben’s insight aligns closely with the principles of mindfulness—a practice rooted in being fully present and aware of one’s thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without judgment. When applied to problem-solving, mindfulness allows us to:

1. Notice patterns in our behaviour and thinking
2. Identify emotional triggers
3. Respond rather than react
4. See situations from multiple perspectives

In moments of conflict or confusion, stepping back to observe the details—what was said, how it was said, what emotions arose—can illuminate the root of the issue. It shifts us from being emotionally entangled to being thoughtfully engaged.

Why We Default to Judgment

Human beings are meaning-makers. Our brains are wired to interpret and categorise information quickly. While this helps us navigate the world efficiently, it can also lead to snap judgments and unconscious bias. When we face dilemmas, especially emotionally charged ones, our instinct is often to assign blame, label the situation, or jump to conclusions. This reactive mindset can cloud our ability to see the full picture. Maryben’s message encourages us to resist this impulse. Instead of rushing to interpret, she invites us to pause, breathe, and observe. In doing so, we gain access to deeper insight and more constructive responses.

Practical Steps to Cultivate Observational Awareness

To apply Maryben’s wisdom in daily life, consider these practical steps:

1. Pause Before Reacting - When faced with a dilemma, take a moment to breathe and centre yourself. This brief pause can prevent impulsive reactions.
2. Describe, Don’t Judge - Practice describing what you see, hear, or feel without labelling it. For example, instead of saying, “He was rude,” say, “He raised his voice and interrupted me.”
3. Notice Your Thoughts - Become aware of the stories you’re telling yourself. Are they based on facts or assumptions?
4. Ask Clarifying Questions - Seek to understand before forming conclusions. Ask, “What else could be true?” or “What might I be missing?”
5. Reflect Before Responding - Give yourself time to process what you’ve observed. Then respond with intention rather than emotion.

A Lesson in Emotional Intelligence

The deeper lesson in Maryben’s message is one of emotional intelligence—the ability to recognise, understand, and manage our emotions and those of others. Observation is a foundational skill in emotional intelligence. It allows us to:

1. Navigate conflict with empathy
2. Communicate more effectively
3. Build stronger relationships
4. Make better decisions under pressure

By cultivating the habit of observation, we not only solve problems more effectively—we also grow in self-awareness, compassion, and leadership.

Reflection: The Wisdom in Stillness

Ambassador Maryben Omollo’s reflection on observation and interpretation is a gentle but powerful reminder that clarity often comes not from doing more, but from pausing and seeing more clearly. In a world that moves fast and demands quick answers, her message invites us to slow down. To notice. To listen. To observe without judgment. Because sometimes, the solution to our most pressing dilemmas isn’t found in action—but in awareness.