A Casual Observer

Who is the casual observer? A more pressing question, would you actually recognise him? What form should we assume that the casual observer should take? Perhaps a tall man, sophisticated but baring a style not too different from the ordinary? Could this observer be a woman? Forbid the anger of a lady who is not pleased with the world she finds in her midst. Is it the job of the casual observer to intervene with events or let life run its course?

These are all questions which I have asked myself. With regards to worldly events there are two sorts of people. They can be categorised as those who are the centre of attention (of which most people fall into category) and those who simply observe. Once I thought to myself that those who are the focus have the fun and receive the recognition.

What can easily be forgotten though is that silence also has beauty. Whilst music is certainly necessary to heat the heart and churn the soul, silence is also essential. Make no mistake, the introverts are the ones to watch out for. A simple gaze could symbolise a moment of mere distraction but it is the thought which counts. Introverts have the ability to gaze into themselves and see the world from outside of the ordinary.

The casual observer sees life as a series of steps leading to a goal that is yet recognised by himself. Instead of looking ahead at his path he looks inwards to himself. This journey is not one concerning career, a search for happiness but a solution to their question. Some might say that the observer is seeking God. If God indicates the source of their answer then they would be right but otherwise God serves no purpose other than to irrationally satisfy a masked desire. The observer is not searching for a truth but instead an answer.

I sometimes feel like this observer. If you want to know what it feels like to be the casual observer visit a coffee shop you are not familiar with. Buy a coffee and gaze outwards through the shop windows and watch people walk by. See how some walk with purpose, others stroll hand in hand, children play and how the homeless lean covering their faces to avoid the chill. Some things can only be appreciated whilst you are still. Remember that whilst you watch the world walk by that your focus is not on the pavements but inside of yourself.

When I was younger I used to play a game. I would sit quite calmly and watch people walk by on the pavement. Occasionally I would focus on individual people but for the most part I would try to widen my vision to the maximum field. I would then proceed to remember each person who would walk by. Obviously not by name but by how they looked.

The casual observer will find themselves not in situations but witnessing situations. If you find this unusual blog post weird or nonsensical then it is certain that you are not an observer but a player. However, some people will read this post and understand exactly what I mean.

About Michael White

Michael White works for Microsoft dealing in the Consumer & Online department. This includes services such as Windows, Windows Mobile, MSN, Windows Live (including Hotmail and Messenger) and Bing. Michael has valuable skills in social media which has led him to be involved in social media debates on BBC Radio Five Live, BBC Radio Ulster and BBC Radio Gloucestershire. Michael has had numerous media appearances and has done a few talks; including the #AddMe Social Media Conference at the University of Gloucestershire. He is a past columnist for Your Local Guardian online and University’s newspaper Space. He has been interviewed in The Guardian and is always available to give talks on some of the subjects he loves. As well as a keen opinion leader on online matters he is a published poet, aspiring author, radio presenter (Tone Radio, Jazz FM and Wychwood FM), CIPR Student Rep Runner-Up 2009-2010. Michael continues his Public Relations studies at the University of Gloucestershire until 2012 when he will start taking life seriously and consider further career plans. None of the views in this blog represent Microsoft or any other involvements Michael has found himself attached to.
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