Observation and meditation are two distinct practices, although they both involve paying
attention to the present moment.
Observation is a technique where you focus your attention on your surroundings and observe things objectively, without judgment or interpretation. This can involve observing your own thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, or it can involve observing external phenomena, such as the sounds, sights, and smells in your environment. The goal of observation is to increase your awareness and understanding of your own experience and the world around you.
Meditation, on the other hand, is a practice that involves focusing your attention inward, often on your breath or a mantra, to quiet the mind and increase mental clarity. Meditation can be used as a tool for reducing stress, improving focus and attention, and gaining insight into the nature of your thoughts and emotions. Unlike observation, meditation often involves a deliberate effort to quiet the mind and maintain focus on a single point of reference, such as the breath.