Goethean Observation



We were introduced to the Goethean observation method of phenomenology during our Design for Sustainable Futures subject block week at Montebello in Newlands. Phenomenology is a form of qualitative research where the researcher places themselves in the first-person point of view to experience phenomena as it is with no influences other than one's self. For the Goethean observation we were instructed to immerse ourselves in the Montebello ecology and experience our surroundings through all our senses. The exercise lead us to observe an area or plant species and through the different stages of the observation we worked through a multi-sensorial practice of self development.




We calmed our minds and observed without bias the physical part as fact exactly what we saw. We bathed in the beauty of natural environment and let it speak to us not us telling the environment what to be. I then started to see the environment reveal itself slowly with all forms of life connecting through a harmonious network simplistic yet extraordinarily complex and perfectly balanced. It reminded me of how magnificent nature is everywhere from the beginning of the earth's history and beyond. As with new experiences I feel parts of my subconscious grow and revel in the dynamism of pragmatism. From practical to spiritual to ethereal and sensorial. It was a welcome break from staring fixedly at a computer screen enclosed within a concrete box. The beauty of it is that nature is free to explore and we are grateful in Cape Town we have access to mountains, beaches, forests and fields. Let's go outside!

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