# The witness

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* **The Witness** is a way to step back and observe in social meditation.
* You can **enter** the role by saying **"witnessing"** and/or by **muting yourself**.
* You can **exit** by **unmuting** and rejoining the practice flow if/when ready.
* In some practices, such as those that have a spontaneous order, you can stay silent without muting.
* The witness role helps you **listen, observe, and be present** without speaking.
* You can switch between witnessing and participating aloud anytime.