Eye contact is a funny thing. I’ve just returned from a meditation camp during which we spent hours and hours staring into each others’ eyes. It was strange and tense to begin with, but delicious and strangely satisfying before long.
During a regular day at home, I’m deflated whenever the guy at the Tim Horton’s drive-through doesn’t look at me. (Tim Hortons is the iconic Canadian coffee stop for those of you from some place else.) I want to crawl through the little window and hold his face until he gets that it matters.
On the other hand, i’m unnerved by people who stare into my eyes for longer than a few seconds. ( Ed, for example, while he plays harmonica in my clinic.)
I wonder: Are we uncomfortable being seen fully and completely? Is that why we look away when someone continues to look into our eyes?
And this: Are we uncomfortable looking deeply and curiously, lovingly and lingeringly into the eyes of someone else? Why?
Our eyes are beautiful, and absolutely connected to the truest part of ourselves, whether you call that heart or soul.
Why don’t we try something together? If you care to, try more eye contact this week. Look and be looked into. See how it feels.
I’d love to hear what you learn.
Thanks, always, for the conversation,
kristin
Bravo, Kristen. The old adage, “the eyes are the windows of the soul,” has always rung true to me. :o)
I think the eyes hold the truth and sometimes it is hard to reveal or share; even with yourself! You feel exposed! My eyes hold many journeys…and truths
Hey, I am having difficulties loading your blog. Just close to half of your page appears to load, and the rest is just empty. I am not really sure why…. but you may want to find out about it. I’ll check back later on, that could possibly be my browser fault.
Hmmmmm…….hard to hide and keep your eyes open to others, eh??
I’m going to take on this challenge. I am aware more ta not I look away or down.