If we knew we would lose our eyesight in a matter of time, we likely would look at the world differently, but why should it take a looming loss of vision to begin seeing and appreciating the beauty and wonder of this great Universe?
A story I recently read about a woman who’d received this very diagnosis as a 19-year-old college student stuck with me well after I’d placed the airline magazine back in the seat pocket in front of me. Instead of allowing the diagnosis to ruin her life, this young woman embraced the unknown amount of time with her eyesight as an opportunity to live her dreams and really see life while she still could. Her inspiring story made me dwell on the blessing of the ability to see and ask how can we best honor this gift in service to ourselves and to the world?
Sighted or not, we all have the ability to help one another fill one of the fundamental needs of human existence, the need to be seen.
Besides the visual element of seeing, we also “see” – and overlook – with the energy and attitude that we project. We all know from experience that it doesn’t feel good to feel invisible or unseen, and each of us has the power to prevent this from ever happening again.
The next time you see someone walk into a room and linger alone, acknowledge their presence with a smile or wave. Initiate a conversation or invite them to join you. If a coworker is eating lunch alone, offer your company if it’s welcome.
If you’re walking down the street or stopped at an intersection and approached by a beggar seeking a hand, see them with compassionate eyes regardless of whether you choose to offer help.
If you disagree with choices a loved one has made, set aside judgment and see the person you love for who they are rather than a decision you wish had gone a different way. Remember that it’s the person about whom you care most. See – and accept – them for all of who they are, not only the parts with which you agree.
Our generosity with the gift of seeing others for exactly who they are is immeasurable in its positive impact on the world. Perhaps even more important is bestowing this gift upon ourselves.
For some of us, it may be more difficult to see ourselves than it is to see others, but the more we can bestow loving eyes at home first, the easier it becomes in all parts of our lives.
A subtle but powerful way to begin mastering this is to smile at yourself in the mirror. Try doing this every time you see yourself in a mirror for the next week. Be curious and mindful of any feelings that come up, noticing them without judgment or attachment.
Then keep smiling after the week’s experiment. Initially, it might be uncomfortable to notice what you’re noticing, but you’ll start to see where you’d be well served to let go of harshness and be more accepting of yourself.
When I first tried this, it was awkward and difficult. In fact, I hated doing it because I disliked what I was experiencing, a sure fire sign that I needed to stick with it.
To really look at and see myself in the mirror was quite different than just checking to see if my hair was in place or if my lipstick needed a touch up. Meeting my own eyes in the mirror was akin to meeting those of a stranger for the first time – I’d never really seen myself before, only the trappings adorning my body.
As my self-acceptance and self-love evolved, so did my comfort with truly seeing myself. Now I smile at myself in the mirror all the time as though greeting a trusted friend. You’ll get there, too, if you stick with it. I promise.
Nicole Kear’s story acutely heightened my awareness of – and gratitude for – my vision. I’ve been noticing and savoring all that I drink in with thirsty eyes, including the stunning painting above by Hung Liu in the Terminal 2 concourse at Oakland International Airport.The ability to see is just one of the many miracles of life itself.
Let’s honor the very lives we’re breathing by truly seeing and embracing each other and ourselves for the magnificent human beings we are, perfect in all our imperfections.
