A Second Set of Eyes

What am I not seeing here?  Help me see what you're seeing...
 
                            Rob Bell
 


Don Miguel Ruiz, spiritual healer and author of The Four Agreements, tells us that our emotions act like a filter through which we see the rest of the world.  The emotions that we are feeling in any given moment ARE the artist's paintbrush we use to construct our perception of what is occurring.  And, because our emotions can be so strong and powerful (and sometimes unrelenting), we are often convinced that our perspective IS the privileged interpretation.

There is something missing, however, from the portrait we paint for ourselves in a particular experience...and that is the portraits simultaneously being painted by everyone else in attendance at that event.


If we limit ourselves to the perception we hold of what is happening, if we firmly attach ourselves only to the conclusions we draw, we will only succeed in affirming what we already think and feel (and there's nothing new in that).  We will have missed an opportunity to gain a more expansive view of the individuals who populate our world.  And, in missing the opportunity to hear and make sense of their views, we will also have lost the opportunity to co-create with them a consciousness which honors everyone's perspective and history. 

The work of evolving this conscious understanding is so very significant.  It is the Genesis of Peace on both a personal and global plane.

And that is why the words of spiritual author Rob Bell to us are so compelling:
"This other set of eyes is a gift to me."  And, yet, as Bell says, "for many people, the second set of eyes is a cause of constant tension."  We ask ourselves, "Why don't they see things like I see things?"


 
Let's face it, Bell's suggestion does mean some special effort...something way beyond fighting to hold the prevailing view.  It means stepping outside of our little corner of the world and taking in what is swirling around us...and doing it with openness and compassion. Recognizing the Divine spark in every person with whom we interact.  Blessing each individual on his journey to remember the  LOVE at the center of his heart.

 
Perhaps more work than we are used to doing.

 
But there is a beautiful peace that accompanies this effort, the sense that we are reaching for a greater understanding, a more expansive view of the world and the struggles and challenges of others.

 
Any effort we make to open our hearts in this way is a stunning contribution to our spiritual growth, to more loving and profound communication with others and, ultimately, to the achievement of world peace.


Nàmaste
(The Divine in me recognizes and honors the divine in you.)


                                                                                                        Marie Helena



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