Perhaps it was only a scripted part of an entertaining movie. But it left a lasting notion in my heart and comes to mind frequently. In the movie “Avatar,” the indigenous people greeted one another with “I see you.” What a wonderful way of meeting another person. What a wonderful thing to think and then say to another person, to plants, to rocks.
To be seen by another is such an affirmation and recognition of my presence. I know what it feels like not just to be noticed but to be experienced and acknowledged in such an open, unprejudiced way. I want to see everyone with those eyes of openness . I want to feel that experience of seeing and being seen.
In my culture we have a practice of shaking hands when meeting. It can be a real gesture, but it is so weak. I have heard that shaking hands means that “I am not armed,” I hold nothing in my hand that can harm you. I suppose it is a useful gesture, but I would rather it were more than that, more than a cautious letting down of shielding and protection.
I want my meeting someone to be more of an open exchange, a deep affirmation of presence. I want it to be an acknowledgment that we see one another without prejudice or assumptions. I want us to say that we see one another just as we are, and have that to be true.
Actually, I prefer that we go beyond words and that we hug one another deeply. I prefer that we become aware of one another more deeply than simply seeing one another. If I could, I would say with wholly open eyes and heart, “I am you.” Sometimes that is what I feel. I never seem to say it.
Those words, “I am you,” are not common, but they can be a part of me just the same. It would be a routine reminder to me how we are all intimately connected. Now, if only we could let it freely show!
Seeing each other is one opening to intimacy, an initial recognition of how we are connected. For me to affirm that I really see someone is the beginning of an affirmation of the intimacy we naturally share. Seeing is an initial invitation to enter into a heart-joined experience of intimacy .