Turning a blind eye
What does it mean to be seen? What is the impact on the person who is seen? The person doing the seeing?
Over time we may feel that we want to hide, to not be seen, but why? Often if we are hiding, we are hiding because of some fear. Fears of being hurt, abused, or challenged, among others. When we are #courageous and allow ourselves to be seen, stepping into the light, so much is possible. Our light and energy are shared with the world, and our darkness too.
It is only in this sharing that we can develop a fuller sense of self, an understanding of our impact on those around us. As we dig deep to be honest about who we are and how we walk in this world, the impact we make, it can be quite unsettling. Much like looking at yourself in a mirror, seeing a familiar visage, and then dropping that mirror, which shatters into a million pieces. All of a sudden, angles that we are not used to seeing are reflected back, giving us a wholly different view. Now we must get to know this new person that was always present but never seen.
Mustering the courage to do the work, to be seen, and to see ourselves more clearly is both an opportunity and a gift. A much fuller life is available on the other side of this work. As we dig deep, exploring our unconscious biases and observing how we treat others every day, we learn so much about the impact of our actions and the root. While sometimes painful, this learning is not intended to shame. Being open to learning, accepting one’s past transgressions, owning them, and then making change for the future is the goal. No person that truly embarks on this journey will come out the other side without having evolved. The journey is lifelong, with observations and insights fueling adjustments in how we hold ourselves and one another. If we do this well, more authentic human connection is possible, and our life is enriched. While it is our way to make judgments, releasing ourselves from this burden is freeing. Notice the judgment and let it go. Let it go…
#visible #selfawareness #newperspectives #humility #onpointe
We probably all turn a blind eye from time to time. It can also be a struggle to summon up the courage to be seen: to step into the light. However, asking for help, however so small, and offering support or listening to the voice of other people, can help the process. Thank you for sharing Michelle Vander Stouw a thought provoking post. #voicingpossibilities
Great post Michelle Vander Stouw, the fear of being seen! I can identify with this very much at the moment, as I'm in the process of launching a new website and making videos for the first time. what new angles will I be made aware of I wonder??
I appreciate your post Michelle Vander Stouw. The shatter mirror that lies around us is more prevalent than we know -- in fact, the shards were how I recognized myself in any given moment...it offered a particular view that supported my narrative...and yet, it was only when I began piecing my shards together did I see ME -- the fullness of myself and all that is possible. What has your experience been with seeing through all shards laying together as your image depicts?
Michelle Vander Stouw You describe the process of stepping out courageously into the light so beautifully. I've experienced this, and been lucky enough to see it happen in others, through the Collective Leadership programme I did with Roelien Bokxem, Co-founder PresenceAtWork Jorn Wolfs. It is wonderful to experience the light in others shining out as they 'own' their strengths, and wonderful to feel it ourselves.
What a beautiful post Michelle Vander Stouw. I am reminded about the Zulu greeting, "I see you" for which the return phrase is "I feel seen" - such a powerful metaphor of our need to be valued and recognised. Your post takes this to a new level by inviting us to see ourselves - what a cool way to explore self-awareness. Thank you!