I Observe You

It is relationship that defines us. Through our interaction with others and our environment, we know ourselves. What has meaning is that which is witnessed, profoundly. Whether I am experiencing fear, elation, sadness, or great pleasure, the meaning of those experiences are defined by how they are observed by those who surround me.

The gift that I can give to those around me is to witness. Yes, I can help and I can assuage, but meaning is created for those who are the object of these gifts by how they are observed. What becomes most important in giving is presence. How deeply and clearly do I see the person before me? How well can I remove distraction in order to truly understand another? Comfort, closeness, and compassion aren’t important and lose meaning unless I have taken the time to know the person who is the object of my giving.

Self-healing happens through giving. As we give to others so we grow, change, and prosper as human beings. But, it isn’t the giving of the material or the corporeal that transforms but the giving that happens out of experiential knowing of another. As I know you, I am transformed. As you know me, you are transformed. I experience you thereby I know you. I know you and I have compassion for you as I have compassion for myself. I give to you, transform you, and I am transformed.

We are defined by our mortality. Fear of death is nothing more than fear of who we are. Comfort happens when, at the point of ultimate completion, we are seen. And so, I step back from you; stand firm, rooted to the ground; I open all my senses and calm my mind. Now I am fully present and ready.

I observe you.