Sometimes you don’t know what you need until someone gives it to you.
Today I was given some heartfelt words from someone I’ve never met that brought about some quite unglamorous sobbing {although let’s face it, that’s not uncommon at the moment, the tears thing}, and I realised that I hadn’t known that I needed to feel seen until I was.
Actually I usually dread feeling seen, but now I think about it there’s seen and then there’s seen.
The first is the kind where you feel exposed and put on the spot, like in that dream about being naked in public, or on stage with no clue of your lines.
The kind I felt today was the sort that makes you feel like you have a glow around you; you feel comforted and almost literally warmed by the fact that someone out there has in some way benefitted from you baring your soul through words and pictures and just trying to be honest.
I feel grateful and comforted and slightly in awe, actually. I suppose when you have this not-so-secret mission in life {and we all have one, secret or otherwise}, and then you find out you’re actually accomplishing it, or have at least begun to in some small way, awe is a definite result of that.
{I know that you guys all have this mission too. So many of you are artists or ~ I’m searching for the right word ~ those who dance, shall we say {as opposed to those who do not hear the music}, that I know you know what I am saying here.}
We don’t want to help people, or change the world in whatever small {or large} ways, or share our creativity so that everyone will congratulate us {although that’s totally allowed, of course!}. We do it because it’s who we are, and we don’t know how to be different. And because we want to give something.
But to have that recognised is really something. And I just wanted to share that because I think you will all have had similar experiences. In fact I’d really love to hear about them. I’d love to celebrate all the ways we’ve been seen and honoured by others who most likely we’ve never met because of the nature of blogging. Please share if you would like to. And also please know that I see you, just by virtue of you coming by and leaving a few words from time to time. They show me something about you. And even if you don’t leave words, we are still connected and I am very happy for your presence.
You are always welcome here.
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The images are just some playing I’ve been doing with Pixlr. I’ve been combining my love of quotes with random paintings from my sketchbooks and sharing my efforts on Facebook. Clearly there’s some further learning to do here. {Looking at the chopped off words in the last one.} Isn’t there always? 🙂
xoxo
Oh yes, I believe we all want to be “seen” — we want to know that we are here, that we are making a mark and leaving a mark of some kind and that others can actually “see” that about us. There are moments in life when we are doing something simple, maybe something mundane, maybe just musing on a thought — and someone comes along who basks in what we are doing, or smiles or shares a thought about how we made them feel and it’s like being given the biggest, most invisible hug. We all need that. I’m glad you’ve experienced that! xo
I guess being seen is also to do with the concept that we are mirrors for each other. The light I see in someone else is a reflection of the light in me. I do love that moment of connection when you reveal something seemingly small and find it is someone else’s experience too. A little link across the planet!
ah yes….the very wonderful and breathtaking “ripple”….i so very much believe in that – in the Universal strength of a butterfly flapping her wings. i think it’s all to do with the notion that we are all connected and that each action we take with intention and mindfulness and with love, strengthens the bonds that weave us all together…reverberations down the great cosmic harp-string as it were…
and on that delightful fusion of metaphor….i shall be off….:)
much love to you…xoxo
I believe in it too Mel, and I like that idea of ‘weaving us all together’, and also the ‘cosmic harp string’! Love it! xx
I too feel seen when someone sees the bigger picture of the small parts I share of myself by commenting on a poem I have posted, or a painting or other creative work I am pursuing and talk about on my blog. In real life I try to see others when I am out and about on walks or runs. I look people in the eye, I say hello and I smile. Sometimes this is met with nothing in return, which is truly fine as I do this as a way of seeing others more than a way to be seen but at times people do seem to get it and appreciate it. And by apprecaite I mean benefit really. When we first moved to the city I was told never to look anyone in the eye or say anything to them and I was miserable. I was also scared of so many people that walked past me. One day I couldn’t take it anymore and I decided I would have to just be me and if people hastled me or asked me for money or whatever situation might occur, I would figure out how to deal with it. It made all the difference in the world to be true to myself. I am shy, I am much more introverted than extroverted but to smile and say hello and to see people, especially some street people that I know are not seen, is important to me. This has become wordy…sorry. Beautiful post, and such soothing pictures. PS> For mixing pictures and text I have been playing with this application: http://picfont.com/. I used to use another application but they shut down.
No apologies necessary here Stephanie, ever! Thanks for taking the time to leave your thoughts Stephanie. I love your words about helping others to feel seen, especially those who are so often not. We just never know what effect one small token gesture like that might make. As Mel mentioned, it’s that whole ‘butterfly effect’ thing in action.
Thanks for that link, will check it out. x
Interesting post, and one that made me think (again). There’s one or two people who ‘see’ the real me, and understand how I think/act. They’re the ones I connect to on a level that’s even stronger than family.
“I know you know what I am saying here”…..
Yes, we’re the people who do things or help people ‘just because’. When people ask us “Why?” the answer is “Why not?”.
Thank you Nigel. Interesting point about the people who see the real you sometimes not being those who we might think ‘should’ be the closest.
love that last image. beautifully put together.
Thank you! It’s fun to make them, if you need a super quick creative moment!