Wow! John, although I always knew this about the eyes, you put it down so well. You have elevated their importance. It is also good to remember that the kindness, love and understanding that we look for in the eyes of others are exactly what they are looking for in our eyes.
I remember years ago hearing our pastor say the eyes were the window of the soul. I've pondered that statement often in the intervening years—much truth there and in your stories. I think the camera sometimes helps us see better, permits us to look more closely. You are right, writers need new adventures and experiences. Kudos to your wife for dragging you out to enjoy them.
"Pay attention to eyes. Yours and theirs. They hold great power if used with care. They are the nearest doorway to the soul we possess. Use them wisely, before they close forever."
This quote is powerful, poignant and portending of our legacies - how will we be remembered?
Many do not look into another's eyes for fear that they may reveal a truth to painful to bear.
Thanks, John, for the critical reminder - our time on earth is short and precious.
This was a reminder of so many things. One, I asked a psychic during a reading what she looked for in her guidance in working with a client. She had come highly recommended from several sources, and I was looking to learn her secrets. Was it palms, aura, or energy that made her version of her work special? Her answer was "eyes" and "smiles" are the windows to everything." Secondly, recluse would describe how dearly I hold and love my solitude. My wife, who passed many years ago, like yours, had a magnificent instinct for and a persuasive way of inviting me out into the world just at the right moments.
Wonderful and so important to take to heart. Thank you for all the stories that remind me to be human and to notice others as well. I'm an artist, so my eyes are very important to me as I look for what I want to paint. That want is to show others in my art things to look for as well... the beauty in small things we sometimes forget.
Nick- I agree. The essay is about looking into the eyes of others and seeing their humanity. As an animal lover, I too find bull riding to be cruel, which I failed to mention originally. After a thoughtful email from another reader, I added the following lines to the essay: “It felt good to meet a real cowboy. I respected his courage, despite the fact that I view bull-riding as cruelty to animals.” Thanks for your comment.
John, with Alzheimer’s and aging changes of every kind - I’ve been neglecting your substack and others this year. So grateful this morning I came across while deleting 60 texts & chose to read it instead. Your writing is genuinely Heartwarming and inspiring even to someone with Alzheimer’s! What a life transition for a creative writer and human being! Just had lovely inspiring experience in Love Notes Choir here in Austin Tx… performing in excellent choirs has been one of the Joys of my life! Now I am part of something special for people with Alzheimer’s and partners that gives us utter delight in midst of reality of the little deaths that occur along the way to whatever lies beyond our human bodies demise. So glad I gave myself the pleasure of your written experience as well. Keep it up!!! I’ll be reading more faithfully for awhile as my brain reminds me! I need and Love your positivity. Nathalie Sorrell
Nathalie, thank you for your beautiful note. I’m deeply moved that my writing found you this morning and offered a moment of comfort amid all you’re navigating. Your description of the Love Notes Choir is a wonderful reminder of the courage, joy, and resilience that endure even through the “little deaths” along the way. I’m honored to have you as a reader, and if my stories can bring even a small light to your life, then writing them is more than worthwhile. Wishing you continued music, delight, and gentle moments of grace.
On Thanksgiving day, I was out for a walk , when a middle aged man wheeled out from a store. He was carrying a covered dish of food. As he motored down in his wheelchair , he turned left at the signal . I watched him as his motorised wheelchair went down the lane. He would be having Thanksgiving lunch alone . As I stepped towards the Greens, there were a gaggle of people sitting alone on the scattered park benches out in the cold eating their meals in solitude . I felt a moment of disquiet.
As I returned home, my daughter's neighbour had given her a huge plateful of Thanksgiving food, a veritable feast. The highlight was the turkey meat which was tender, delicious and infused with a magical aroma .
Now I know I will be much more aware of what my eyes are conveying and, therefore, what I am thinking. In order to convey peace and caring and beauty to others, we have to be peaceful and caring and see all the beauty surrounding us as well.
It’s definitely something I’ll be working on. What a blessing if we can pay our peace, caring and beauty forward to a troubled world. Every one of us makes a difference. Thank you, and as always so profound.
I think maybe part of it is a reflection of aging. When I was younger, I was more anxious to go out, socialize, and do things. Now, the lure of my library, a hot coffee, leather chair, and cat on my lap is hard to resist.
I believe bulls in the ring view direct eye contact as a challenge, a threat, and they charge. That, and the red cape the bullfighters use to attract attention. So in a way, yes, the bullfighter taunts the bull with eye contact and the bull charges. Thanks for reading, Walter.
John, you have a wonderful gift. The weaving of these experiences together to remind us of what is important. Thank you for sharing.
A belated thanks, Dennis, glad you enjoyed the essay.
Wow! John, although I always knew this about the eyes, you put it down so well. You have elevated their importance. It is also good to remember that the kindness, love and understanding that we look for in the eyes of others are exactly what they are looking for in our eyes.
Yes, I like what you wrote. Reminds me of the Golden Rule. Treat others as you'd like to be treated. Thanks for reading.
"Cowboy Christmas. Pay attention to the eyes". So nice Paul....Happy Christmas!
A belated thanks for reading, Myra. Merry Christmas.
I remember years ago hearing our pastor say the eyes were the window of the soul. I've pondered that statement often in the intervening years—much truth there and in your stories. I think the camera sometimes helps us see better, permits us to look more closely. You are right, writers need new adventures and experiences. Kudos to your wife for dragging you out to enjoy them.
Thanks for reading, Bob. And yes, kudos to my wife indeed. She always seems to know what's best for me.
"Pay attention to eyes. Yours and theirs. They hold great power if used with care. They are the nearest doorway to the soul we possess. Use them wisely, before they close forever."
This quote is powerful, poignant and portending of our legacies - how will we be remembered?
Many do not look into another's eyes for fear that they may reveal a truth to painful to bear.
Thanks, John, for the critical reminder - our time on earth is short and precious.
Thanks for reading, Richard. I appreciate the comment.
This was a reminder of so many things. One, I asked a psychic during a reading what she looked for in her guidance in working with a client. She had come highly recommended from several sources, and I was looking to learn her secrets. Was it palms, aura, or energy that made her version of her work special? Her answer was "eyes" and "smiles" are the windows to everything." Secondly, recluse would describe how dearly I hold and love my solitude. My wife, who passed many years ago, like yours, had a magnificent instinct for and a persuasive way of inviting me out into the world just at the right moments.
Thanks, Bruce. Sounds like your wife was as much of a gem as my wife. Wishing you all the best.
Wonderful and so important to take to heart. Thank you for all the stories that remind me to be human and to notice others as well. I'm an artist, so my eyes are very important to me as I look for what I want to paint. That want is to show others in my art things to look for as well... the beauty in small things we sometimes forget.
Thanks, Marsha. Being an artist helps. I think artists have that eye for detail, for special things. Wishing you all the best with your creative work.
I enjoyed the spirit of the article but I cannot agree with bull riding. it is unconscionably cruel.
Nick- I agree. The essay is about looking into the eyes of others and seeing their humanity. As an animal lover, I too find bull riding to be cruel, which I failed to mention originally. After a thoughtful email from another reader, I added the following lines to the essay: “It felt good to meet a real cowboy. I respected his courage, despite the fact that I view bull-riding as cruelty to animals.” Thanks for your comment.
John, with Alzheimer’s and aging changes of every kind - I’ve been neglecting your substack and others this year. So grateful this morning I came across while deleting 60 texts & chose to read it instead. Your writing is genuinely Heartwarming and inspiring even to someone with Alzheimer’s! What a life transition for a creative writer and human being! Just had lovely inspiring experience in Love Notes Choir here in Austin Tx… performing in excellent choirs has been one of the Joys of my life! Now I am part of something special for people with Alzheimer’s and partners that gives us utter delight in midst of reality of the little deaths that occur along the way to whatever lies beyond our human bodies demise. So glad I gave myself the pleasure of your written experience as well. Keep it up!!! I’ll be reading more faithfully for awhile as my brain reminds me! I need and Love your positivity. Nathalie Sorrell
Nathalie, thank you for your beautiful note. I’m deeply moved that my writing found you this morning and offered a moment of comfort amid all you’re navigating. Your description of the Love Notes Choir is a wonderful reminder of the courage, joy, and resilience that endure even through the “little deaths” along the way. I’m honored to have you as a reader, and if my stories can bring even a small light to your life, then writing them is more than worthwhile. Wishing you continued music, delight, and gentle moments of grace.
Your blogs are food for the soul 🙏 .
On Thanksgiving day, I was out for a walk , when a middle aged man wheeled out from a store. He was carrying a covered dish of food. As he motored down in his wheelchair , he turned left at the signal . I watched him as his motorised wheelchair went down the lane. He would be having Thanksgiving lunch alone . As I stepped towards the Greens, there were a gaggle of people sitting alone on the scattered park benches out in the cold eating their meals in solitude . I felt a moment of disquiet.
As I returned home, my daughter's neighbour had given her a huge plateful of Thanksgiving food, a veritable feast. The highlight was the turkey meat which was tender, delicious and infused with a magical aroma .
We should all be grateful, Raj, to have loved ones to enjoy the holidays with. Because as you observed, some are less fortunate.
Now I know I will be much more aware of what my eyes are conveying and, therefore, what I am thinking. In order to convey peace and caring and beauty to others, we have to be peaceful and caring and see all the beauty surrounding us as well.
It’s definitely something I’ll be working on. What a blessing if we can pay our peace, caring and beauty forward to a troubled world. Every one of us makes a difference. Thank you, and as always so profound.
Yes, our eyes definitely convey what's going on under the surface. Thanks for reading, Grace.
Master Weiss, we thank you again for sharing more of life’s earned true wisdoms 🙏🏻
Thanks, Najeeb. I try my best to share whatever wisdom I have.
Great story..John ..I am the same...have to drag myself out of the house...but when I get out there...stuff happens...
I think maybe part of it is a reflection of aging. When I was younger, I was more anxious to go out, socialize, and do things. Now, the lure of my library, a hot coffee, leather chair, and cat on my lap is hard to resist.
oh definitely....the 2nd one is priceless : )))
As usual, beautifully written. Simple but profound!
I appreciate that, Gayle. Thanks.
so I am wondering if the bullfighters look directly into the bull's eyes to guide them as to the next move that the bull will make
I believe bulls in the ring view direct eye contact as a challenge, a threat, and they charge. That, and the red cape the bullfighters use to attract attention. So in a way, yes, the bullfighter taunts the bull with eye contact and the bull charges. Thanks for reading, Walter.