Real sight comes from seeing with the soul, not the eyes.
Imagine you’re standing on the edge of a forest, the sun dipping low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the trees. To the casual observer, the forest might look like just a collection of green and brown. But imagine you’re an artist who sees not just the colors but the emotions they evoke. To you, the forest is alive with whispers of ancient stories, vibrant with the pulse of life. This difference in perception is what it means to see with the soul rather than just the eyes.
When we talk about seeing with the soul, we’re diving deeper than what’s visible on the surface. It’s like looking at a book cover and judging its worth by the picture alone, versus opening it and immersing yourself in its pages, feeling its depth and nuance. Real sight is about understanding and feeling, not just observing.
Think about the way we experience a piece of music. A person who only hears the notes may appreciate the melody but miss the emotions behind the music. However, someone who feels the rhythm and the nuances in each note, who can sense the joy or sorrow woven into the composition, truly connects with the piece on a deeper level. Similarly, when we see with our soul, we connect with the essence of what we’re observing, understanding the feelings and stories beyond the superficial view.
This deeper kind of seeing involves empathy and insight. It’s about looking beyond appearances and understanding the underlying truths and emotions. Just as a gardener who knows their plants can see signs of distress or joy in their garden, seeing with the soul means perceiving the hidden layers of meaning in people and situations.
In our daily lives, this kind of perception can transform our interactions and experiences. Imagine meeting someone for the first time. If you only see their exterior—how they dress, their mannerisms—you might form a superficial opinion. But if you look with your soul, you might notice the hesitations in their voice, the warmth in their smile, or the underlying sadness in their eyes. This deeper perception can lead to more meaningful connections and a greater understanding of the people around us.
Seeing with the soul also helps us navigate our own emotions and experiences more effectively. For instance, when faced with a challenging situation, if we only see the problem’s surface, we might feel overwhelmed or defeated. But if we look deeper, we can see the potential lessons, the opportunities for growth, or the strengths we can develop. This perspective shift can turn obstacles into stepping stones and setbacks into chances for personal development.
In essence, seeing with the soul involves a shift from surface-level observation to a deeper engagement with what we encounter. It’s like moving from watching a movie to living in it, where you’re not just observing the plot but experiencing the emotions and lessons firsthand.
To sum up, seeing with the soul means connecting with the deeper truths and emotions behind what we perceive. It’s about moving beyond mere observation to truly understanding and feeling the essence of our experiences and interactions.
Actionable Question: How can you shift your perspective in everyday situations to look beyond the surface and connect more deeply with the people and experiences around you?
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
