Greetings, Fellow Earthlings

When I first saw the movie “Avatar,” I was struck by the beautiful greeting the Na’vi use with each other, which is “I see you.” (That is also how the people from Swaziland greet each other, thank you internet).

That phrase, “I see you” is very powerful in so many ways and really resonates with the themes in my book, Addict America: The Lost Connection.

When I say “I see you,” I am first saying that I am aware of your presence and that I see your physical body. That may seem an obvious thing on the face of it, but think about how many people you might greet in a day. Do you really see them or is your mind elsewhere? Do you see the entire person or just parts, such as eyes, mouths, or maybe breasts?

Saying “I see you” gives the message that I am looking at you, the whole you, and that I am acknowledging your personhood.

On a deeper level, saying “I see you” can mean that I see your essence or inner self. At heart, we all want to be accepted unconditionally, no matter our perceived failings, weaknesses, or faults. We are mostly afraid to be fully seen, because we are afraid of rejection. We are afraid that if we are seen for whom we really are, we will be judged as not important, not good enough, or even as bad. We put up walls and wear masks in the hopes that people will see us as we wish to be seen and then we live with the fear that we will be discovered in our deceit.

Finally, saying “I see you” keeps me present. I am aware of the two of us in this space, in this time, and that in this moment, nothing else exists.

Greeting someone with “I see you” is an opportunity to give the gift of your full attention and presence and to give the gift of unconditional acceptance. It is the opportunity to Connect.

Be In Light,

Carol